This Week in Nonfiction — Week of May 18, 2026

Biggest Gainers

Famesick by Lena Dunham

Published: unpublished

With an impressive increase of 3,496 ratings this week, Lena Dunham's Famesick is seeing significant traction, marked by 15% growth. The memoir's candid exploration of fame and its toll on personal identity resonates deeply, as it reflects Dunham's struggles amid her celebrity status. This surge positions it strongly among recent memoirs, showcasing how reflective narratives focused on personal challenges attract attention.

Stats: 23,916 → 27,412 (+3,496)

The CodeBreaker Mindset: The Unwritten Rules for Success by Chitra Nawbatt

Published: April 28, 2026

Debuting at a notable 369 additional ratings, The CodeBreaker Mindset has achieved a commendable growth rate of 13% in its first tracking week. This business strategy guide encourages readers to redefine success in a way that is fitting for their personal journeys. With its fresh concepts offering new insights for achieving extraordinary success, it stands out clearly among this year's new releases.

Stats: 2,745 → 3,114 (+369)

Finding Me by Viola Davis

Published: April 26, 2022

Despite being published four years ago, Viola Davis's powerful memoir, Finding Me, continues to perform steadily, adding 281 ratings this week for a modest growth of 0.15%. This consistent performance indicates its strong connection with readers, likely fueled by ongoing discussions surrounding personal empowerment and identity. The book's steady ratings suggest it has become an enduring choice for readers seeking inspiration from real-life stories.

Stats: 189,243 → 189,524 (+281)

Surprise of the Week

Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children by Mac Barnett

Published: May 5, 2026

This week, Mac Barnett's new release, Make Believe, pleasantly surprised with a rating increase of 120, resulting in a growth rate of 16%. As a new title, this considerable uptake reflects a burgeoning interest in children’s literature and its broader implications on society's engagement with childhood. Its appeal as both a reflection on literature and a call for deeper interaction with young readers sets it apart from typical new releases.

Stats: 730 → 850 (+120)

Quick Hits

The Infinity Machine: Demis Hassabis, DeepMind, and the Quest for Superintelligence by Sebastian Mallaby

Adding 103 ratings with a 13% growth this week, Mallaby's exploration into AI and innovation highlights a rising interest in tech narratives. Stats: 779 → 882 (+103).

Joyful, Anyway by Kate Bowler

After a strong debut week, Bowler's book on finding joy through life's struggles increased by 134 ratings, growing at 11%. Stats: 1,228 → 1,362 (+134).

The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest

Wiest's exploration of self-sabotage added 219 ratings this week, demonstrating its sustained relevance in self-help discussions. Stats: 126,912 → 127,131 (+219).