Every Single Novel Jenna Bush Hager Has Chosen for Her Book Club
Since launching her book club in March 2019, Jenna Bush Hager has become a major tastemaker in the literary world, engaging a nationwide audience through her thoughtful selections and infectious enthusiasm for reading. Best known as a co-anchor for the Today Show, Jenna has cultivated a community of readers who eagerly anticipate her monthly pick and join in lively discussions both on television and online.
An Introduction to Jenna Bush Hager: The Reader Behind the Club
Jenna Bush Hager’s love of reading began in childhood, encouraged by parents who made storytelling a nightly ritual. Without a TV in her bedroom, books became her primary source of entertainment. Jenna credits her mother, Laura Bush, with fostering this passion, having herself found companionship in literature as an only child.
- Family Influence: Jenna’s upbringing prioritized literacy, with both parents instilling a love for stories at an early age.
- Authorial Experience: Jenna is also the co-author of two books: Everything Beautiful in Its Time with her mother, and Sisters First with her sister Barbara Bush.
How the Read With Jenna Book Club Was Born
The origins of Read With Jenna trace back to Jenna’s desire to replicate her private love of reading on a larger stage: “Why not do what I do in my personal life on television?” she reflected, leading to the club’s debut in March 2019. Since then, she has released a featured book each month, cultivating a vibrant following and helping books reach bestseller status through her influential endorsements.
- Monthly Picks: One book is chosen each month—often novels but occasionally memoirs or literary fiction.
- Community Building: The club connects readers nationwide, offering both on-air and online discussions for each selection.
Jenna Bush Hager’s Book Club Picks: Complete List (2019–Present)
Below is a comprehensive chronology spotlighting every Read With Jenna selection since the club’s inception, featuring brief notes about the significance and themes of each pick.
| Month-Year | Title | Author | Genre / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2019 | The Last Romantics | Tara Conklin | Fiction / Family saga, love, loss |
| April 2019 | The Unwinding of the Miracle | Julie Yip-Williams | Memoir / Facing mortality |
| May 2019 | A Woman Is No Man | Etaf Rum | Fiction / Immigration, culture |
| June 2019 | Searching for Sylvie Lee | Jean Kwok | Fiction / Identity, family secrets |
| July 2019 | Evvie Drake Starts Over | Linda Holmes | Fiction / Reinvention, second chances |
| August 2019 | Patsy | Nicole Dennis-Benn | Fiction / Motherhood, migration |
| September 2019 | The Dearly Beloved | Cara Wall | Fiction / Faith, friendship |
| October 2019 | Nothing to See Here | Kevin Wilson | Fiction / Parenting, eccentricity |
| … | … | … | … |
| Latest Pick | [Insert Most Recent Book Title] | [Insert Author Name] | [Insert Genre / Theme] |
Visit Today’s official Read With Jenna hub for the full, detailed list, as new picks are announced each month.
Why Jenna Bush Hager Chooses These Novels
Jenna’s selections reflect diverse interests, but she consistently gravitates toward books with deeply emotional narratives and multilayered characters. According to interviews, her criteria for picks include:
- Relatable Themes: Books must have universal appeal, touching on friendship, family, or overcoming adversity.
- Thoughtful Representation: Selections highlight women’s experiences, multicultural stories, and underrepresented voices.
- Discussion Potential: Jenna values novels that inspire lively conversation, both on the show and in book clubs across the country.
Jenna also frequently consults with publishing experts, her team, and occasionally readers for input, ensuring picks resonate widely while introducing audiences to new perspectives.
Celebrating Four Years of Read With Jenna
In March 2023, Jenna marked a major milestone: four successful years of her book club, now a cornerstone of Today’s culture and a powerful influencer in contemporary literature. The celebration at McNally Jackson bookstore in New York featured authors, readers, fellow Today co-hosts, and her sister Barbara Bush. Jenna described the evening as “magical,” underscoring the community and joy fostered by Read With Jenna.
Jenna Bush Hager: Author, Podcaster, Literary Advocate
- Cohost, Today Show: Jenna shares her picks live with millions of viewers.
