Newsmax Rising Bestsellers – Week of May 13, 2024

The power of Christian faith and exploring uncharted vistas comprise subjects examined in this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. The first uses a series of short stories to describe how belief in God can be used to overcome fear, and the second tells how the church has played a central role in the life of a reality TV star throughout his nine lives (so far). Under the heading of “the Age of Exploration continues,” one offering describes the voyages of England’s, and perhaps the world’s, greatest explorer. The second concludes that there may be a current age of exploration — not by us, but by extraterrestrials. And this week’s novel is the latest in a popular series by a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author.

“Three-Inch Teeth,” by C.J. Box (G.P. Putnam's Sons)

In this, the 24th of C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett series of novels, the Wyoming game warden is facing two adversaries: A rogue grizzly bear on a rampage, and Dallas Cates, a man recently released from prison who has a revenge list tattooed on his skin. The bear has already killed the suitor of Pickett’s daughter, and the game warden helped put the now-released prisoner away. “I loved the range of eccentric and compelling characters featured throughout ‘Three-Inch Teeth,’ and I deeply appreciated how each of them was rather easy to follow as Box expertly reintroduces each of them,” according to a review in The Unseen Library. “The protagonists, particularly Joe Pickett and Nate Romanowski, are very sympathetic figures, and Box ensures you quickly get across their relevant character aspects and enjoy watching them try to solve the unique crime coming their way.”  [Fiction]


“Faith Beats Fear: Inspiring Stories and Bible Scriptures to Strengthen Your Faith and Stop Fear Before It Stops You,” by Lakeshia Poole (Independently published)

“I'm Lakeshia, and I'm here to guide you on this incredible journey of uncovering God's power, love, and sound mind,” wrote the author. “’Faith Beats Fear’ is so much more than just a book; it's a personal invitation to a soul-deep transformation.” Through a series of short stories, Poole illustrates that we each have the ability to conquer any fear through the application of faith. “I love the way the author Lakeshia Poole incorporates stories within the lessons; it allows the reader to go on a creative journey. The stories bring life to the lessons,” wrote C. Davis, reviewing for GoodReads. “I would advise all believers to add this book to their arsenal.” [Nonfiction]


“Nine Lives and Counting: A Bounty Hunter’s Journey to Faith, Hope, and Redemption,” by Duane Chapman (Thomas Nelson)

This is the story of Duane “Dog” Chapman, a rough-hewn former motorcycle gang member and prison inmate, who became a reality TV star known as “Dog the Bounty Hunter.” The single constant in his life that has carried him through every failure, and he recognized in every success, is his deep belief and faith in God, giving his life meaning.

A few of the things he reveals include:

• Memories of the painful events that shaped Duane's childhood;
• The impact of his relationship with his praying mother;
• The surprising hope he found in prison;
• Triumphs and failures from his days as a single dad;
• New previously untold stories of bounty hunting;
• The tragic loss of his beloved wife Beth to cancer;
• The unexpected blessing of finding his new wife Francie;
• The work he and Francie are doing to preach and share about Jesus;
• His relationship with his kids and family.

“His candid and honest revelations of his life can be pretty raw and maybe uncomfortable,” wrote Josephine Sorrell for GoodReads. “The placement of the scriptures in every chapter perfectly define this Duane Chapman. Even though he is a hardened and rough around the edge’s child, God was able to reach down and change his life. He didn’t sugar coat any aspect of his life.” [Nonfiction]


“UFOs: A Scientist Explains What We Know (And Don’t Know),” by Robert Powell (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers)

This book is the result of 17 years studying unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) as a founding board member of the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies. Powell describes some of the most interesting UAP sightings and gives the government response to each. He also dedicates a chapter to describe what scientists, the government, and the public should do in response to the UAP sightings. “Finally, a book has appeared that is informative, well-written and mercifully short (just over 200 pages) that I can recommend to my friends who have never read a text about UFOs (UAPs). Robert Powell has succeeded in producing a work that should be read as a modern update and logical sequel to J. Allen Hynek's ‘THE UFO EXPERIENCE (1972),’” wrote Richard Noll in his Amazon review, “I highly recommend this book.”  [Nonfiction]


“The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook,” by Hampton Sides (Doubleday)

This book describes the greatest voyages undertaken by British Capt. James Cook, perhaps the most amazing seagoing explorer of all time. They include his attempt to find a Northwest Passage — a sea lane connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Arctic, along the northern coast of North America. While he found no such route, he did succeed in making some very accurate charts of the area — especially of Alaska. Cook also made voyages to Polynesia and the Hawaiian islands, where he lost his life.

“What a book. It's kind of weighty, full of names, places, dates, etc., but I read it in just a few days. Could not put it down. Read it on the couch, in bed, on the deck in the windy sunshine. Lost track of some of the historical features but, wow, what a book,” wrote Jaksen for Goodreads. [Nonfiction]