. New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction Bestsellers January 31, 2021 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: The Origins of Our Discontents 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. 5. A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life 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: The Unmaking of America: A Recent History by Kurt Andersen 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: Crazy Stories About Racism 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: The New Science of a Lost Art 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...: Reflections on My Life 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 : In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil In a collection of essays, the poet celebrates various aspects of the natural world and its inhabitants. 14. Saving Justice: Truth, Transparency, and Trust by James Comey The former F.B.I. director incorporates his experiences into lessons on how the federal justice system functions. 15. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover The daughter of survivalists, who is kept out of school, educates herself enough to leave home for university. © 2021  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 January 31, 2021 issue of The New York Times Book Review. Rankings reflect sales for the week ending January 16, 2021. Home  | Catalog | Contact Us | Frequently Asked Questions