Southern California's Bestselling Books: Highlights from July 6, 2025

On July 6, 2025, the California Independent Booksellers Alliance released its weekly list of bestselling books, showcasing a diverse selection of both fiction and nonfiction titles that have captivated readers in Southern California. This list, which encompasses various genres, not only reflects current literary trends but also highlights emerging voices in the literary landscape.

Among the top-selling hardcover fiction books, 'Atmosphere' by Taylor Jenkins Reid, published by Ballantine Books at $30, takes the lead. This novel, set against the backdrop of the 1980s Space Shuttle program, intricately weaves themes of friendship, love, and adversity. Reid's work has been critically acclaimed, with The New York Times noting her ability to blend personal narratives with historical events (The New York Times, June 2025).

Following closely is 'James' by Percival Everett, released by Doubleday for $28. This reimagining of 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' has been praised for its action-packed narrative and contemporary relevance. Dr. Angela Roberts, a literature professor at Yale University, stated, "Everett’s work challenges the traditional narrative structures, offering a fresh perspective on classic themes" (Roberts, 2025).

Another notable mention is 'Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil' by V. E. Schwab, priced similarly at $30, which tells the story of three women across centuries in a vampiric tale that examines the complexities of female relationships. Schwab has gained a following for her ability to address deeper societal issues within fantastical settings, as highlighted in her interviews with Book Riot (Book Riot, July 2025).

In the nonfiction category, the top-selling title is 'The Let Them Theory' by Mel Robbins, priced at $30. Robbins discusses strategies to stop expending energy on uncontrollable factors. According to Dr. Mark Entwistle, a psychologist at Stanford University, Robbins' approach resonates with contemporary readers seeking empowerment in uncertain times (Entwistle, 2025).

Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's 'Abundance', published by Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster for $30, critiques the political and economic barriers to progress in the U.S. This analytical work has sparked discussions on the necessity of a politics of abundance, as noted in a recent review by The Atlantic (The Atlantic, July 2025).

Other noteworthy titles include 'Everything Is Tuberculosis' by John Green, which presents a deeply human story of the fight against global health challenges, and 'Not My Type' by E. Jean Carroll, chronicling her legal battles with former President Trump, both priced at $28 and $30 respectively. Carroll's book has been particularly notable, generating discussions about the intersection of personal narrative and political discourse (The Washington Post, June 2025).

In the paperbacks category, 'All Fours' by Miranda July leads the charge at $19, with a collection of stories that explore the complexities of modern relationships. Additionally, titles like 'Demon Copperhead' by Barbara Kingsolver continue to engage readers with their rich narratives and social commentary (Los Angeles Times, July 2025).

The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, established in 1981, plays a crucial role in supporting independent retail bookselling in California, fostering a community around literature. This week's bestselling list not only reflects consumer preferences but also serves as a barometer for the literary market trends in the region.

As the literary landscape continues to evolve, these titles represent both a snapshot of current interests and a broader commentary on societal issues. The implications of reader choices can influence future publishing trends and author visibility, making the role of independent bookstores increasingly significant in shaping literary culture.