Go beyond just the current list of New York Times Nonfiction Best Sellers 2021 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 2022 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
James Patterson
James Patterson
(1 Week) Bestselling author James Patterson is among the most-anticipated June 2022 book releases, not for one of his thrillers but for a new memoir detailing his life. Patterson describes how a kid whose dad grew up in a poorhouse became one of the most famous modern storytellers.
Current List of New York Times Best Sellers
1.James Patterson by James Patterson
The author’s life, from growing up in small-town New York to working in the advertising industry to becoming a successful storyteller.
2.
Killing the Killers by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
The 11th book in the conservative commentator’s Killing series gives an account of the global war against terrorists.
3.
Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris
The humorist portrays personal and public upheavals of his life in its seventh decade and the world in the time of a pandemic.
4.
Finding Me by Viola Davis
The multiple award-winning actress describes the difficulties she encountered before claiming her sense of self and achieving professional success.
5.
Battling the Big Lie by Dan Pfeiffer
The cohost of “Pod Save America” and former White House director of communications gives his take on the right-wing media apparatus.
6.
The Palace Papers by Tina Brown
This follow-up to “The Diana Chronicles” details how the royal family reinvented itself after the death of Princess Diana.
7.
Scars and Stripes by Tim Kennedy and Nick Palmisciano
The Green Beret and former mixed martial arts fighter describes how his failures shaped who he is today.
8.
Here’s the Deal by Kellyanne Conway
The former senior counselor in President Trump’s White House gives her account of her time in politics.
9.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
The Academy Award-winning actor shares snippets from the diaries he kept over the last 35 years.
10.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
The daughter of a Korean mother and Jewish-American father, and leader of the indie rock project Japanese Breakfast, describes creating her own identity after losing her mother to cancer.
11.
The Pope at War by David I. Kertszer
A depiction of Pope Pius XII’s actions during World War II and why he bent to the wills of Hitler and Mussolini.
12.
River of the Gods by Candice Millard
The story of the hardships encountered during 19th-century expeditions in Africa, and the complicated partnerships behind them.
13.
The Facemaker by Lindsey Fitzharris
How the modern era of plastic surgery was ushered in by the work of a surgeon repairing the faces of World War I soldiers.
14.
The Office BFFs by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
Two stars of “The Office” celebrate the comedy series and their friendship.
15.
Phil by Alan Shipnuck
An unauthorized biography of the golf champion Phil Mickelson.
See what Upcoming Releases are coming out soon!
Previous #1 New York Times Nonfiction Best Sellers
Untamed
Glennon Doyle
(97 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.
Greenlights
Matthew McConaughey
(72 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.
Crying in H Mart
Michelle Zauner
(47 Weeks) A powerful memoir about growing up a Korean American from the indie singer known for her Japanese Breakfast project. Growing up in Eugene, Oregon, Michelle Zauner struggled to fit in as the only Asian-American student in high school, burdened by the high expectations of her mother. Moving East, she began working in the restaurant industry and joined a fledgling band. But not until her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis did Zauner feel liked she discovered her identity and understand her Koreanness.
What Happened to You?
Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey
(34 Weeks) Instead of asking What’s wrong with you?, we should be asking What happened to you? Oprah Winfrey teams up with neuroscientist Bruce D. Perry to discuss how understanding the trauma we faced at a young age can impact our behaviors now. By understanding our past, we can shift our viewpoint and see a clear path to healing.
The Storyteller
Dave Grohl
(31 Weeks) Known for his work as a drummer for Nirvana and the founder of The Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl reflects on how much life has changed from his childhood in Springfield, Virginia. Reflecting on his fame, Grohl focuses on his love of the music that has underscored his life.
The 1619 Project
Created by Nikole Hannah-Jones
(26 Weeks) In 1619, a ship arrived in the Virginia colony with the first enslaved people from Africa. Thus began the unprecedented system of slavery that has shaped America ever since. Based on The New York Times Magazine‘s Pulitizer Prize-winning articles, The 1619 Project combines essays, poems, and works of fiction to chronicle how the legacy of slavery impacts America today.
