Muhammad Ali, August Wilson, Alice Hoffman are worth a read
In search of something good to read? USA TODAY’s scopes out the shelves for this week’s hottest new book releases.
‘Nobody Needs to Know’
By Pidgeon Pagonis (Little A, nonfiction)
What it’s about: Pagonis never felt at ease being a girl growing up, and that uneasiness only grew as puberty failed to hit and they underwent a series of traumatic surgeries. It wasn’t until college that Pagonis discovered they’d been born intersex, giving way to a journey of self-discovery and self-love. The buzz: “This is an inspiring must-read,” says Publishers Weekly, calling it a “heartwrenching debut.”
‘August Wilson: A Life’
By Patti Hartigan (Simon & Schuster, nonfiction)
What it’s about: An authoritative biography of one of the most important playwrights of the 20th century. The Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist was renowned for his plays celebrating Black life, including “Fences” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which were later adapted into films. The buzz: A starred Kirkus review calls it “an authoritative portrait of a defiant champion of Black theater.”
‘Messenger: The Legend of Muhammad Ali’
By Marc Bernardin; illustrated by Ron Salas (First Second, nonfiction)
What it’s about: The iconic boxer and activist’s life story is celebrated in a new graphic novel that recounts his journey from Cassius Clay to heavyweight champion of the world to conscientious objector to the Vietnam War.
The buzz: A starred Kirkus review calls it “a moving ode to a mighty icon whose cultural contributions are as powerful as his victories in the ring.”
‘The Invisible Hour’
By Alice Hoffman (Atria, fiction)
What it’s about: From the author of “Practical Magic” comes a new novel inspired by “The Scarlet Letter,” in which a girl named Mia seeks to break free from the Community, an oppressive cult where women are subject to rigid rules.
The buzz: Publishers Weekly calls it an “enchanting tale” and says, “For the most part, Hoffman manages not to break the spell.” ‘Thornhedge’
By T. Kingfisher (Tor, fiction)
What it’s about: This reimagining of “Sleeping Beauty” turns the fairy tale into a dark meditation on duty as the fairy Toadling does everything she can to uphold the curse that’s keeping a certain princess confined to her tower even as a brave knight comes to her rescue.
The buzz: “Kingfisher continues her hot streak,” says a starred review from Publishers Weekly. “There are no false notes here.”