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Books: New and noteworthy


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

1. Let's Go Crazy by Alan Light (Atria, non-fiction, on sale now)

What it's about: Dearly beloved, we have gathered to celebrate the 30 years since Prince bequeathed Purple Rain (the film and album) on the world.

The buzz: "A must-read for …Prince die-hards," says Kirkus Reviews.

2. The David Foster Wallace Reader by David Foster Wallace (Little, Brown, fiction/non-fiction, on sale now)

What it's about: A "Greatest Hits" collection from the late writer, including excerpts from novels, short fiction and essays.

The buzz: A great last-minute gift for the Wallace fanatic on your list; there's also a limited slipcase edition with original artwork (250 copies) for $300.

3. Citizens Creek by Lalita Tademy (Atria, fiction, on sale now)

What it's about: Tells the stories of Cow Tom, born into slavery in 1810 and sold to an Indian chief, and his granddaughter Rose.

The buzz: Tademy's Cane River was a 2001 Oprah Book Club pick (it hit No. 10 on Paste BN's Best-Selling Books list).

4. Chasing Gold by George M. Taber (Pegasus, non-fiction, on sale now)

What it's about: Documents how Hitler's grab for gold across Europe helped fuel the Nazi war machine.

The buzz: A "compulsively readable, real-life thriller," says Publishers Weekly.

5. Genocide of One by Kazuaki Takano (Muholland Books, fiction, on sale now)

What it's about: The U.S. president sends operatives to the Congo to eliminate a deadly threat – a 3-year-old Pygmy boy who might also have the power to save the human race.

The buzz: "This best-selling Japanese thriller is an ambitious novel that mixes breathless action with political machinations," says Library Journal.