Books: New and noteworthy

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

1. Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction by Elizabeth Vargas (Grand Central, non-fiction, on sale Sept. 13)

What it’s about: The 20/20 anchor writes about her alcoholism and sobriety.

The buzz: Vargas’ memoir is one of several celebrity titles on sale this week.

2. Good Vibrations: My Life as a Beach Boy by Mike Love (Blue Rider, non-fiction, on sale Sept. 13)

What it’s about: A memoir by a founding member of the iconic band, timed to the 50th anniversary of their hit song Good Vibrations.

The buzz: The good vibrations continue for fans, with band mate Brian Wilson’s memoir due out later this fall.

3. Nutshell by Ian McEwan (Nan A. Talese, fiction, on sale Sept. 13)

What it’s about: An unborn baby narrates this modern-day Hamlet, a tale of betrayal; by the author of Atonement.

The buzz: “Packed with humor and tinged with suspense, this gem …(is) surprising, and surprisingly affecting,” says Publishers Weekly

in a starred review.

4. The Year of Voting Dangerously: The Derangement of American Politics by Maureen Dowd (Twelve, non-fiction, on sale Sept. 13)

What it’s about: Essays on this year’s stranger-than-fiction presidential election.

The buzz: Dowd, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times, is an expert at skewering politicians.

5. In Such Good Company by Carol Burnett (Crown Archetype, non-fiction, on sale Sept. 13)

What it’s about: More fond memories from The Carol Burnett Show, a touchstone comedy for Baby Boomers.

The buzz: Burnett’s 2010 memoir, This Time Together, was a top 50 Paste BN best seller.