Will
Will Smith
(23 Weeks) The celebrated actor, producer, and musician describes his transformation from a terrified child in West Philadelphia to a well-known rapper and an all-star actor. Yet, at the top of his game, Smith still felt lost, realizing that despite his outer accomplishments, he still needed to work on his inner self.
American Marxism
Mark R. Levin
(22 Weeks) Fox News political commentator and radio host Mark Levin theorizes that the core principles of Marxism are pervasive in America. Levin describes his views on such liberal policies as the Green New Deal, critical race theory, and social activism.
From Strength to Strength
Arthur C. Brooks
(11 Weeks) Atlantic columnist Arthur C. Brooks teaches how to find happiness in the second half of life. Brooks points out that the more successful you are, the sharper you notice the decline in your abilities as you age. Brooks gives a roadmap to refocusing priorities to achieve greater happiness later in life.
The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present
Paul McCartney
(10 Weeks) Pairing the text of 154 of Paul McCartney’s songs with first-person commentary, The Lyrics takes an in-depth look at a musical legend. McCartney explains how each song came to be and tells about the people who inspired them, from his songwriting partner John Lennon to his parents and even Queen Elizabeth.
Red-Handed
Peter Schweizer
(10 Weeks) Investigative journalist Peter Schweizer details China’s plan to infiltrate American institutions. Going through corporate records, Schweizer’s theory says that wealthy Americans in business, education, finance, and entertainment have made secret deals to help build Chinese wealth and power.
Peril
Bob Woodward and Robert Costa
(9 Weeks) The Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Robert Costa take a deep dive into the transition between the US Presidencies of Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Looking at the challenges faced as the nation’s leadership switches between two opposing political parties, Woodward and Costa paint a picture of a nation at the brink.
Finding Me
Viola Davis
(7 Weeks) The powerful memoir from actress and producer Viola Davis about finding herself. From her roots in a rundown apartment in Rhode Island to center stage in New York, Davis constantly had to find the courage to forget the judgment of the world and fall in love with herself.
All American Christmas
Rachel Campos-Duffy
(6 Weeks) Fox News contributors Rachel Campos-Duffy and Sean Duffy present a collection of Christmas stories from across the nation. From recipes to family photographs and emotional memories, All American Christmas traces different Christmas traditions from around the United States.
Unthinkable
Jamie Raskin
(6 Weeks) In a painful memoir, Congressman Jamie Raskin tells of the 45 days at the beginning of 2021 that changed his life forever. On December 31, 2020, his only son committed suicide after a long struggle with depression. Less than a week later, Raskin found himself in the Capitol building stormed by insurrectionists. Although reeling from both events, Raskin was forced to set his feelings aside and use his experience as a constitutional law professor to lead the impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.
Freezing Order
Bill Browder
(6 Weeks) When his young lawyer was killed, Bill Browder swore to uncover the $230 million dollar tax refund scheme that his lawyer was killed for. Following the money trail around the world, Browder was shocked to find it led back to Vladimir Putin. When the feds started freezing Putin’s money, Browder found himself attacked through cyber, legal and physical threats to prevent him from seeking justice.
Killing the Killers
Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
(6 Weeks) In the eleventh book in the Killing Series, Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard discuss the global war on terror. After the 9/11 attacks, America launched an intense war against terrorist groups, targeting leaders of Al Qaeda, ISIS, and the Iran Revolutionary Guard.
One Damn Thing After Another
William P. Barr
(5 Weeks) Former Attorney General William P. Barr gives a forthright memoir of his two tenures 30 years apart, one under President George H. W, Bush and one during the last two terms of President Trump. Bar describes the important events of the 1990s, Iran Contra and the LA riots, as well as recent events like Covid, President Trump’s impeachments, and the 2020 Presidential election.
