“Let me entertain you” is a common concept across several of this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. The first describes the founding, meteoric rise, and staying power of the group that defined surfer music in its own words. The second seeks to answer the question of what makes Tiger run, and the third is a series of stories written by one of America’s rising comedy talents. Our fourth nonfiction pick attempts to ferret out what made America’s greatest presidents, one of America’s greatest presidents. And there is also the fiction suggestion, which gives the reader three for the price of one.
“The Delusion Series Books 1-3" by Laura Gallier (Wander)
The three-volume series is broken down into: “The Delusion,” “The Deception,” and “The Defiance,” and totals 900 pages. The volumes combine mystery, thriller, suspense and the supernatural as a young protagonist becomes a witness to a terrifying series of events prompted by unseen forces that compel his classmates to self-destruct. Although the books delve into themes such as mental health, failed relationships and suicide, the books offer hope in the form of reliance on faith and the power of choice that turn them into stories of inspiration. “I read this trilogy March 6-31, 2024, and really enjoyed it!” wrote Monique the Book Geek for GoodReads. “I heard two more books are in the works and I look forward to reading those as well!” [Fiction]
“The Beach Boys,” by The Beach Boys (Genesis Publications)
The group best known for their tight, complicated harmonies and for defining the surfer music craze of the 1960s tells their story in their own words in this one. Beach Boys co-founder, vocalist and keyboardist Brian Wilson explained the group’s popularity: “There’s love in the music and people can relate to the love, regardless of whether you're 2 years old or 92 years old. For me, music is about love. Love is the message I want to share. I hope people feel that in my music. That makes the hard work worth it.” The book documents how they began as a neighborhood garage band to explode into the international success they became. “‘The Beach Boys’ by The Beach Boys is the long overdue hardcover book that beautifully encapsulates the group’s amazing multi-decade career,” wrote David Beard, reviewing foe Amazon. “Their respective neighborhoods, musical environments, and experiences forge a book that states without hesitation that The Beach Boys are Brian [Wilson], Mike [Love], Al [Jardine], Dennis [Wilson], Carl [Wilson], and Bruce [Johnston]. This consistency is what makes this book special from cover to cover.” [Nonfiction]
“Drive: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods,” by Bob Harig (St. Martin's Press)
“Drive” depicts the phenomenal career of golf legend Tiger Woods, from the beginning through his 2019 Masters comeback. At 21, Woods became the youngest golfer to win the Masters, and the only African American or Asian American to do so. And he set a record by winning the tournament by 12 strokes. The grit and perseverance that led him to the top is further exhibited by his recovery from the 2021 rollover car crash that nearly took his life. “What Bob Harig posits in his new Tiger biography, ‘Drive: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods’ … is that we should be looking more closely at the invisible hunger that propelled Woods to the ludicrous heights and sustained him through every challenge, every injury, every mistake along the way. It's there in his title — the essential, inimitable drive to greatness,” wrote Shane Ryan for Golf Digest. “But when forced to answer everyone's favorite question — ‘Is Tiger done?’— you have to (reconcile) with the remarkable, cyclic history of suffering and rebound. Harig isn't the type of writer to make rash predictions, but he lays out the case by implication: Count him out at your own peril.” [Nonfiction]
“KINDA FUNNY: Stories by a Full-Time Comedian (with Four Part-Time Jobs),” by J.J. Barrows (Punchline Publishers)
This describes the rise of J.J. Barrows in the comedy world after she took a class in stand-up comedy believing it was an improv class. She thought it might be cheaper than therapy. Barrows carries that theme in her work, and describes her story-driven performances as “comedy club meets therapy sessions.” “J.J. has a way of transforming every story to make you truly FEEL every aspect of it. I laughed while also felt completely human and connected to someone else who ‘gets it,” said Allie Darr, reviewing for Amazon. “This book will keep you hanging on for the next story and nodding your head in understanding. J.J. you are magical, and everyone needs this book!” [Nonfiction]
“How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents,” by Talmage Boston (Post Hill Press)
This book, written by author, lawyer, and historian Talmage Boston, describes the traits of eight U.S. presidents that propelled them into greatness. Included are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan. “The author has come up with a very creative way to give the reader the perfect introduction to our most famous presidents and allow for in-depth investigation if you want to go further,” wrote Shane Read, adding “It is an amazing experience” in his Amazon review. “If you have ever wanted to learn more about our presidents but have been intimidated by having to read a lengthy biography of each one, there is no better place to start than this book. It is a book that will stimulate your thinking and make you want to share it with others.” [Nonfiction]
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