New York Best Sellers 2022: Nonfiction Books That Captured Readers’ Attention
From candid celebrity memoirs to investigative reporting and practical guides, nonfiction readers had plenty to explore in 20
The year’s New York Times bestseller lists reflected a wide range of interests, including personal resilience, American politics, history, and self-improvement.
Because bestseller rankings change from week to week and are divided into categories and formats, there is no single list that represents every nonfiction bestseller of 20
The books below are notable titles that appeared on bestseller lists during the year and drew considerable attention from readers.
Memoirs and Personal Stories
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
In this candid memoir, actor and writer Jennette McCurdy reflects on her childhood in entertainment, her complicated relationship with her mother, and her struggles with eating disorders and grief. The book’s frank, often darkly funny voice helped make it one of 2022’s most talked-about nonfiction releases.
Finding Me by Viola Davis
Actor Viola Davis traces her journey from a difficult childhood in Rhode Island to a celebrated career in film, television, and theater. Finding Me is a story of ambition and achievement, but it also explores the hardships and self-discovery behind a public life.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
In this memoir, Matthew Perry looks back on fame, relationships, and his long struggle with addiction. His account offers a personal perspective on the costs of celebrity and the challenges of recovery.
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama shares reflections on managing uncertainty, building confidence, and finding ways to move forward during challenging times. The book combines personal experiences with ideas and practices readers can adapt in their own lives.
Politics, History, and Current Affairs
Confidence Man by Maggie Haberman
Journalist Maggie Haberman examines Donald Trump’s rise in business and politics, drawing on reporting and interviews to explore his leadership style and influence. The book attracted readers interested in recent American political history and the forces shaping national politics.
The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté
Physician Gabor Maté and his son Daniel Maté consider how stress, trauma, culture, and social conditions can affect health. The book questions narrow ideas of “normal” and encourages readers to consider the broader circumstances that shape well-being.
Books on Habits and Personal Growth
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Although it was published before 2022, James Clear’s guide to building habits continued to sell strongly throughout the year. Its practical approach focuses on making small, consistent changes and designing routines that support long-term goals.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Another enduring bestseller, this book explores how traumatic experiences can affect the mind and body. Its continued presence among popular nonfiction titles reflects lasting reader interest in mental health, trauma, and healing.
Why These Books Resonated
The nonfiction bestsellers of 2022 offered more than a record of events. Memoirs gave readers intimate accounts of hardship and reinvention, while books on politics and history helped explain a changing public landscape. Guides to habits and well-being offered practical ways to reflect on personal lives.
Together, these titles show the breadth of nonfiction reading in 2022. Whether readers were looking for an inspiring life story, a deeper understanding of current affairs, or tools for everyday change, the year’s bestseller lists offered a book for nearly every interest.
2022 New York Times Best Sellers: 8 FAQs About Nonfiction, Fiction, and Top Reads
- What was New York best selling 2022?
- What’s on the New York Times bestseller list right now?
- What is the #1 best selling book 2022 non-fiction?
- What is the fastest selling nonfiction book of all time?
- What are considered the best non-fiction books of all time?
- What are the best books to read?
- What is a #1 New York Times best seller?
- What is on the New York Times bestseller list for fiction?
What was New York best selling 2022?
There wasn’t one single “New York best-selling” nonfiction book for all of 2022, because The New York Times bestseller lists changed weekly and were divided by format and category. However, Jennette McCurdy’s memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died was among the year’s most prominent nonfiction bestsellers, alongside titles such as Viola Davis’s Finding Me and Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry.
What’s on the New York Times bestseller list right now?
The New York Times bestseller list changes regularly, so the titles on it right now may differ from the nonfiction bestsellers of 2022. For the latest rankings, check the New York Times Best Sellers page and select the nonfiction category you’re interested in. To explore 2022’s popular nonfiction books, look for archived lists from that year.
What is the #1 best selling book 2022 non-fiction?
Jennette McCurdy’s memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died was one of 2022’s biggest nonfiction bestsellers and topped The New York Times hardcover nonfiction list. Bestseller rankings vary by format and list, so the specific “No. 1” title can differ depending on the ranking being referenced.
What is the fastest selling nonfiction book of all time?
Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, is widely described as the fastest-selling nonfiction book ever in the U.S., based on its first-day sales. Published in 2023, it sold 1.43 million copies across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom on its first day, according to publisher Penguin Random House. The title therefore came after 2022, and “fastest-selling” records can vary depending on whether they count a particular country, format, or time period.
What are considered the best non-fiction books of all time?
There’s no definitive ranking of the best nonfiction books of all time, since favorites depend on readers’ interests and criteria. Frequently praised choices include In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, Night by Elie Wiesel, and Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. For more recent perspectives, readers may also enjoy acclaimed memoirs, histories, and books on science or current affairs—including popular nonfiction bestsellers from 2022.
What are the best books to read?
The best nonfiction books to read depend on your interests, but several notable 2022 bestsellers make strong starting points. For a candid memoir, try Jennette McCurdy’s I’m Glad My Mom Died or Viola Davis’s Finding Me. Readers interested in politics may enjoy Maggie Haberman’s Confidence Man, while Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry offers reflections on resilience and personal growth. For practical advice on building better routines, James Clear’s Atomic Habits remains a popular choice.
What is a #1 New York Times best seller?
A “#1 New York Times best seller” is a book that ranked first on a New York Times bestseller list for a particular week and category, such as hardcover nonfiction. The ranking is based on the newspaper’s assessment of reported sales from selected retailers and other sources; it doesn’t necessarily mean the book sold more copies overall than every other title in every format or category. Because rankings change weekly, a book may be a No. 1 bestseller for one week or category without holding that position throughout 2022.
What is on the New York Times bestseller list for fiction?
The New York Times fiction bestseller list changes weekly and is published in separate categories, such as hardcover, paperback, and combined print and e-book. In 2022, popular fiction titles included It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover, Fairy Tale by Stephen King, and The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. For the titles on a particular week’s list, check the dated New York Times bestseller chart, since rankings and selections vary over time.