Tom Perrotta's 'Tracy Flick Can't Win,' Kali Fajardo-Anstine's 'Woman of Light': 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.

'Woman of Light' 

By Kali Fajardo-Anstine (One World, fiction)

What it's about: This multi-generational historical tale set in the American West from the author of “Sabrina & Corina,” a National Book Award finalist, tells the story of Luz “Little Light” Lopez, a tea leaf reader and laundress who begins to have visions of her ancestors and the forces that have threatened her indigenous family.

The buzz: "It’s clear this author has talent to spare," says Publishers Weekly.

'Tracy Flick Can't Win'

By Tom Perrotta (Scribner, fiction)

What it's about: The ambitious protagonist of Perrotta’s 1998 novel "Election" (memorably played by Reese Witherspoon in the film adaptation of the same name) returns, now an assistant principal at a New Jersey public high school with her sights set on a promotion.

The buzz: "This is the rare sequel that lives up to the original," says a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

'The Mutual Friend'

By Carter Bays (Dutton, fiction)

What it's about: From the co-creator of "How I Met Your Mother" comes a novel following a sprawling cast of characters: Alice, a 28-year-old nanny who's having trouble getting into med school; her chaotic roommate Roxy; and her tech millionaire brother in the midst of a religious awakening.

The buzz: "This is a rare thing: an original, intelligent novel that’s not just a perfect summer beach read but one that deserves serious awards consideration as well. Put down your phone and pick it up," says a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

'Nuclear Family'

By Joseph Han (Counterpoint, fiction)

What it's about: In the months leading up to the 2018 nuclear missile false alarm, a Korean American family in Hawaii grapples with the fallout of its eldest son getting caught attempting to cross the Korean demilitarized zone.

The buzz: "This is a master class from a brilliant new voice," says a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

'Counterfeit'

By Kirstin Chen (William Morrow, fiction)

What it's about: Two Chinese women – straight-laced American lawyer Ava Wong whose life is crumbling beneath its perfect facade and Winnie Fang, her enigmatic old college roommate from mainland China – concoct a counterfeit handbag scheme that grows into a global enterprise.

The buzz: "Readers will be left guessing at the truth until the last page," says Publishers Weekly.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tom Perrotta's Tracy Flick returns, 'Woman of Light': 5 new books