Molly Shannon, Robin Roberts and Jonathan Van Ness inspire with new books this week

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.

1. “Hello, Molly!” by Molly Shannon (Ecco, nonfiction)

What it’s about: You probably know her as a hilarious “Saturday Night Live” comedian. But Shannon’s life began with unbelievable tragedy when she lost her mother, baby sister and cousin in a car accident. Her father, who was at the wheel, raised Shannon in a household where her gifts could blossom. She shares her story in her new memoir. 

The buzz: “Equal parts funny and touching, a cut above most celebrity memoirs,” says a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

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2. “Brighter by the Day: Waking Up to New Hopes and Dreams,” by Robin Roberts with Michelle Burford (Grand Central, nonfiction) 

What it’s about: The longtime “Good Morning America” host brings a much-needed dose of positivity and optimism to viewers’ lives each morning. Now she offers a guide full of insight to help readers live more joyful lives.

The buzz: “Fans of Roberts and newcomers alike can benefit from the continuation of her message as they begin forging their own paths,” says Kirkus Reviews.

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3. “Love That Story: Observations From a Gorgeously Queer Life,” by Jonathan Van Ness (HarperOne, nonfiction) 

What it’s about: In his new essay collection, the “Queer Eye” star reflects on timely topics that intersect with his experiences – such as gender identity, white privilege and the HIV social safety net – with humor and candor.

The buzz: Van Ness hyped the book on Instagram, writing, “It’s a collection of essays that’s serving memoir, life lessons, and comedy that picks up where Over the Top left off, with a journey through my mind that I can’t wait for you to read.”

4. “Left on Tenth,” by Delia Ephron (Little, Brown, nonfiction)

What it’s about: The rom-com writer (“You’ve Got Mail”) and sister of Nora Ephron tells her own love story. After several years of heartbreak, which included the death of her sister and husband, she fell in love – and then herself was diagnosed with AML, a fierce leukemia.

The buzz: “Readers will be swept away by this triumphant story,” says a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

5. “The Caretakers,” by Amanda Bestor-Siegal (William Morrow, fiction)

What it’s about: An American au pair is arrested in Paris after the unexpected death of a child – but whose fault is it really? The mystery unfolds through the perspectives of six women, exploring the inner worlds of caretakers. 

The buzz: “Once the author gets going, she cracks open an intriguing world,” says Publishers Weekly.