Go beyond just the current list of New York Times Nonfiction Best Sellers to discover every bestselling book listed on the NYT Bestseller List in 2021.
Since 1931, The New York Times has been publishing a weekly list of bestselling books. Since then, becoming a New York Times bestseller has become a dream for virtually every writer.
When I first started reading adult books, one of the first places I went for book recommendations was the New York Times Nonfiction Nonfiction Best Sellers. I wanted to know what books were the most widely read, and start with those.
However, scrolling through the list week by week on The New York Times website is rather annoying. I just wanted all the bestselling nonfiction books gathered together in one place.
When I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it.
Here are all the New York Times nonfiction bestsellers from this year. I’ve got the current #1 and this week’s bestselling list, both of which you can find all over the place.
This list also compiles every book that appears on the New York Times Nonfiction Best Sellers list in 2021 for Hardcover Nonfiction. Every week I update it so you can get the most accurate view of the year in one place.
Since this is a bit of a sprawling post, feel free to jump to the section that most interests you or take your time scrolling through the complete list of New York Times nonfiction best sellers.
Quick Links
Current #1 New York Times Best Seller
A Promised Land
Barack Obama
(9 Weeks) Former United States President Barack Obama describes his political journey, from the grassroots movement that helped him rise to the presidency to the politics and diplomacy from his term in office. Along with intimate insights into his presidency, Obama ponders the reach and limits of presidential power.
Current List of New York Times Best Sellers
1. A Promised Land by Barack Obama
In the first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama offers personal reflections on his formative years and pivotal moments through his first term.
2. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
The Academy Award-winning actor shares snippets from the diaries he kept over the last 35 years.
3. Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist examines aspects of caste systems across civilizations and reveals a rigid hierarchy in America today.
4. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
The activist and public speaker describes her journey of listening to her inner voice and falling in love with her wife.
5. A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders
A collection of essays examining the functions and importance of works of fiction.
6. Becoming by Michelle Obama
The former First Lady describes how she balanced work, family, and her husband’s political ascent.
7. Evil Geniuses by Kurt Anderson
The author of “Fantasyland” looks at the economic, cultural and political forces to which he ascribes the undermining and dismantling of the American middle class.
8. How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
A primer for creating a more just and equitable society through identifying and opposing racism.
9. You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar
A pair of sisters who live in different parts of the country share their perspectives on the absurdities and everyday experiences of racism.
10. Breath by James Nestor
A re-examination of a basic biological function and a look at the science behind ancient breathing practices.
11. The Answer Is … by Alex Trebek
A memoir by the host of the TV game show “Jeopardy!,” from 1984 to 2020.
12. Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho
A look at some questions and concepts needed to address systemic racism.
13. World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
In a collection of essays, the poet celebrates various aspects of the natural world and its inhabitants.
14. Saving Justice by James Comey
The former F.B.I. director incorporates his experiences into lessons on how the federal justice system functions.
15. Educated by Tara Westover
The daughter of survivalists, who kept out of school, educated herself enough to leave home for university.
See what Upcoming Releases are coming out soon!
Previous #1 New York Times Nonfiction Best Sellers
Educated
Tara Westover
(134 Weeks) Westover grew up in the rural mountains of Idaho with no formal education. Despite her extremist survivalist parents and violent older brother, Westover managed to make her way into college, eventually earning a Ph.D. You’ll be inspired by her amazing determination but sadden by the circumstances of her childhood.
Becoming
Michelle Obama
(101 Weeks) Detailing her childhood on the South Side of Chicago, her success as a working mother, and her years in the White House, Michelle Obama shows how her past has shaped her into who she has become today. A poignant memoir of a woman trying to do her best for her family while balancing the greater good of having a husband in politics.
Untamed
Glennon Doyle
(45 Weeks) After writing about recovering a marriage rocked by infidelity in Love Warrior, Glennon Doyle has a new memoir about her love story with US soccer star Abby Wambach. Doyle details how she found herself by realizing her true power comes from within and not from the expectations others put on her.
How To Be an Antiracist
Ibram X. Kendi
(38 Weeks) Ibram X. Kendi has penned the premier work on racial justice in America. Kendi’s premise is that the opposite of racist policies is antiracist policies that actively aid in creating more equity between races. Using history, law, ethics and, science, Kendi shows what an antiracist society would look like and helps illustrate how we can contribute to the building of a more equitable world.
