Books: New and noteworthy

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

1. The Wes Anderson Collection: The Grand Budapest Hotel by Matt Zoller Seitz (Abrams, non-fiction, on sale Feb. 10)

What it's about: Illustrated companion volume to the movie, featuring interviews with Anderson about his quirky vision.

The buzz: The Grand Budapest Hotel has nine Academy Award nominations (tied with Birdman for the most), including best picture and best director.

2. A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler (Knopf, fiction, on sale Feb. 10)

What it's about: From the Pulitzer winner, a look at three generations of a family, as Abby and Red Whitshank grow older.

The buzz: It's an Indie Next pick of independent booksellers. "Crackling with Tyler's quirky and unassuming wit," says Dinah Hughley of Powell's Books in Portland, Ore.

3. Gods and Kings by Dana Thomas (Penguin, non-fiction, on sale Feb. 10)

What it's about: Documents the "rise and fall" of fashion designers Alexander McQueen, who committed suicide, and John Galliano, now hoping to make a comeback after his disgrace over anti-Semitic rants.

The buzz: "A compelling drama about the high-stakes world of couture culture," says Kirkus Reviews.

4. The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae (Atria, non-fiction, on sale Feb. 10)

What it's about: Essays about "what it's like to be awkward in a world that equates black with cool."

The buzz: YouTube star Rae has won the Shorty Award for Best Web Show for her series, which shares a title with her book.

5. Amherst by William Nicholson (Simon & Schuster, fiction, on sale Feb. 10)

What it's about: Historical novel weaves between past and present to tell the story of two affairs, with poet Emily Dickinson at the center.

The buzz: "Offers up a cinema-ready exploration of love and lust in New England past and present," says Publishers Weekly.