Books: New and noteworthy

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USA TODAY's Jocelyn McClurg scopes out the hottest books on sale each week. 1. Sycamore Row by John Grisham (Doubleday, fiction, on sale Oct. 22) What it's about: In this sequel to A Time to Kill, Mississippi

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USA TODAY's Jocelyn McClurg scopes out the hottest books on sale each week.

1. Sycamore Row by John Grisham (Doubleday, fiction, on sale Oct. 22)

What it's about: In this sequel to A Time to Kill, Mississippi attorney Jake Brigance (Matthew McConaughey in the movie version) is embroiled in a controversial trial involving a wealthy white man and his black maid.

The buzz: The new novel arrives just as a high-profile stage version of A Time to Kill opens on Broadway.

2. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (Little, Brown, fiction, on sale Oct. 22)

What it's about: The adventures of orphan Theo Decker, which begin when he is 13 and his mother is killed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a terrorist attack.

The buzz: "Glorious, Dickensian… a novel that pulls together all (Tartt's) remarkable storytelling talents into a rapturous, symphonic whole and reminds the reader of the immersive, stay-up-all-night pleasures of reading," says The New York Times.

3. This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith & Life by Gavin MacLeod (Thomas Nelson, non-fiction, on sale Oct. 22)

What it's about: Memoir by the actor, now 82, who played Murray Slaughter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Capt. Stubing on The Love Boat.

The buzz: Covers the lows (depression, alcoholism, divorce) and highs (sobriety, remarriage, finding religion) of his personal and professional life.

4. Allegiant by Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegen Books, fiction, on sale Oct. 22)

What it's about: Conclusion of the best-selling dystopian Divergent trilogy, set in a futuristic Chicago; teenage Tris must make choices as a revolution threatens her "perfect society."

The buzz: The movie version of the first book, Divergent, starring Shailene Woodley and Kate Winslet, hits theaters in March.

5. If Kennedy Lived by Jeff Greenfield (Putnam, non-fiction, on sale Oct. 22)

What it's about: Subtitle: The First and Second Terms of President John F. Kennedy: An Alternate History.

The buzz: "Kennedy-era followers will enjoy this book," says the Library Journal.

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Books: New and noteworthy

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'Lean In' by Sheryl Sandberg (Photo: None None)

Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg on how women can succeed'Wool,' a self-published e-book hit, is released in printA graphic designer's illustrated memoir

We scope out the hottest books on sale the week of March 10.

1. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg (Knopf, non-fiction, on sale March 11)
What it's about: The chief operating officer of Facebook explores how women can succeed in the corporate world.
The buzz: Sandberg, former vice president of Google, notes that 30 years after women became half of college graduates, few hold leadership positions in business and politics.

2. Wool by Hugh Howey (Simon & Schuster, fiction, on sale March 12)
What it's about: Science fiction set in a damaged world where a community lives under strict regulations in a giant underground silo.
The buzz: Originally a self-published series of short stories that sold more than 400,000 e-books, Wool is now being released in hardcover and paperback; Ridley Scott's production company bought the film rights.

3. Mumbai New York Scranton by Tamara Shopsin (Scribner, non-fiction, on sale March 12)
What it's about: Illustrated debut memoir by a graphic designer who recounts a year she and her husband split between living in India, New York and Pennsylvania.
The buzz: Gabrielle Hamilton (Blood, Bones and Butter) says, "Shopsin writes like she illustrates — wry and succinct, with judiciously placed punch."

4. Battle Ready by Mark L. Donald and Scott Mactavish (St. Martin's, non-fiction, on sale March 12)
What it's about: Memoir of a Navy SEAL who was one of the most decorated combat veterans of the Afghan and Iraq wars.
The buzz: Howard Wasdin (SEAL Team Six) calls Donald "a true American hero," whose memoir is a "well-written journey from training to combat recovery."

5. Son of a Gambling Man: My Journey from a Casino Family to the Governor's Mansion by Bob Miller (Thomas Dunne, non-fiction, on sale March 12)
What it's about: Memoir by a former Nevada governor whose tough-guy father operated on both sides of the law.
The buzz: Bill Clinton writes in a foreword, "Bob's journey could only have happened in Nevada."

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Books: New and noteworthy

'The Intercept' by Dick Wolf

Dick Wolf of 'Law & Order' fame tries his hand at thriller writing.New Simon Garfield: First fonts, now maps.A biographer takes on iconic fashion editor Diana Vreeland.

