The Obama administration’s coercive use of government scrutiny and manipulation against the Catholic church, its similar tactics in Ukraine and actions that resulted in the COVID-19 epidemic highlights the selections in this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. Three other offerings come under the heading, “let me entertain you,” with a memoir of Joe Piscopo’s ascent from obscurity to actor, comedian and conservative radio talk show host. There is also depiction of Simone Biles’ rise to gymnastic stardom and the story of the late actor James Gandolfini, best known for his depiction of Tony Soprano. In fiction, there is a reacquainting with an old literary friend, Detective Lucas Davenport.
“Lethal Prey (A Prey Novel),” by John Sandford (G.P. Putnam’s Sons)
In this 35th volume of the No. 1 bestselling series of John Sandford’s “Prey” series, Lucas Davenport and his partner, Virgil Flowers, are hot on the trail of a ruthless killer from a two-decade-old cold case who will do anything, including murder, to keep his past hidden. Meanwhile, the murder victim’s twin sister is reaching out to the public to help solve the case. While her effort gets results by producing the murder weapon, which in turn uncovers more clues, it also has its disadvantages. The killer, who is hiding in plain sight, is able to keep one step ahead of the investigation now that it’s made public. “The book is a blast. I loved our mystery, very much wanted everything to end up okay, and actually loved the true crime blogger thing – and this is a plot device I often hate!” wrote OutlawPoet for GoodReads. “Expect a fast-moving read, complex without being overly complicated, and just pure, plain fun. Ready for the next one!” [Fiction]
“An Almost Insurmountable Evil: How Obama’s Deep State Defiled the Catholic Church and Executed the Wuhan Plandemic,” by Mike McCormick (Bombardier Books)
If you feel that you’re familiar with all the un-American activities and corruption of the Obama White House, you’ve only scratched the surface. Mike McCormick was there for it all, as Joe Biden’s White House Press Office stenographer, quietly recording every word, and now he’s ready to tell all. And his book paints a portrait of pure evil of the Obama administration. “This is a very scary book,” said G. Knoss for Amazon. “Mike tells the story, gives the extremely well-documented proof, and still these evil, venomous people are walking around free. Kash (Patel, FBI director) has heard all this and I hope is following up. Trump appears to know and has jerked clearances. The U.S. public needs to be protected from the people Mike tells us about, and that is a rare statement from me. Less government is better government.” [Nonfiction]
“Average Joe: The Memoirs of a Blue-Collar Entertainer,” by Joe Piscopo (Forefront Books)
In this memoir, actor-comedian Joe Piscopo reveals that the secret to success in the entertainment industry is much the same as in any other endeavor: a strong work ethic, a willingness to reinvent, a refusal to quit, and a drive to survive. Piscopo is also a self-professed “Dork Dad,” and makes a conscientious effort to keep family in the center of his universe. Despite the fame and accolades, he says of himself, “I’m part of the blue-collar of show business, baby.” This “is an entertaining book, especially if you want an inside look at one man’s ascent from the streets of North Caldwell, New Jersey, to the dizzying worlds of entertainment and what he learned on the way,” writes Bert Saraco of The Phantom Tollbooth. “Along the way are anecdotes featuring everyone from Don Rickles to Eddie Murphy. Refreshingly, Piscopo’s book is free from rancor, bitterness and excuses, his mantra being gratefulness, respect, and looking forward.” [Nonfiction]
“The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles,” by Aimee Boorman and Steve Cooper (Abrams Press)
This tells the rise of the most exciting and talented gymnast in the world, the recipient of six all-around world championships, 11 Olympic medals (seven gold), and five gymnastics moves that are named after her. She was able to achieve this despite early years of dictatorial coaching by Martha Karolyi, and the sexual abuse by Larry Nassar that shocked the nation. “This Balance” tells the story of how Biles came to find her balance, in life and as an athlete, with the nurturing of coach and author Aimee Boorman. “Generously describing her evolution from a gymnast to a coach, wife, and mother — chronicling all of the blissfulness and hardships of those experiences — creates a rewarding, well-rounded journey and an honest, vivid portrait of a mentorship forged in competition, admiration, and appreciation,” wrote Kirkus Reviews. “An inspirational, spirited, and motivational sports success story.” [Nonfiction]
“Gandolfini: Jim, Tony, and the Life of a Legend,” by Jason Bailey (Abrams Press)
Like Joe Piscopo, James Gandolfini’s roots were working-class New Jersey, the son of Italian immigrants, according to author and film critic Jason Bailey. Starting from playing bit parts, then to character roles, he soon exhibited a talent to portray complex, flawed, and always human men, which earned him a Tony nomination on Broadway. But it was his most famous role, that of mob boss Tony Soprano in “The Sopranos” that brought him to the public eye. “This is how you write a biography. James Gandolfini was a complicated and troubled man, while at the same time being a disciplined and passionate actor,” wrote Aaron Buitron for GoodReads. “I highly recommend this book to fans of Gandolfini’s work or anyone interested in the craft of acting.” [Nonfiction]
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