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Read With Jenna Book Club Picks

Jenna chose these books because she loves them. If you purchase something through our links, we earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.These books were independently chosen by Jenna Bush Hager because she loves them. Jenna was not paid to mention these items and is unaffiliated with the authors and publishers. These books are simply some of her favorite reads. If you purchase something through our links, we earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.

  • COMING OF AGE

    "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros

    "The House on Mango Street" was originally published in 1984 and tells the story of Esperanza, a Mexican-American girl growing up in a Hispanic neighborhood of Chicago, through a series of vignettes.
    COMING OF AGE

    "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros

    "The House on Mango Street" was originally published in 1984 and tells the story of Esperanza, a Mexican-American girl growing up in a Hispanic neighborhood of Chicago, through a series of vignettes.

    "I have loved 'The House on Mango Street' since I first read it in high school because I feel like Sandra Cisneros writes in such a poetic, gorgeous way, and the character of Esperanza has stayed with me all of those years," Jenna says. "But it is particularly meaningful to me because I read it when I was young, and then I taught it to my middle schoolers when I was a teacher in Baltimore."

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  • HISTORICAL FICTION

    “The Great Divide” by Cristina Henriquez

    Through the perspectives of nearly a dozen characters, Henriquez shares what she calls "the humanity behind the Panama Canal" through her historical fiction novel.
    HISTORICAL FICTION

    “The Great Divide” by Cristina Henriquez

    Through the perspectives of nearly a dozen characters, Henriquez shares what she calls "the humanity behind the Panama Canal" through her historical fiction novel.

    "One thing you may not know about me is that I lived in Panama, in 2005, 2006," Jenna says. "So when I read this book, I was filled with memories of my time there. You will love these characters — it is epic and lovely. There are so many different storylines that all come together at the end, which is one of my favorite ways to read and fall in love with a story."

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  • Romance

    "Good Material" by Dolly Alderton

    “I love this book so much,” Jenna says. “I’m obsessed with it because it’s a deconstructed love story."
    Romance

    "Good Material" by Dolly Alderton

    “I love this book so much,” Jenna says. “I’m obsessed with it because it’s a deconstructed love story."

    “Good Material” is narrated by Andy, a 35-year-old comedian recently dumped by his ex Jen, as he tries to figure out what caused the end of their four-year relationship.

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  • Family Life

    “The Waters” by Bonnie Jo Campbell

    "I love 'The Waters' by the great Bonnie Jo Campbell so much. This book is so beautiful," Jenna said.
    Family Life

    “The Waters” by Bonnie Jo Campbell

    "I love 'The Waters' by the great Bonnie Jo Campbell so much. This book is so beautiful," Jenna said.

    "It is about a matriarch and healer and what happens when one of her three daughters brings home a baby. You will fall in love with the girl she grows up to be. She’s one of the most funny, interesting characters of all time. It’s about mothers and daughters. A book for anyone who loves nature, land and where we find beauty and magic. I promise you’ll pick up this book and fall in love," Jenna said.

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  • Historical

    “We Must Not Think of Ourselves” by Lauren Grodstein

    Read With Jenna's final pick of 2023 is a historical novel Jenna Bush Hager calls "moving." "I read this book about a year ago and it took my breath away. It is a little piece of history," Jenna says.
    Historical

    “We Must Not Think of Ourselves” by Lauren Grodstein

    Read With Jenna's final pick of 2023 is a historical novel Jenna Bush Hager calls "moving." "I read this book about a year ago and it took my breath away. It is a little piece of history," Jenna says.

    "It is a book about love and resilience, about hope, even in the darkest moments. It’s timely and powerful, and it proves that even in the darkest corners, love still remains."