We scope out the hottest books on sale the week of Dec. 23.

1. The Intercept: A Jeremy Fisk Novel by Dick Wolf (William Morrow, fiction, on sale Dec. 26)

What it's about: NYPD terrorism task force detective Jeremy Fisk tries to track down a terrorist who has disappeared into thin air in Manhattan – as Fourth of July celebrations loom.

The buzz: This is a debut thriller by the creator of TV's hit franchise Law & Order. Says Kirkus Reviews: "Storytelling pro Wolf knows how to ratchet up tension and sustain it until the end."

2. On the Map: A Mind-Expanding Exploration of the Way the World Looks by Simon Garfield (Gotham, non-fiction, on sale Dec. 27)

What it's about: In a world of GPS and smartphones, Garfield offers a history of good old-fashioned print maps.

The buzz: Garfield's Just My Type, a look at fonts, was one of USA TODAY's "10 Books We Loved Reading in 2011."

3. Empress of Fashion: A Life of Diana Vreeland by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart (Harper, non-fiction, on sale now)

What it's about: A biography of the legendary fashion editor, capturing her heady days at Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, as well as her work for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.

The buzz: Says Publishers Weekly: "Stuart's biography is a tasty and erudite study of a complicated woman and her turbulent and colorful cultural life and times."

Jocelyn McClurg is USA TODAY's Books Editor. She is based in New York City, the heart of the U.S. publishing industry.

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Books: New and Noteworthy

'The Black Box' by Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly celebrates 20 years of Harry BoschConan O'Brien gets a kick out of 'City of Dark Magic'Amanda Hocking sings her fans a 'Lullaby'

11:17AM EST November 24. 2012 - 1. The Black Box by Michael Connelly (Little, Brown, fiction, on sale Nov. 26)

What it's about: LAPD Detective Harry Bosch finds new evidence that leads him back to the unsolved murder of Anneke Jespersen, shot execution-style during the 1992 L.A. riots.

The buzz: The Black Box arrives on the 20th anniversary of Connelly's first Bosch novel, The Black Echo. The novelist has since become a fixture on USA TODAY's Best-Selling Books list.

2. The Legend of Broken by Caleb Carr (Random House, fiction, on sale Nov. 27)

What it's about: The discovery of a lost manuscript leads to a genre-busting adventure to a prosperous fortress city where scheming factions vie for control of the surrounding kingdom.

The buzz: Any new book by Carr reminds readers of his smash-hit thriller from the '90s, The Alienist.

3. Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You by Dolly Parton (Putnam, non-fiction, on sale Nov. 27)

What it's about: The country star offers her philosophy for living a better life: "Dream More," "Learn More," "Care More" and "Do More."

The buzz: Based on a popular commencement speech Parton gave at the University of Tennessee in 2009 which then became a hit on YouTube.

4. Lullaby by Amanda Hocking (St. Martin's Griffin, fiction, on sale Nov. 27)

What it's about: Harper vows to get back her younger sister Gemma, who has run off with a dangerous clique of beautiful girls.

The buzz: Lullaby is the second installment in the Watersong quartet by Hocking, who became a young-adult sensation when her self-published Trylle trilogy found a mass audience.

5. City of Dark Magicby Magnus Flyte (Penguin, fiction, on sale Nov. 27)

What it's about: Musicologist Sarah Weston, spending the summer in Prague cataloging Beethoven's manuscripts for a wealthy family, discovers a city of "dark magic" where "danger lies around every corner."

The buzz: Boasts this endorsement from Conan O'Brien: "This deliciously madcap novel has it all: murder in Prague, time travel, a misanthropic Beethoven, tantric sex, and a dwarf with attitude. I salute you, Magnus Flyte!" Oh, and independent booksellers like it, too. It's an Indie Next Pick.

Jocelyn McClurg is USA TODAY's Books Editor. She is based in New York City, the heart of the U.S. publishing industry.

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Books: New and Noteworthy

'The Casual Vacancy' by J.K. Rowling comes out next week.

'The Casual Vacancy' by J.K. Rowling comes out next week.

We scope out the hottest books on sale the week of Sept. 23.

1. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling (Little, Brown, $35, fiction, on sale Sept. 27)

What it's about: Behind the pretty facade of Pagford, England, lies a town torn apart by a council election, in Rowling's first novel aimed at adults.

The buzz: Perhaps the most anticipated book of the fall, as the world waits to see if Rowling, author of the blockbuster Harry Potter books for young readers, can deliver for a new audience.