The Splendid and the Vile
Erik Larson
(32 Weeks) Erik Larson turns his attention to Winston Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister as he unites a nation in the face of the horrors of the London Blitz. With thorough in-depth research, Larson brings Churchill to life – sharing details on his political and personal life.
The Mamba Mentality
Kobe Bryant
(30 Weeks) After retiring from professional basketball, Kobe Bryant decided to share an intimate look at how he approached the game. Discussing the steps he took to mentally and physically prepare to excel at his chosen sport, Bryant provides a unique perspective from one of basketball’s greatest players.
Caste
Isabel Wilkerson
(24 Weeks) When you think of castes, India’s strict caste system likely comes to mind. Wilkerson argues that America has its own hidden caste system, a hierarchy that has influenced the United States both historically and currently. Using fascinating stories, Wilkerson points out that on top of race and class, our understanding of caste systems must also change if we are to better ourselves as a nation.
Humans
Brandon Stanton
(12 Weeks) Photographer Brandon Stanton became famous for his photography and storytelling blog covering intimate stories of the humans of New York. Now he expands his focus, traveling around the world to share personal interviews with people throughout the globe.
Greenlights
Matthew McConaughey
(13 Weeks) Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey offers a memoir on his approach to getting the most satisfaction out of life. McConaughey poured over decades of his diaries to share the highs and lows of his life and the funny stories that shaped him along the way.
Breath
James Nestor
(12 Weeks) Among the best new nonfiction books is James Nestor’s interesting exploration of something as basic as breathing. Nestor has traveled the world to understand the lost art of breathing correctly, studying ancient breathing practices, and modern-day scientific research to show that how we inhale and exhale matters.
Heavyweights
(10+ Weeks on the NYT Bestseller List)
Killing Crazy Horse
Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
(15 Weeks) Continuing the Killing series, Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard tackle the Westward expansion of the American people into Native lands. The first half focuses on the entire history of the conflicts with Native Americans before narrowing its focus to Crazy Horse and Custer’s Last Stand in the second part.
The Answer Is …
Alex Trebek
(16 Weeks) For over three decades, Trebek hosted the trivia game show Jeopardy before his death this fall. Grateful for the outflowing of support after his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer last year, Trebek finally decided to write a memoir. Full of personal anecdotes and Jeopardy trivia, you’ll get an insightful look at a man who became an icon in American pop culture.
Is This Anything?
Jerry Seinfeld
(13 Weeks) Ever since the start of his career as a stand-up comedian, Jerry Seinfeld has saved all his material and ideas on big yellow legal pads. Scouring through all his old material, Seinfeld has picked out the best of the best, letting you see the evolution of his craft through the decades.
Fan Favorites
(5+ Weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List)
Dolly Parton, Songteller by Dolly Parton
(5 Weeks) A memoir from iconic country singer Dolly Parton. Parton highlights 75 of her songs and takes you behind the lyrics to share personal stories and never before seen photographs.
World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
(6 Weeks) In a collection of essays, poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil celebrates various aspects of the natural world and its inhabitants.
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho
Amazon | Goodreads | More Info
(6 Weeks) Former NFL player and Fox Sports Analyst Emmanuel Acho looks at some questions and concepts needed to address systemic racism.
Bag Man by Rachel Maddow and Michael Yarvitz
(5 Weeks) MSNBC host Rachel Maddow gives an account of the 1973 investigation of then Vice President Spiro T. Agnew and its impact on politics and the media.
Honorable Mention
(2-4 Weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List)
Modern Warriors by Pete Hegseth
The Fox News host and former combat veteran interviews soldiers about the different kinds of battles they encountered.
The Last Days of John Lennon by James Patterson
The story of the killing of the former member of the Beatles by Mark David Chapman in 1980 and interviews with some of Lennon’s friends and associates.
Wintering by Katherine May
Personal reflections on the potential benefits of embracing and living through painful times of isolation.
Evil Geniuses by Kurt Anderson
The author of “Fantasyland” looks at the economic, cultural and political forces to which he ascribes the undermining and dismantling of the American middle class.
One Hit Wonders
(1 Week on the New York Times Best Seller List)