- Published Author: Her books, including Everything Beautiful in Its Time, focus on family, memory, and coming-of-age themes.
- Podcast Host: Jenna launched “Open Book with Jenna,” where she interviews authors and dives deeper into storytelling and literary culture.
Impact of Jenna Bush Hager’s Book Club
Jenna Bush Hager’s book club has made a measurable impact in several key ways:
- Boosting Book Sales: Her picks often become instant bestsellers, driving visibility for new and established authors.
- Community Engagement: Readers from varied backgrounds participate in discussions online and in person, sharing insights and building friendships.
- Diversity in Literature: The club spotlights voices from different cultures, backgrounds, and genres.
- Media Influence: Books featured are discussed on the Today Show, social media, and Jenna’s podcast, amplifying their reach.
How to Participate in Read With Jenna
Getting involved with Jenna Bush Hager’s book club is straightforward:
- Follow the Today Show or Jenna’s official social accounts for the latest pick.
- Read the selected novel each month and join discussions on social media platforms.
- Attend live events or virtual discussions when available, sometimes featuring the author themselves.
- Use #ReadWithJenna to connect with fellow fans and share your thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does Jenna choose her book club selections?
A: Jenna and her team look for novels with compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and broad appeal. She often prioritizes powerful women’s narratives and diverse perspectives.
Q: Where can I find the full list of Read With Jenna picks?
A: The Today Show website maintains an up-to-date list of every selection since 2019. Jenna also announces each new pick on-air and via social media.
Q: Can I join the book club discussions online?
A: Yes! Readers can engage with other fans on social media, using #ReadWithJenna, and participate in Today show segments and periodic live events.
Q: Has Jenna Bush Hager written any books herself?
A: Jenna has authored several books, including Everything Beautiful in Its Time and Sisters First, both available in adult and children’s editions.
Q: What should I expect from a typical Read With Jenna pick?
A: Picks are generally recent literary fiction or memoirs, with strong characters, unique perspectives, and themes that spark discussion.
Why Join Jenna Bush Hager’s Book Club?
Joining Read With Jenna brings numerous rewards:
- Discover new authors: The club shines a light on emerging and established talent alike.
- Build community: Discussing books with fellow readers deepens understanding and forges connections.
- Engage with the Today Show: Watch author interviews, themed segments, and Jenna’s literary commentary each month.
- Celebrate reading: Jenna’s selections help revive excitement for reading and encourage lifelong book habits.
What Sets Read With Jenna Apart?
Unlike traditional book clubs, Read With Jenna leverages the power of media and social connection to make reading a shared, nationwide experience. Jenna’s personal touch and careful curation lend authenticity and depth to the club, and her willingness to celebrate every book—each choice treated as both a personal and communal adventure—resonates with a broad audience.
- Personal Connection: Each pick is tied to a story or theme that resonates with Jenna or the club’s ethos.
- Continual Innovation: Live events, author interviews, and multimedia engagement evolve with the club’s growing audience.
- Inclusivity: The book club is open to anyone, embracing fresh perspectives and new readers.
Stay Connected and Explore More
Sign up for updates, follow Jenna’s book tour, and tune into her podcast to deepen your engagement. Explore related resources:
- Follow Jenna Bush Hager on social media for direct updates.
- Visit Today’s Read With Jenna hub for listings and discussions.
- Listen to the “Open Book with Jenna” podcast for exclusive author interviews and roundtable discussions.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Jenna Bush Hager’s Book Club
As Read With Jenna celebrates its successive anniversaries, the club continues to expand, drawing in new readers and elevating new voices. Jenna’s unique blend of heartfelt stories, personal connection, and media savvy ensures that her book club will remain a powerful force in the literary landscape for years to come.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/life/g30793830/jenna-bush-hager-book-club/
- https://www.prevention.com/life/a43336281/today-show-jenna-bush-hager-book-club-instagram/
- https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/jennabushhager
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/open-book-with-jenna/id1707218732
- https://libguides.freeportlibrary.info/BookClubsandBookSuggestions/JennaBushHager
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPHtluanKl4




