Sonoma’s Bestseller List, the week ending May 9

Nonfiction Hardcover

1. “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson

A socio-political history of race in America.

2. “The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race” by Walter Isaacson

The noted biographer and Tulane University History professor’s account of Jennifer Doudna, who won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her work on the CRISPR system of gene editing.

3. “Broken (in the Best Possible Way)” by Jenny Lawson

Humorist and essayist also known as The Bloggess delves further into her exploration of her mental and physical health, along with the wacky imperfections and hilarious anecdotes she is loved for.

4. “Hummingbirds' Gift” by Sy Montgomery

From the nature writer, a slim, yet satisfying tale of a volunteer hummingbird rehabilitator and the two orphan birds she saves.

5. “World Travel: an Irreverent Guide” by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever

Finished after the famed food and travel writer's death, this book combines a guide with a travelogue of Bourdain's favorites.

Nonfiction Paperback

1. “100 Things to do in Sonoma Before You Die” by Yvonne Horn

Featured in the Sonoma Index-Tribune; this guidebook lists the best ideas for travel in the county, from the well-known to hidden gems.

2. “Save Me the Plums” by Ruth Reichl

Beloved food writer's memoir of her time at Gourmet magazine.

3. “Dreyer's English” by Benjamin Dreyer

Part style guide and part celebration of the English language from the head copy-editor of Random House publishing.

4. “Why We Swim” by Bonnie Tsui

A history of humanity's relationship with water.

5. “Nomadland” by Jessica Bruder

The inspiration behind the Oscar-winning film; a deep-dive into the new labor force made up of transient older Americans.

Children’s/YA

1. “Dog Man: Mothering Heights” by Dav Pilkey

Graphic Novel, ages 4-8. The 10th installment in the enormously popular Dog Man series.

2. “Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories” by Jeff Kinney

Graphic Novel, ages 8-13. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid author’s 3rd episode of his latest series.

3. “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo

Young adult fantasy novel about a group of teenage criminals; inspiration for the Netflix series.

4. “Animals Brag About Their Bottoms” by Maki Sato and Brian Bergstrom

Illustrated, ages 3-6. A beautifully illustrated story of different shapes, patterns and sizes, depicted warmly and with humor.

5. “Be a Tree!” by Maria Gianferrari and Felicita Sala

Illustrated, ages 4-8. Soft and charming illustrations accompany a gentle lesson about trees, humans, and the interconnectedness of the world.