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New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction Bestsellers
January 3, 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. Humans
by Brandon Stanton

Photos and stories of people from over 40 countries collected by the creator of Humans of New York.
4. Becoming
by Michelle Obama

The former first lady describes how she balanced work, family and her husband's political ascent.
5. Bag Man: The Wild Crimes, Audacious Cover-Up, & Spectacular Downfall of a Brazen Crook in the White House
by Rachel Maddow and Michael Yarvitz

The MSNBC host gives an account of the 1973 investigation of then Vice President Spiro T. Agnew and its impact on politics and the media.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Untamed
by Glennon Doyle

The activist and public speaker describes her journey of listening to her inner voice.
9. The Last Days of John Lennon
by James Patterson with Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge 

The story of the killing of the former member of the Beatles by Mark David Chapman in 1980 and interviews with some of Lennon's friends and associates.
10. Is This Anything?
by Jerry Seinfeld

The comedian shares material he collected in an accordion folder over the last 45 years.
11. 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.
12. Killing Crazy Horse: The Merciless Indian Wars in America
by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

The ninth book in the conservative commentator's Killing series focuses on conflicts with Native Americans.
13. The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
by Kobe Bryant

Various skills and techniques used on the court by the late Los Angeles Lakers player.
14. 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.
15. Modern Warriors: Real Stories from Real Heroes
by Pete Hegseth

The Fox News host and former combat veteran interviews soldiers about the different kinds of battles they encountered.
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A version of this list appears in the January 3, 2021 issue of The New York Times Book Review. Rankings reflect sales for the week ending December 19, 2020.
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