Books: New and noteworthy

USA TODAY's Jocelyn McClurg scopes out the hottest books on sale each week.

1. The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion (Simon & Schuster, fiction, on sale Dec. 30)

What it's about: In this sequel to the best-selling romantic comedy The Rosie Project, scientist Don's unorthodox research into pregnancy (wife Rosie is expecting) gets him into trouble with the law.

The buzz:

Sony has optioned the film rights for

The Rosie Project, in which Don, who has Asperger's, looks for a wife.

2. Thinspired by Mara Schiavocampo (Gallery, non-fiction, on sale Dec. 30)

What it's about: The ABC News correspondent shares how she lost 90 pounds (down from 230) in two years.

The buzz: Arrives just as we've all packed on 5 pounds over the holidays.

3. Huck Finn's America by Andrew Levy (Simon & Schuster, non-fiction, on sale Dec. 30)

What it's about: Subtitle: Mark Twain and the Era That Shaped His Masterpiece.

The buzz: Offers "fresh insights about the novel's…central themes," says Kirkus Reviews.

4. No Fortunate Son by Brad Taylor (Dutton, fiction, on sale Dec. 30)

What it's about: Terrorists are targeting military relatives of important members of the U.S. government, including the VP's son.

The buzz: Taylor's last Pike Logan Taskforce thriller, Days of Rage, hit No. 36 on USA TODAY's Best-Selling Books list.

5. Vanessa and Her Sister by Priya Parmar (Ballantine, fiction, on sale Dec. 30)

What it's about: Captures the relationship between iconic novelist Virginia Woolf and her sister Vanessa Bell at an early turning point in 1905.

The buzz: An Indie Next Pick of independent booksellers. "A moving portrait of a brilliant family," says Staci Rice of Bluebird Books in Hutchinson, Kan.