Books: New and noteworthy

Paste BN's Jocelyn McClurg scopes out the hottest books on sale each week.

1. Gray Mountain by John Grisham (Doubleday, fiction, on sale Oct. 21)

What it's about: A downsized Wall Street attorney finds herself practicing law in a small Virginia town and embroiled in litigation involving Big Coal.

The buzz: "Uncommonly timely and topical," says Kirkus Reviews. Grisham also came under fire last week for comments about men who look at child pornography, although he's since apologized and walked back his statements.

2. Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain't That Funkin' Kinda Hard on You by George Clinton (Atria, non-fiction, on sale Oct. 21)

What it's about: The funk master tells his story, from the days of Parliament and Funkadelic and beyond.

The buzz: In a fall season crowded with music memoirs, Clinton gets the prize for hippest title.

3. Food: A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan (Crown Archetype, non-fiction, on sale Oct. 21)

What it's about: The comedian riffs on his favorite food groups, including bacon, burgers and the Cinnabon.

The buzz: Gaffigan's funny fatherhood memoir Dad Is Fat hit No. 38 on Paste BN's Best-Selling Books list last year.

4. Make Up by Michelle Phan (Harmony, non-fiction, on sale Oct. 21)

What it's about: Beauty tips from the 27-year-old who has a way with eyeliner.

The buzz: Phan's YouTube beauty and style tutorials have made her a star.

5. Shopaholic to the Stars by Sophie Kinsella (Dial Press, fiction, on sale Oct. 21)

What it's about: London's Becky Bloomwood Brandon hits L.A., ready to be a stylist to Hollywood's A-listers.

The buzz: The Shopaholic series and its ditsy heroine are always good for a laugh.