. New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction Bestsellers February 7, 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. Becoming by Michelle Obama The former first lady describes how she balanced work, family and her husband's political ascent. 6. 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. 7. How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi A primer for creating a more just and equitable society through identifying and opposing racism. 8. 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. 9. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover The daughter of survivalists, who is kept out of school, educates herself enough to leave home for university. 10. Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho A look at some questions and concepts needed to address systemic racism. 11. The Doctors Blackwell: How Two Pioneering Sisters Brought Medicine to Women -- And Women to Medicine by Janice P. Nimura Two pioneering women receive medical degrees and start the first hospital staffed entirely by women. 12. 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. 13. 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. 14.Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May Personal reflections on the potential benefits of embracing and living through painful times of isolation. 15. The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson An examination of the leadership of the prime minister Winston Churchill. © 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 February 7, 2021 issue of The New York Times Book Review. Rankings reflect sales for the week ending January 23, 2021. Home  | Catalog | Contact Us | Frequently Asked Questions