5 books not to miss: Body-positive memoir ‘Cheeky,’ dystopian novel ‘Crosshairs,’ more

In search of something good to read? USA TODAY's Barbara VanDenburgh scopes out the shelves for this week’s hottest new book releases.

1. “Cheeky: A Head-to-Toe Memoir,” by Ariella Elovic (Bloomsbury, nonfiction, on sale Dec. 8)

What it’s about: This colorful graphic memoir from feminist author and illustrator Elovic celebrates her body in all its perfectly imperfect glory, inspiring readers to embrace their own.

The buzz: Kirkus Reviews calls it an “entertaining, jubilantly body-positive memoir.”

“Cheeky: A Head-to-Toe Memoir,” by Ariella Elovic.

2. “Crosshairs,” by Catherine Hernandez (Atria, fiction, on sale Dec. 8)

What it’s about: In a dystopian near-future plagued by environmental devastation and homelessness, a fascistic government regime puts those deemed “Other” into concentration camps.

The buzz: “Hernandez is a talent undeniable. She’s an evocative, vibrant writer whose voice and point of view are an exciting addition to the literary landscape,” says a review for USA TODAY.

3. “Snowdrift,” by Helene Tursten; translated by Marlaine Delargy (Soho Crime, fiction, on sale Dec. 8)

What it’s about: Swedish Detective Inspector Embla Nyström gets a lead in a cold case that has long haunted her, and she may finally learn the truth about her best friend’s disappearance – if it doesn’t kill her first.

More: 'World of Wonders’ by Aimee Nezhukumatathil is the Barnes & Noble book of the year

The buzz: “This stunning page-turner is unarguably the best in the series,” says a starred review in Publishers Weekly.

4. “Blowing My Way to the Top: How to Break the Rules, Find Your Purpose and Create the Life and Career You Deserve,” by Jen Atkin (Harper Wave, nonfiction, on sale Dec. 8)

What it’s about: The celebrity hairstylist makes her debut with spirited guide building one's life and career in a book that's a blend of inspirational memoir and sound business advice.

The buzz: “This spirited account will nudge any reader of self-help toward following their dreams,” says Publishers Weekly.

5. “Take It Back,” by Kia Abdullah (St. Martin’s Press, fiction, on sale Dec. 8)

What it’s about: Sex, race and social justice collide in this twisting courtroom thriller about a 16-year-old girl who accuses four male classmates of an unthinkable crime.

The buzz: A starred review in Publishers Weekly calls it a “riveting, thought-provoking legal thriller” and says “Abdullah is definitely a writer to watch.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 books not to miss: Body-positive ‘Cheeky,’ dystopian ‘Crosshairs'