A mixed bag of nonfiction selections constitutes this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. There is the case for the Jewish community arming itself in response to the escalation in antisemitism, along with a “how to” manual to help marriages thrive. It’s followed by a massive scandal that brought down a prestigious art gallery, and a U.S. Navy veteran’s proposal to jump start the republic by returning to foundational principles. And as always, there is a fiction offering which centers on a 20-year-old murder mystery.
“It Happened on the Lake,” by Lisa Jackson (Kensington)
No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson’s latest centers on the house Harper Reed Prescott inherited from her grandmother — one that’s filled with bad memories. It’s situated on a private island on Lake Twilight, and Harper lost her grandmother 20 years ago on the same night she lost her boyfriend. After putting her grandmother to bed, she set off to the beach for a rendezvous with her boyfriend. But he never showed up. That night her grandmother died under suspicious circumstances, and the next morning her boyfriend’s boat was found on the lake, but his body was never recovered. Twenty years later she returns to the lake house, and the rumors and accusations are still swirling. “Yes, the book is a bit long in revealing little details, though it keeps up the suspense and guessing nicely, and though I think it could have been a bit shorter, I still had fun reading it,” said MizzyRed for GoodReads. “This was a fun read and really makes it true that secrets cannot remain hidden with those super powerful telescopes spying on everything! Plus a life and death chase to reveal long lost bodies and possibly a love interest.” [Fiction]
“The Armed Jew: The Case for Jewish Gun Ownership,” by Adam L Fuller (Wicked Son)
As antisemitism is on the rise all around the globe, it’s more important now than ever for Jews to arm and train themselves for their own protection. The author argues that the right to keep and bear arms is necessary for the very survival of the Jewish community. Despite the growing threat against Jews, especially since the Oct. 7, 2023, Palestinian terror attack against Israeli civilians living in the south near Gaza, the Jewish community ironically remains one of the demographics least likely to own weapons. “Drawing on a careful study of Jewish sociocultural and religious traditions in dialogue with Jewish historical experience, as well as conversations with Jewish gun owners, Fuller makes a compelling argument for why Jews should embrace their right to own and carry firearms as part of their broader struggle for safety and autonomy,” wrote Jewish Books. [Nonfiction]
“Better Together, Built to Last: The Blueprint for a Resilient Marriage,” by Eric Brown and Tacondra Brown (Luminous Publishing)
Ever since Adam and Eve, men and women were meant to be together, to share experiences, raise children, and build a shared life. But that can be difficult in today’s fast-paced, electronic-centered world. Authors Eric and Tacondra Brown have been through all that and more, including lengthy military separations. The Browns use those experiences to present a blueprint to build readers’ own marriages into all that they can be — happy, fulfilling and with real meaning — marriages that will stand the test of time.
“My husband and I are reading this book because we just needed guidance and wisdom,” wrote Arianna Esparza for Amazon. “We loved it so far and it talks about things we didn’t expect to learn/think that other people have gone through some of the same experiences. This book has helped us tremendously see each other point of view and just guided us through the journey of being a military family.” [Nonfiction]
“The Devil Wears Rothko: Inside The Art Scandal that Rocked the World,” by Barry Avrich (Post Hill Press)
This book chronicles the demise of one of New York’s oldest and most prestigious art galleries — Knoedler Gallery — and the scandal that brought it down. It all started when an eccentric woman strolled into the gallery with a Mark Rothko painting — a counterfeit that fooled everyone. Throughout the decade that followed, she sold or consigned 40 more forgeries, all alleged to be the works of modern artists that included Robert Motherwell and Jackson Pollock. She pocketed $80 million in the process. “A gripping true story of the shocking art forgery and fraud at one of the most prestigious art galleries in New York City,” said Literary Redhead for GoodReads. “Art lovers and fans of real-life thrillers will devour this. Highly recommended!” [Nonfiction]
“Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America,” by Mike Bedenbaugh (MAP Media)
Rather than fueling more division, U.S. Navy veteran and historic preservation leader Mike Bedenbaug provides a handbook of hope, with 40 actionable reforms designed to restore accountability, curb corporate influence, and give power back to the people.
He was inspired to write the book after reading a biography of George Washington —particularly his farewell speech to the nation. “He understood what it took to make a republic work,” Bedenbaug said, adding that our first president revealed how we can maintain the republic, “like a maintenance manual.” “Drawing from history and offering practical solutions, Bedenbaugh presents a bold vision for reforming American governance,” wrote Jacquelynn Boswell for Amazon. “It’s an inspiring, clear blueprint for citizens seeking real, meaningful change in our political system.” [Nonfiction]
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