Geena Davis' 'Dying of Politeness, comics mastermind Alan Moore's 'Illuminations': 5 new books

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

For more new must-read book recommendations, check out our fall books guide of the 20 most exciting books of the season; our favorite books of 2022 so far; fall's most swoon-worthy rom-coms, including Jasmine Guillory's "Drunk on Love" and Elena Armas' "The American Roommate Experiment"; and the juiciest celebrity memoirs released this year from Jennette McCurdy, Kenny Loggins, Christine Quinn, Jennifer Grey and more.

To see what everyone else is reading, check out the USA TODAY Best-Selling Books list for this week's bestsellers.

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'Dying of Politeness'

By Geena Davis (HarperOne, nonfiction)

What it's about: The Academy Award-winning actor and star of classics including "Thelma & Louise" and "A League of Their Own" shares her journey from a polite childhood to Hollywood powerhouse and women’s rights advocate.

The buzz: "An entertaining and ebullient memoir," says Kirkus Reviews.

'Illuminations'

By Alan Moore (Bloomsbury, fiction)

What it's about: The wild-haired occultist and mad man of comics ("Watchmen," "From Hell") releases his first-ever collection of short fiction, nine striking tales about otherworldly creatures, paranormal investigators and, of course, the comic book industry.

The buzz: "The superhero genre’s loss is fantastic fiction’s gain," says a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

'Viral Justice: How We Grow the World We Want'

By Ruha Benjamin (Princeton University Press, nonfiction)

What it's about: In a book that's part memoir, part manifesto that exists at the intersection of race, justice and technology, the Princeton professor offers an inspirational look at how minor, everyday habits can transform society for the better.

The buzz: A starred review for Kirkus Reviews calls it "a powerful, urgent plea for individual responsibility in an unjust world."

'Our Missing Hearts': Celeste Ng brings humanity and sweetness to the dystopian novel

'Dinosaurs'

By Lydia Millet (Norton, fiction)

What it's about: From the author of "A Children's Bible" comes a novel about a man named Gil, who, heartbroken from a breakup, leaves Manhattan for Arizona, where he lets down his defenses and starts to connect with the family next door.

The buzz: "Another life-affirming work from a writer who always carves her own literary path," says a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

'Little Eve'

By Catriona Ward (Tor Nightfire, out Oct. 11)

What it's about: In the early 20th century, a cult on a Scottish island readies for the end of the world and engages in rituals to honor the Adder. All of them want its power, but young Eve goes to extreme lengths to have it, leading to a grisly massacre, a sacred ceremony gone awry and twisty revelations.

The buzz: "Horror fans won’t want to miss this," says a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

Contributing: Brian Truitt, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Geena Davis, Alan Moore have new books out this week: What to read