5 new books this week

Looking for something good to read? USA TODAY Barbara VanDenburgh scour the shelves for this week’s hottest new book releases. All books go on sale Tuesday.

‘George Michael: A Life’

By James Gavin (Abrams Press, non-fiction)

What is it about : Music biographer Gavin offers an in-depth and definitive portrait of the gifted and tortured artisttracing his meteoric rise in the 80s through his public self-destruction and tragic death.

The buzz: “Gavin’s true stories of triumphs and tragedies poignantly explain one of pop’s most enigmatic stars,” says Kirkus Reviews.

‘Thrust’

By Lidia Yuknavitch (Riverhead, fiction)

What is it about : At the end of the 21st century, rising waters and a growing police state threaten Laisve, a motherless girl who uses her time travel abilities to save vulnerable people throughout history.

The buzz: A opinion followed of Publishers Weekly calls it “blistering and visionary” and says, “It’s the author’s best yet”.

“The House Across the Lake”:Riley Sager’s new thriller keeps readers guessing

“The Angel of Rome: and Other Stories”

By Jess Walter (Harper, fiction)

What is it about : The author of “Beautiful Ruins” and “The Cold Millions” returns with a new collection of short fiction films whose sets stretch from Italy to Idaho. In the title story, a shy student in Rome meets the Italian actress of his dreams.

The buzz: A opinion followed of Publishers Weekly says that reading the collection is “like sitting next to the guy at dinner who has something hilarious to say about everyone and knows all their secrets”.

“Our Twisted Hearts”

By Melissa Albert (Flatiron, fiction)

What is it about : In Albert’s new contemporary fantasy young adult novel, a mother and daughter are bonded by witchcraft when 17-year-old Ivy begins having unnatural experiments – and finds mutilated rabbits.

The buzz: “Engaging, chilling and utterly spellbinding; don’t miss this one,” says a starred review for reviews Kirkus.

The best romantic comedies of June:Best-selling authors Clare Pooley, Lauren Ho and Lucy Score

“A life in the light: meditations on impermanence”

By Mary Pipher (Bloomsbury, documentary)

What is it about : The author of “Women Rowing North” and “Reviving Ophelia” offers bright insights in this new essay-based memoir, drawing on her experiences as a psychologist specializing in trauma.

The buzz: “Those struggling to overcome darkness will find a guiding light in this incandescent work,” says a starred review from Publishers Weekly.