Nonfiction

1. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry: By Neil deGrasse Tyson. A straightforward, easy-tounderstand 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 21stcentury 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, British Columbia, 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.

New York Times