Bittersweet
Susan Cain
(4 Weeks) After showing the power of introverts in Quiet, Susan Cain uses the same mix of science and storytelling to explore what bittersweet feelings of sorrow and longing can teach us about creativity, compassionate leadership, and love. Cain shows that bittersweetness isn’t just a fleeting emotion but a powerful way of being that can lead to transcendence.
The Office BFFs
Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
(4 Weeks) Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, stars of the US tv show The Office, reveal a behind-the-scenes look at the hit tv series. Although their characters, secretary Pam Beasley and accountant Angela Martin, didn’t have anything in common, the co-stars hit it off in a warm friendship that continues to this day.
Happy-Go-Lucky
David Sedaris
(2 Weeks) In his first collection of new essays since Calypso, David Sedaris writes of the change the pandemic has wrought in the world and in himself. Stuck in lockdown during the pandemic, Sedaris finds himself changing – sometimes for the good and sometimes for the humorous. Yet, even after normal life begins to return after the lockdowns, Sedaris finds himself in a different America, scarred by the pandemic, while dealing with his emotions from his father’s death.
Heavyweights
(10+ Weeks on the NYT Bestseller List)
Think Again
Adam Grant
(29 Weeks) Grant reminds us that just like we refresh our wardrobe from time to time, we need to routinely reexamine our beliefs and ways of thinking. Often our beliefs become habits, and Grant argues that being too attached to one identity and thought process can kill our creativity. Instead, we need to start spending as much time rethinking as we do thinking.
Taste
Stanley Tucci
(19 Weeks) Actor and foodie Stanley Tucci takes you behind the recipes from his bestselling cookbooks to tell of his life growing up in an Italian-American family. Tucci describes how food as overlayed is life, from preparing for the films he’s starred and directed in to helping his wife cook for their growing family.
The Real Anthony Fauci
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
(16 Weeks) Anti-vaccine advocate Robert F Kennedy Jr. gives his views on Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Although hailed a hero by mainstream media for his work during the COVID epidemic, Kennedy expresses his concerns about Fauci’s connections and history.
Renegades
Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen
(10 Weeks) Long-time friends President Barack Obama and musician Bruce Springsteen have a candid conversation about a variety of topics, covering everything from their origins to their successful careers. Discussing the increased polarization of American politics, they point out the growing gap between the American Dream and the American reality.
Fan Favorites
(5+ Weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List)
The President and the Freedom Fighter by Brian Kilmeade
Amazon | Goodreads
(9 Weeks) The Fox News host gives an account of the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
The Beatles: Get Back by the Beatles
Amazon | Goodreads
(8 Weeks) The story of the making of the band’s final album, gathered from transcripts of their conversations.
Vanderbilt by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe
Amazon | Goodreads | More Info
(7 Weeks) The CNN host and descendant of the Vanderbilt family charts the rise and fall of this American dynasty.
The Betrayal of Anne Frank by Rosemary Sullivan
Amazon | Goodreads
(7 Weeks) New technology was used to investigate who revealed the location of Anne Frank and her family to the Nazis.
The Palace Papers by Tina Brown
Amazon | Goodreads
(7 Weeks) This follow-up to “The Diana Chronicles” details how the royal family reinvented itself after the death of Princess Diana.
The Great Reset by Glenn Beck
Amazon | Goodreads
(6 Weeks) The syndicated radio host portrays what he sees as a conspiracy to shift economic and social power.
The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow
Amazon | Goodreads
(6 Weeks) A reinvestigation of social evolution and suggestions for new ways of organizing society.
How to Be Perfect by Michael Schur
Amazon | Goodreads
(6 Weeks) The creator of “The Good Place” incorporates works by various philosophers to examine ethical questions and moral issues..
The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman
Amazon | Goodreads | More Info
(5 Weeks) An overview of the cultural and historical impact of the 1990s.
Honorable Mention
(2-4 Weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List)
These Precious Days by Ann PatchettEssays on friendships, influences and the connection between life and art.
