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5 books not to miss: Susie Yang’s ‘White Ivy,’ Nicole Krauss short story collection

In search of something good to read? USA TODAY's Barbara VanDenburgh scopes out the shelves for this week’s hottest new book releases.

1. "White Ivy," by Susie Yang (Simon & Schuster, fiction, on sale Nov. 3)

What it’s about: As a teenager, Ivy Lin was a thief and a liar – and in love with Gideon Speyer, the golden son of a rich and politically important family. Her parents send her China, shattering her dreams, but she returns years later, determined to get everything she ever wanted – until a ghost from her past resurfaces.

The buzz: “Yang has created an ambitious and sharp yet believably flawed heroine who will win over any reader. … This is a beguiling and shattering coming-of-age story,” says Publishers Weekly.

"White Ivy," by Susie Yang.
"White Ivy," by Susie Yang.

2. “To Be a Man,” by Nicole Krauss (Harper, fiction, on sale Nov. 3)

What it’s about: A collection of short fiction from the best-selling author of “The History of Love” exploring what it means to be part of a couple, and the daily lived experiences of men and women.

The buzz: “A tremendous collection from an immensely talented writer,” says a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

3. “The Best of Me,” by David Sedaris (Little, Brown, nonfiction, on sale Nov. 3)

What it’s about: The essayist collects his best stories spanning his career, from previously published volumes and magazine features, for a comprehensive retrospective.

The buzz: “Sedaris’ brilliant knack for observational humor is on full display in this terrific retrospective essay collection,” says a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

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4. “The Russian Pink,” by Matthew Hart (Pegasus, fiction, on sale Nov. 3)

What it’s about: The author of “Diamond” makes his fiction debut with a page-turner about a massive pink gem, worth millions and harboring secrets, that ends up around the neck of Honey Li, the wife of billionaire and U.S. presidential contender Harry Nash.

The buzz: “Top-quality storytelling for thriller fans,” says a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

5. “The Best American Short Stories 2020,” edited by Curtis Sittenfeld (Mariner, fiction, on sale Nov. 3)

What it’s about: A collection of 20 masterful short stories from a diverse array of authors, including T.C. Boyle, Meng Jin, Elizabeth McCracken and Alejandro Puyana.

The buzz: “Outstanding and well worth the read,” says a starred review from Booklist.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 books not to miss: Susie Yang’s ‘White Ivy,’ Nicole Krauss stories