The Independent Press Top 40 Bestsellers: Nonfiction

This week's Independent Press Top 40 Bestsellers for nonfiction, compiled by The Independent Publishers Caucus, are based on sales at independent bookstores across the nation. The list includes a diverse range of titles covering topics such as Indigenous wisdom, environmental communication, mental health, history, and literature.

At the top of the list is "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants" by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The book explores the intersection of traditional ecological knowledge and scientific understanding through the lens of plants. Following closely is "The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by John U. Bacon, a deep dive into the history of the ill-fated ship.

Robert Macfarlane's works feature prominently on the list, with "Is a River Alive?" and "The Book of Birds: A Field Guide to Wonder and Loss" both making the top 40. "A Resistance History of the United States" by Tad Stoermer provides a critical analysis of the country's past, while "This Is The Plan: How to End America’s Meltdown and Save Democracy" by Ben Wikler offers a roadmap for political change.

Other notable titles include "Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature" by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, which examines the complex relationships between humans and nature, and "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben, revealing the intricate communication networks among trees. The list also includes works on mindfulness, such as "How to Relax" by Thich Nhat Hanh, and historical accounts like "The Salt Stones" by Helen Whybrow and "The Glorians" by Terry Tempest Williams.