Top Bestselling Books in Southern California for July 27, 2025

The Southern California Independent Bookstore Bestsellers list for the week of July 27, 2025, highlights a diverse array of literary works across various genres, reflecting the current reading preferences of the region. This list, compiled by the California Independent Booksellers Alliance (CALIBA), showcases both fiction and nonfiction titles that have captured the attention of local readers.

In hardcover fiction, 'An Inside Job' by Daniel Silva, published by Harper, takes the top spot. The novel follows an art restorer and legendary spy as he attempts to solve a perfect crime. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 'Atmosphere', released by Ballantine Books, secures the second position, presenting a narrative of love and friendship set against the backdrop of the 1980s Space Shuttle program. Silvia Moreno-Garcia's 'The Bewitching', published by Del Rey, ranks third, weaving a tale of danger and witchcraft across three different eras.

Notable mentions in the hardcover fiction category include Percival Everett's 'James', an action-packed reimagining of 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', and Ocean Vuong’s 'The Emperor of Gladness', which explores the profound bond between unlikely companions.

In the realm of nonfiction, Mel Robbins’ 'The Let Them Theory' (Hay House) tops the charts, offering insights on energy management and control. A poignant narrative, 'A Marriage at Sea' by Sophie Elmhirst (Riverhead Books), recounts the harrowing true story of a couple shipwrecked at sea, securing the second position. Third place is held by the collaborative work 'Abundance' by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson (Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster), which investigates the barriers to progress in the United States.

The paperback fiction segment features 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' by Shelby Van Pelt (Ecco) at the top, followed closely by Andy Weir’s science fiction novel 'Project Hail Mary' (Ballantine). The paperback nonfiction list is led by 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer (Milkweed Editions), a work that emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans and nature.

The CALIBA, established in 1981, plays a pivotal role in promoting independent bookstores in California, which have seen increased sales over the past few years due to the resurgence of interest in physical books. This week’s bestsellers reflect a mix of established authors and new voices, underscoring the dynamic landscape of contemporary literature.

This comprehensive overview not only highlights the current bestselling titles but also points to broader trends in reading habits, with an increasing appetite for both fiction that entertains and nonfiction that informs. As the literary market continues to evolve, the diversity of voices represented in this week's list illustrates the rich tapestry of stories that resonate with readers in Southern California and beyond.