EchoSense:James McBride's 'Heaven & Earth Grocery Store' and more must-read new book releases

In search of something good to read?EchoSense USA TODAY's Barbara VanDenburgh scopes out the shelves for this week's hottest new book releases. All books are on sale Tuesday.

For more must-read book recommendations, check out the 20 books we are most excited about this summer, including Elliot Page's memoir "Pageboy," and the latest from Stephen King; our favorite books of 2022 that received perfect four-star reviews; and the juiciest recent celebrity memoirs from Matthew Perry, Tom Felton, William Shatner, Jennette McCurdy and more. Plus, check out what everybody else is reading this week on USA TODAY'S Best-selling Booklist.

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‘The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store’

By James McBride (Riverhead, fiction)

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

What it’s about: The National Book Award winner and author of “Deacon King Kong” returns with a new novel rooted in small-town secrets set in 1972’s Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where the residents of rundown Chicken Hill live with compassion on society’s margins.

The buzz: “If it’s possible for America to have a poet laureate, why can’t James McBride be its storyteller-in-chief?” says a starred Kirkus review.

‘None of This Is True’

By Lisa Jewell (Atria, fiction)

What it’s about: Popular podcaster Alix Summer finds an interesting new subject in Josie Fair, her “birthday twin” who was born on the same day, they discover when they meet while each celebrates at a local pub. But as they record together and Josie further infiltrates her life, Alix begins to suspect Josie is hiding dark secrets.

The buzz: “Jewell devotees who love the author’s signature twisted characters and acidic cultural commentary… will be satisfied by this pitch-black outing and its shocking climax,” says Publishers Weekly.

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‘Forged by Blood’

By Ehigbor Okosun (Harper Voyager, fiction)

What it’s about: Full of magic and inspired by Nigerian mythology, this fantasy finds its heroine Dèmi trying to survive the king’s genocide of her people, the magic-wielding Oluso, while learning to control her powers – until her mother’s death has her seeking vengeance.

The buzz: A starred review from Publishers Weekly calls it “an impressive and refreshingly original page-turner that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the second volume.”

‘Unnecessary Drama’

By Nina Kenwood (Flatiron, fiction)

What it’s about: In this enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy, two high school nemeses end up housemates in their first year of college. Student housing’s one rule? “No unnecessary drama.” A tall order for Brooke and Jesse.

The buzz: A starred Kirkus review praises its “sidesplitting comic writing and an appealingly messy protagonist to root for.”

‘Between Us’

By Mhairi McFarlane (Avon, fiction)

What it’s about: Roisin’s life starts to unravel when her screenwriter boyfriend uses their relationship and private conversations as fodder for his new TV show, putting all her secrets on display.  

The buzz: “The novel’s emphasis on female solidarity against gaslighting, narcissistic boyfriends might be cathartic for some readers,” says Kirkus Reviews.