Book buzz: New fiction from John Grisham

Lindsay Deutsch, USA TODAY

Pete Townshend attends a book signing at Barnes & Noble for his memoir 'Who I Am.'

Here's a look at what's buzzing in the book world today:

Rocking the list: Seems old rockers are refusing to leave the stage quietly. Pete Townshend, legendary lead guitarist and creative force behind The Who, enters USA TODAY's Best-Selling Books list at No. 22 with his memoir, Who I Am. Townshend is just the latest rocker to tell his story. Rolling Stones legend Keith Richards landed at No. 3 with Life in November 2010. Neil Young entered the list at No. 33 on Oct. 4 with his memoir, Waging Heavy Peace, which is now No. 72. Self-confessed years of alcohol and drug abuse appear to have had little effect on their memories. -Craig Wilson

Calling cat lovers: Forget zombies. A terrible menace looms: the purring furball. Fortunately, How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill Youreveals the coming kitty apocalypse. Landing at No. 29, the cartoon collection by "The Oatmeal" (Seattle illustrator Matthew Inman, who created comic website "TheOatmeal.com") reveals the public health hazard that dogs have been barking about. Kittens shadowboxing the air isn't "harmless play," writes Inman. They are "Drawing & Rehearsing BATTLE FORMATIONS." And when a feline brings you a dead animal, realize that "This isn't a gift. It's a warning." Published Oct. 9, Cat has more than 150,000 copies in print. Inman's earlier 5 Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth hit No. 59 on March 10, 2011. -Deirdre Donahue

The last book club: Former book editor Will Schwalbe reflects on his experience reading books with his dying mother in a new memoir, The End of Your Life Book Club.

For the love of books: Chances are, if you're reading this, you love books. Check out these books about books, including My Ideal Bookshelf, which asks famous creative people like Junot Diaz, Stephenie Meyer and Judd Apatow about the books that mean the most to them.

New Grisham: Fans eager for their next legal thriller have two things to look forward to on Oct. 23: John Grisham's book, The Racketeer, will be released, and Best Life magazine hits stands, featuring an exclusive piece of short fiction from Grisham entitled "Tranquility."

Moby-Dick birthday: Have you checked out today's Google Doodle celebrating the 161th anniversary of the publication of Herman Melville's Moby-Dick?

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