. New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction Bestsellers January 12, 2020 1. Becoming by Michelle Obama The former first lady describes how she balanced work, family and her husband's political ascent. 2. Educated by Tara Westover The daughter of survivalists, who is kept out of school, educates herself enough to leave home for university. 3. Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know by Malcolm Gladwell Famous examples of miscommunication serve as the backdrop to explain potential conflicts and misunderstandings. 4. Me by Elton John The multi-award-winning solo artist's first autobiography chronicles his career, relationships and private struggles. 5. Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Victory That Changed American History by Brian Kilmeade The Fox & Friends host gives an account of the battle against the Mexican Army in 1836.   6. Finding Chika: A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family by Mitch Albom Lessons learned by the Alboms when they bring a Haitian orphan with a life-threatening illness into their family. 7. A Warning by Anonymous A senior official in the Trump administration offers an assessment of the president and makes a moral appeal. 8. Triggered: How the Left Thrives on Hate and Wants to Silence Us by Donald Trump Jr. Forays into politics and views on liberals from the executive vice president of the Trump Organization. 9. The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson An owner's manual of the human body covering various parts, functions and what happens when things go wrong. 10. The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton Profiles of women from around the world who have blazed trails and challenged the status quo. 11. Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth by Rachel Maddow The MSNBC host argues that the global oil and gas industry has weakened democracies and bolstered authoritarians. 12. The Way I Heard It by Mike Rowe The television personality relays stories from his podcast and personal anecdotes. 13. The Beautiful Ones by Prince. Edited by Dan Piepenbring A memoir by the musician written before his death, with photos and other memorabilia showing his evolution. 14. The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West by David McCullough The Pulitzer Prize-winning historian tells the story of the settling of the Northwest Territory through five main characters. 15. Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy To Protect Predators by Ronan Farrow The Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter details some surveillance and intimidation tactics used to pressure journalists and elude consequences by certain wealthy and connected men. © 2020  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 12, 2020 issue of The New York Times Book Review. Rankings reflect sales for the week ending December 28, 2019. Home  | Catalog | Contact Us | Frequently Asked Questions