Nonfiction

1. ASTROPHYSICS FOR PEOPLE IN A HURRY by Neil deGrasse Tyson. A straightforward, easy-to-understand introduction to the universe.

2. HILLBILLY ELEGY by J.D. Vance. A Yale Law School graduate looks at the struggles of America’s white working class through his own childhood.

3. FANTASYLAND by Kurt Andersen. The politics and culture of 21st-century America are put in the context of five centuries of historical events and movements, including elements of conspiracy theories, crackpot ideas and hucksterism.

4. AL FRANKEN, GIANT OF THE SENATE by Al Franken. A memoir by the Democratic senator from Minnesota and former Saturday Night

Live writer.

5. WHY BUDDHISM IS TRUE by Robert Wright. Neuroscience and psychology findings are used to support Buddhist practice and meditation.

6. BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME by Ta-Nehisi Coates. A meditation on race in America.

7. OPTION B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant. Insight on facing adversity and building resilience.

8. THE VIETNAM WAR by Geoffrey C. Ward. A companion to the PBS series by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick that looks at the events and the legacy of the war.

9. IT TAKES TWO by Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott. The identical twins and reality TV stars trace their ascent from their upbringing in Vancouver, B.C., through personal setbacks to building careers together.

10. KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON by David Grann. The story of a murder spree in 1920s Oklahoma that targeted Osage Indians, whose lands contained oil.