Union serves another round, ‘Altar’ draws from real life

In search of something good to read? USA TODAY’s Barbara VanDenburgh scopes out the shelves for this week’s hottest new book releases. All books are on sale Tuesday.

1. “Harlem Shuffle,” by Colson Whitehead (Doubleday, fiction)

What it’s about: The twotime Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Underground Railroad” and “The Nickel Boys” returns with an entertaining heist novel and family saga set in 1960s Harlem.

The buzz: “Whitehead has had an unrivaled recent run as an author,” says a ★★★☆ review for USA TODAY. 2. “You Got Anything Stronger?” by Gabrielle Union (Dey Street, nonfiction)

What it’s about: In her follow-up to “We’re Going to Need More Wine,” Union catches us up on her life since 2017 with insights on her fertility journey, becoming a mom, her marriage to Dwyane Wade, her fight for equality and accountability in the entertainment industry and so much more.

The buzz: “‘You Got Anything Stronger?’ is me at my most vulnerable,” Union writes. “I have recently found true strength in that vulnerability, and I want to share that power with you here, through this book.” 3. “Rendezvous at the Altar – From Vietnam to Virginia,” by Thuan Le Elston (Rand-Smith, fiction)

What it’s about: USA TODAY’s Elston, who left Vietnam as a child before the fall of Saigon, tells a sweeping historical tale inspired by four grandmothers – the author’s and her husband’s – and explores parenting, aging and gender roles in a multicultural family.

The buzz: “Thuan Le Elston’s writing is eloquent. … These grandmothers’ voices from the grave teach the living how to gain compassion and insight,” says author Le Ly Hayslip. 4. “Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of The Me Too Movement,” by Tarana Burke (Flatiron, nonfiction)

What it’s about: The activist and founder behind the #MeToo movement shares the story of how she came to say those two powerful words and spearhead a major 21st-century cultural shift.

The buzz: “An unforgettable page-turner of a life story rendered with endless grace and grit,” says a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. 5. “Apples Never Fall,” by Liane Moriarty (Henry Holt & Co., fiction)

What it’s about: From the bestselling author of “Big Little Lies” and “Nine Perfect Strangers” comes a twisty new story. When Joy Delaney vanishes, her four grown children debate what to tell the police – their father is the most obvious suspect, after all.

The buzz: “Funny, sad, astute, occasionally creepy, and slyly irresistible,” says a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.