Marvel in Simu Liu’s real origin story, dish with ‘Office’ mates

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. ‘We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story’

Simu Liu (William Morrow, nonfiction)

What it’s about: The star of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” tells his own origin story of growing up a Chinese immigrant in Canada, battling cultural stereotypes and defying expectations to forge his own path.

The buzz: “This real-life hero’s journey is a knockout,” says a starred review for Publishers Weekly.

2. ‘This Time Tomorrow’

Emma Straub (Riverhead, fiction)

What it’s about: In this delightful take on time travel tropes, Alice wakes up on her 40th birthday and suddenly finds herself not 40, but 16. From the perspective of her 40year-old self, Alice relives her 16th birthday in 1996, with a changed view of her dad.

The buzz: “Combine Straub’s usual warmth and insight with the fun of time travel and you have a winner,” says a starred review for Publishers Weekly.

3. ‘The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There’ Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey (Dey Street, nonfiction)

What it’s about: Two stars of the classic NBC sitcom (who played characters Pam Beesly and Angela Martin) take fans behind the scenes in a book that’s part scrapbook, part love letter, featuring never-beforeseen photos.

The buzz: A starred review from Publishers Weekly calls it a “highly entertaining work” that’s a “must-read for fans.”

4. ‘The Island’

Adrian McKinty (Little, Brown, fiction)

What it’s about: A newly married couple go to Australia on a working vacation to bond their blended family and end up with an invitation to Dutch Island, which usually is closed off to visitors. They go, and what they find makes them regret it in this high-concept, whiteknuckle thriller from the author of “The Chain.”

The buzz: A starred review from Publishers Weekly calls it “an exhilarating ride” and says, “McKinty is a master of suspense.”

5. ‘Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance’

Alison Espach (Henry Holt and Co., fiction)

What it’s about: Shy Sally Holt grew up watching her beautiful older sister Kathy hog the spotlight with ease – and with jealousy as Kathy landed dreamy high school senior Billy Barnes. But then tragedy strikes and bonds Sally and Billy in shared grief.

The buzz: A starred review from Publishers Weekly calls it “inventive and powerful, and says, “Readers will be deeply moved.”