The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall and Douglas AdamsThe naturalist explores an element of human nature during a time of multiple crises in areas of health, climate and politics.
All About Me! by Mel BrooksThe EGOT and Kennedy Center honoree shares stories about making comedy for the stage, film and television.
Best Wishes, Warmest Regards by Daniel Levey and Eugene LevyCharacter profiles, major story moments and behind-the-scenes tales from the Emmy Award-winning series “Schitt’s Creek.”
Enough Already by Valerie BertinelliThe actress and TV personality describes her personal setbacks and difficult journey to self-acceptance.
Blood in the Garden by Chris HerringA senior writer for Sports Illustrated gives a history of the New York Knicks during the 1990s.
South to America by Imani PerryA wide-ranging collection of stories and histories based in the American South that also illuminate the country as a whole.
Stolen Focus by Johann HariPotential causes for diminishing attention spans and how corporations might raid our attention for profit.
The Power of Regret by Daniel H. PinkA look at four core regrets and potential strategies to make them a positive force.
Watergate by Garrett M. GraffA narrative account of the persons and events connected to the Watergate scandal using newly public documents and transcripts.
Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama by Bob OdenkirkThe actor and writer, known for his work in sketch comedy and dramatic roles, charts his path.
Allow Me to Retort by Elie MystalThe Nation’s legal analyst and justice correspondent posits ways to protect the rights of women and people of color.
In Love by Amy BloomAfter her husband’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the author travels with him to Dignitas, a prominent Swiss right-to-die organization.
Lessons from the Edge by Marie YovanovitchThe former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine chronicles her career in the post-Soviet world and her testimony during the first impeachment of President Trump.
Against All Odds by Alex KershawThe story of four soldiers who received the Medal of Honor for their service during World War II.
Origin by Jennifer RaffUsing genetic data, an anthropologist traces the lineage of the first people to populate the Americas and the routes that they took.
Recessional by David MametThe Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright lambastes liberal politics, cancel culture and other things he finds objectionable.
Hello, Molly! by Molly ShannonThe comedic actor shares stories of family tragedy and her years as a star of “Saturday Night Live.”
Left on Tenth by Delia EphronThe author and screenwriter describes losing her sister and husband to cancer, finding love again and receiving a leukemia diagnosis.
Playing with Myself by Randy RainbowA memoir by the three-time Emmy-nominated comedian known for his online musical and political satires.
Unmasked by Paul HolesA memoir by a former cold case investigator who worked on several notable cases, including the identification of the Golden State Killer.
I’ll Show Myself Out by Jessi KleinA collection of comedic essays on motherhood and middle age by the Emmy Award-winning writer and producer.
The War on the West by Douglas MurrayA memoir by the three-time Emmy-nominated comedian known for his online musical and political satires.
This Will Not Pass by Jonathan Martin and Alexander BurnsTwo New York Times correspondents chronicle the 2020 election and the first year of the Biden presidency.
Out of the Corner by Jennifer GreyThe actress details growing up the child of Joel Grey, her iconic film roles and the repercussions from a plastic surgery procedure.
Just Tyrus by TyrusA memoir by the pro wrestler and Fox News political commentator.
A Sacred Oath by Mark T. EsperThe former secretary of defense gives an account of serving in his post until he was fired by the president after the 2020 election.
Mean Baby by Selma BlairThe actress and model describes dark times and the salvation she found in her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
Created Equal by Ben CarsonThe former secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development gives his analysis of race relations in America.
Phil by Alan ShipnuckAn unauthorized biography of the golf champion Phil Mickelson.
River of the Gods by Candice MillardThe story of the hardships encountered during 19th-century expeditions in Africa, and the complicated partnerships behind them.
Here’s the Deal by Kellyanne ConwayThe former senior counselor in President Trump’s White House gives her account of her time in politics.
One Hit Wonders
(1 Week on the New York Times Best Seller List)
