5 books not to miss: Amanda Kloots honors Nick Cordero in ‘Live Your Life,' more new releases

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 June 15.

1. “Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero,” by Amanda Kloots and Anna Kloots (Harper, nonfiction)

What it’s about: Last year, Kloots lost her husband, Broadway star and Tony Award nominee Nick Cordero, after a long battle with COVID-19. She reflects on her love and loss in this unexpectedly uplifting memoir.

The buzz: “You do things in life for one reason never knowing that it may hold a deeper purpose,” Kloots wrote on Instagram. “This book is for Nick, his story, his closure. I can’t wait for you guys to read it.”

2. “The Queer Bible,” edited by Jack Guinness (Dey Street, nonfiction)

What it’s about: An illustrated collection of essays from contemporary queer figures pays homage to queer heroes who paved the way.

The buzz: The book’s lineup of contributors is stellar: Singer Elton John writes about drag icon Divine; comedian Mae Martin writes about actor Tim Curry; author Joseph Cassara writes about filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, plus many more.

More: 10 new LGBTQ books to celebrate Pride Month: Gay ‘Great Gatsby,’ ‘Queer Bible,’ more

3. “How to Survive America,” by D. L. Hughley and Doug Moe (Custom House, nonfiction)

What it’s about: Comedian and activist Hughley offers a satirical (yet deadly serious) guide for Americans of color to survive their own country, confronting racism’s impact on their health and wellbeing.

The buzz: “An acerbic and laser-focused demand for restorative racial justice from an ardent advocate,” says Kirkus Reviews.

4. “Sweetness of Water,” by Nathan Harris (Little, Brown, fiction)

What it’s about: In this ambitious debut novel, brothers Prentiss and Landry – freed by the Emancipation Proclamation – seek refuge working on a Georgia farm in the waning days of the Civil War.

The buzz: “An impressive debut by a storyteller with bountiful insight and assurance,” says Kirkus Reviews.

More: John Paul Brammer transformed 'notoriously unhinged' advice column into memoir '¡Hola Papi!'

5. “The Damage,” by Caitlin Wahrer (Pamela Dorman Books/Viking, fiction)

What it’s about: When Nick is found battered and bruised after a violent sexual assault, his fiercely protective older brother Tony is consumed by the desire for revenge as the gears of the justice system turn too slowly.

The buzz: “Readers can expect thought-provoking, well-plotted psychological suspense from a bracingly fresh voice,” says Publishers Weekly.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 books not to miss: Amanda Kloots ‘Live Your Life,' 'Queer Bible'