2. Waging Heavy Peace by Neil Young (Blue Rider Press, $30, non-fiction, on sale Sept. 25)

What it's about: The rocker looks back on his rich life and career, from Buffalo Springfield, to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, to Crazy Horse and solo efforts.

The buzz: Young is one of the most prominent musicians (along with Pete Townshend) to write his own story in a fall season crowded with memoirs by rockers.

3. Listening In: The Secret White House Recordings of John F. Kennedy; foreword by Caroline Kennedy; selected and introduced by Ted Widmer (Hyperion, $40, non-fiction, on sale Sept. 25)

What it's about: Recordings of JFK grappling with the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, the Space Race and other issues; included are two CDs with 2.5 hours of remastered audio.

The buzz: Follows Hyperion's publication a year ago of Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy, which entered USA TODAY's Best-Selling Books list at No. 3.

4. Love Anthony by Lisa Genova (Gallery, $26, fiction, on sale Sept. 25)

What it's about: In the latest novel by the author of Still Alice, a writer finds herself channeling the voice of her friend's son, an autistic boy named Anthony who died when he was 8.

The buzz: Love Anthony is an October Indie Next Pick , recommended by independent booksellers. "Anthony is unforgettable," says Kathleen Dixon of Islandtime Books & More, in Washington Island, Wis.

5. One Last Strike by Tony La Russa (William Morrow, $27.99, non-fiction, on sale Sept. 25)

What it's about: The now-retired manager tells the comeback story of how he led the St. Louis Cardinals to victory in the 2011 World Series.

The buzz: With the Cardinals again in contention for a wild card spot, La Russa's behind-the-scenes tale is perfectly timed for the baseball fan.

For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ's. To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com.

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Books: New and noteworthy for the week of June 17

We scope out the hottest books on sale the week of June 17.

Leila Meacham

In 'Tumbleweeds,' one of this week's new books, a love triangle unfolds in a small town.

Leila Meacham

In 'Tumbleweeds,' one of this week's new books, a love triangle unfolds in a small town.

1. American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White, and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama by Rachel L. Swarns (Amistad, $27.99, non-fiction, on sale June 19)

What it's about: A book-length expansion of a New York Times story that staff reporter Swarns co-wrote on the first lady's ancestors, who survived slavery and the Jim Crow South.

The buzz: It's a doubleheader in bookstores for the Obamas as American Tapestry goes on sale the same day as David Maraniss' biography, Barack Obama: The Story. Publishers Weekly calls Tapestry a "layered, scrupulously researched, and wrenching chronicle."

2. The Kings of Cool by Don Winslow (Simon & Schuster, $25, fiction, on sale June 19)

What it's about: In this prequel, Winslow tells the back story of the three characters from Savages, best friends and pot dealers Ben and Chon, who risk everything to save O, the girl they both love.

The buzz:The Kings of Cool is primed to get fans hot and bothered for Oliver Stone's film version of Savages, due in theaters July 6 and starring Taylor Kitsch and Blake Lively.

3. Tumbleweeds by Leila Meacham (Grand Central, $25.99, fiction, on sale June 19)

What it's about: A love triangle unfolds in a small town in the Texas Panhandle that loves Friday night football.

The buzz: Meacham made a splash two years ago with her novel Roses, which earned comparisons to Gone With the Wind and went on to become a USA TODAY Top 50 best seller.

4. An American Son by Marco Rubio (Sentinel, $26.95, non-fiction, on sale June 19)

What it's about: A memoir by the junior senator from Florida and rising Latino star in the Republican Party.

The buzz: Will he be Mitt Romney's pick for No. 2?

5. Never Tell by Alafair Burke (Harper, $24.99, fiction, on sale June 19)

What it's about: The wealthy family of a New York prep school student who drowns in the bathtub doubts she killed herself (despite a suicide note) and forces a police investigation.

The buzz: Burke brings back popular NYPD detective Ellie Hatcher (Dead Connection) to investigate a juicy Gossip Girl-style case.

For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ's. To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com.

View the original article here

Books: New and noteworthy

Simon & Schuster, $25, fiction, on sale June 19

What it’s about: In this prequel, Winslow tells the back story of the three characters from Savages, best friends and pot dealers Ben and Chon, who risk everything to save O, the girl they both love.

The buzz: The Kings of Cool is primed to get fans hot and bothered for Oliver Stone’s film version of Savages, due in theaters July 6 and starring Taylor Kitsch and Blake Lively.

View the original article here