Using the Library | Catalog/Account | eContent |  Research | Services | Events | About Us New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction Bestsellers December 30, 2018 1. Becoming by Michelle Obama The former first lady describes her journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House, and how she balanced work, family and her husband's political ascent. 2. The Point of It All: A Lifetime of Great Loves and Endeavors by Charles Krauthammer, edited by Daniel Krauthammer A collection of essays, speeches and unpublished writings by the late conservative columnist. 3. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover The daughter of survivalists leaves home for university. 4. Killing the SS: The Hunt for the Worst War Criminals in History by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard A look at the postwar manhunt for members of Hitler's inner circle. 5. Leadership by Doris Kearns Goodwin The challenges that shaped the leadership abilities of four presidents. 6. Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking A collection of essays from the late scientist's personal archive that address 10 imponderables. 7. The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis How the Trump administration staffs its federal agencies. 8. Shade: A Tale of Two Presidents by Pete Souza Pictures of former President Obama are juxtaposed with tweets, headlines and quotes from the Trump administration. 9. Beastie Boys Book by Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz The story of the New York band who achieved hip hop stardom. 10. Fear: Trump in the White House by Bob Woodward Debates and decision-making within the Trump White House. 11. Ship of Fools: How a Selfish Ruling Class is Bringing America to the Brink of Revolution by Tucker Carlson The Fox News anchor argues that America's ruling class is out of touch with everyday citizens. 12. Churchill: Walking With Destiny by Andrew Roberts A biography focusing on what motivated the war leader and how he learned from his mistakes. 13. Presidents of War by Michael Beschloss How American presidents waged wars and expanded the power of the executive branch. 14. The Library Book by Susan Orlean The story of the 1986 fire at the Los Angeles Public Library provides a backdrop to the evolution and purpose of libraries. 15. Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza More than 300 pictures of the former president by his White House photographer, with behind-the-scenes stories.  © 2018 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 This material may not be published, broadcast or redistributed in any manner.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 December 30, 2018 issue of The New York Times Book Review. Rankings reflect sales for the week ending December 15, 2018. Subscribe to other newsletters | View newsletter archives | Readers' Club on library website