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Turning points or inflection moments are common focuses in this week’s Newsmax’s Rising Bestsellers. From the Civil War to events that led to the U.S. victory over Japan in World War II, the authors mark when fates changed. But turning points aren’t always based on success. There is also in-depth look at America’s humiliating and disastrous withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan. Then there is the examination of the life of a man who predicted the loss of freedom in his final novel, and whose name was turned into an adjective meaning dystopian. As for fiction, there is the offering written by a bestselling suspense novelist for four decades.
“After Death,” by Dean Koontz (Thomas & Mercer)
In this latest from No. 1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense Dean Koontz, a modern-day Lazarus wakes up in a makeshift morgue and discovers he’s the sole survivor of a microbiological attack at a top-secret research facility where he worked as security chief. And after his reanimation, he acquires the power to instantly read and alter the data from any chip-driven device, from cellphones all the way up to supercomputers. “Wow, this has to be his best book yet! I love a good high-tech suspense novel with lots of action and thrills along the way!” said Montzalee Wittmann, reviewing for GoodReads. “Super exciting and full hair-raising scenes! Love the characters and plot! Going in my favorite folder!” (Fiction)
“All Roads Led to Gettysburg: A New Look at the Civil War’s Pivotal Battle,” by Troy D. Harman (Stackpole Books)
Author Troy D. Harman argues that Gettysburg was not so much an accidental battlefield that Lee happened to wander into as has been long believed, but was chosen precisely because the city was a transportation hub — major roads, railways, and waterways led to Gettysburg in mid-19th century America. “A fresh perspective on an often-overlooked aspect of the Gettysburg campaign, this volume fills a gap in Civil War literature,” said Joseph, reviewing for GoodReads. He cautioned, however, that “the novice Civil War student might not appreciate this volume as much as the devoted buff. But overall, I think this book adds significantly to current historical scholarship.” (Nonfiction)
“Kabul: The Untold Story of Biden’s Fiasco and the American Warriors Who Fought to the End,” by Jerry Dunleavy and James Hasson (Center Street)
After two decades in Afghanistan and billions of U.S. treasure spent there, it seems incredulous to many – if not unconscionable – that the United States so disastrously withdrew from the country, dishonoring the Americans still there and those who gave their lives and limbs while also failing to leave behind a thriving country with an emphasis on human rights. The withdrawal was instead an unmitigated failure, marked by utter chaos, desperate Afghans trampled or falling to their death, and 13 service men and women needlessly killed. And those who remained were subjected to a government controlled by despots. Investigative reporter Jerry Dunleavy and former Army Capt. James Hasson, an Afghanistan veteran, drew upon hundreds of hours of first-person interviews to reveal the shocking truth that defined the event that happened two years ago nearly to the day. Hundreds of U.S. civilians and many more Afghan interpreters loyal to the U.S., were left behind as a result of the mismanaged withdrawal. Whatever you’ve heard of the withdrawal, “Kabul” reveals that it was many times worse. (Nonfiction)
“Orwell: The New Life,” by D. J. Taylor (Pegasus Books)
As one of the most prophetic writers of the 20th century, George Orwell typed the final chapters of his most iconic work — “Nineteen Eighty-Four” — during his final days while dying from tuberculosis. “This is the third Orwell biography I have read, and I’ve read all his works at least once, so there were no real surprises,” said Karen Eliot, reviewing for GoodReads. “A generous 4.5/5 rounded up, mainly out of admiration for George himself, a wonderful but tragically flawed man who in some ways wasted his life away. Imagine writing the same biography twice though…!” (Nonfiction)
“Road to Surrender: Three Men and the Countdown to the End of World War II,” by Evan Thomas (Random House)
This book, describing the men and events that led to Japan’s surrender in World War II, comes nearly simultaneously with the release of the movie “Oppenheimer,” and at a time when some political commentators and military experts believe that the world is at the brink of a nuclear war. “A superb book about a momentous event,” wrote James Caughman, author of the biography of architect Addison Mizner. “Evan Thomas has written an engrossing account of perhaps the most momentous event of 20th century history, the haunting decision by the United States to use the atomic bomb to bring an end to the war with Japan in August 1945.” (Nonfiction)