New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction Bestsellers
May 31, 2026 

1. Suicidal Empathy
by Gad Saad

The host of the podcast The Saad Truth argues that what he considers misguided compassion is having a negative impact on society.
2. Strangers
by Belle Burden

Burden retraces her marriage of 20 years in search of clues to help shape her understanding about its demise and to find a way forward.
3. Take Me to Your Leader
by Neil deGrasse Tyson

The astrophysicist depicts what potential encounters with aliens from outer space might be like.
4. The Case for America
by Bret Baier

The chief political anchor for Fox News shares his perspectives on our national character during divisive times.
5. Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About
by Isabel Klee

Klee helps foster dogs overcome challenges while she faces her own complications.
6. Famesick
by Lena Dunham

The author of Not That Kind of Girl evaluates the effects that pursuing her creative endeavors had on her.
7. True Crime
by Patricia Cornwell

The author, known for her Kay Scarpetta thrillers, shares moments from her life that shaped her writing career.
8. The U.S. Constitution
by Melissa Murray

The co-author of The Trump Indictments gives historical context for each of the amendments in the Constitution.
9. London Falling
by Patrick Radden Keefe

The author of Say Nothing details the efforts by the parents of a 19-year-old Londoner to uncover the truth about his mysterious death and secret life.
10. The Anxious Generation
by Jonathan Haidt

A co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind looks at the mental health impacts that a phone-based life has on children.
11. I Am Not a Robot
by Joanna Stern

The Emmy-winning tech journalist describes using artificial intelligence for a myriad of activities over the course of a year.
12. American Rambler
by Isaac Fitzgerald

The author of Dirtbag, Massachusetts goes on a yearlong journey that follows in the footsteps of the pioneer nurseryman known as Johnny Appleseed.
13. Vengeance
by Tom Clavin

A co-author of The Heart of Everything That Is examines the Battle of the Little Bighorn, which is nearing its 150th anniversary.
14. This Vast Enterprise
by Craig Fehrman

A revisionist history of the Lewis and Clark expedition viewed from the perspectives of 10 people connected to it.
15. Inside the Box
by David Epstein

The author of Range evaluates the benefits of limitations and constraints.
©2026 All rights reserved by New York Times Syndication Sales Corp. This material may not be published, broadcast or redistributed in any manner.
 
A version of this list appears in the May 31, 2026 issue of The New York Times Book Review. Rankings reflect sales for the week ending May 16, 2026.
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