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  • The Sun Sets in Singapore by Kehinde Fadipe
    ROMANCE

    “The Sun Sets in Singapore” by Kehinde Fadipe

    Jenna’s pick for November, is set amid the hustle and bustle of Singapore, where three Nigerian expats are attempting to live their best lives.
    ROMANCE

    “The Sun Sets in Singapore” by Kehinde Fadipe

    Jenna’s pick for November, is set amid the hustle and bustle of Singapore, where three Nigerian expats are attempting to live their best lives.

    “It’s about three best friends who each are at a different stage in their lives, even though they’re the same age, which I find to be so relevant for women these days,” Jenna says. “I loved this story about friendship, who we lean on, female ambition and what defines us.”

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  • How To Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair
    MEMOIR

    "How To Say Babylon" by Safiya Sinclair

    Jenna Bush Hager's October 2023 Read With Jenna pick is a memoir she calls "incredible." It is a memoir about the author's upbringing in a Rastafarian family in Jamaica.
    MEMOIR

    "How To Say Babylon" by Safiya Sinclair

    Jenna Bush Hager's October 2023 Read With Jenna pick is a memoir she calls "incredible." It is a memoir about the author's upbringing in a Rastafarian family in Jamaica.

    Sinclair is a poet, and Jenna says it shows in her writing. "It's a book about freedom, choice, becoming who we're meant to be," Jenna says, but it's also about "family and a mom's devotion."

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  • Amazing Grace by Fran Littlewood
    Family Life

    "Amazing Grace Adams" by Fran Littlewood

    Jenna Bush Hager says her September 2023 Read With Jenna pick is "hilarious" and that should be apparent from the cover.
    Family Life

    "Amazing Grace Adams" by Fran Littlewood

    Jenna Bush Hager says her September 2023 Read With Jenna pick is "hilarious" and that should be apparent from the cover.

    "Amazing Grace Adams," a debut novel by British author Fran Littlewood, is the story of one woman's no good, very bad day.

    "It takes place over one day with a ton of flashbacks, so you see why Grace's life has been shattered," Jenna say. "You find out her marriage is falling apart. Her daughter won’t speak to her."

    Despite all this, Jenna says the book is "wildly funny" in its approach to "dealing with so many of the issues that mothers and wives face mid-age."

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  • Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
    romance

    "Summer Sisters" by Judy Blume

    “It's about that time in your life where you're trying to figure out who you're going to be,” Jenna says. “It is the perfect, perfect beach read but that doesn't mean that it's an easy read."
    romance

    "Summer Sisters" by Judy Blume

    “It's about that time in your life where you're trying to figure out who you're going to be,” Jenna says. “It is the perfect, perfect beach read but that doesn't mean that it's an easy read."

    "It's a beautiful read and it will make you think about growing up and that friend of yours who you adored, but maybe didn't know if they were good for you.”

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  • Banyan Moon by Thao Thai
    FAMILY LIFE

    "Banyan Moon" by Thao Thai

    "When Minh, the beloved matriarch of the Tran family, passes away, her granddaughter, Ann, goes back to the family house in Florida. It’s the story of Ann and her estranged mom Huong, and the sweeping love story of Minh in Vietnam," Jenna says.
    FAMILY LIFE

    "Banyan Moon" by Thao Thai

    "When Minh, the beloved matriarch of the Tran family, passes away, her granddaughter, Ann, goes back to the family house in Florida. It’s the story of Ann and her estranged mom Huong, and the sweeping love story of Minh in Vietnam," Jenna says.

    "Banyan Moon" is Thai's debut novel, and features three perspectives from the Tran family: Ann, Huơng and Minh are all narrators. Thai tells TODAY.com the book centers around the three women as they “grapple with some real losses and secrets.”

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  • The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
    Family Life

    "The Celebrants" by Steven Rowley

    According to Jenna, it's “the perfect summer book.” She says “it’ll make you cry on one page and laugh hysterically on the other.”
    Family Life

    "The Celebrants" by Steven Rowley

    According to Jenna, it's “the perfect summer book.” She says “it’ll make you cry on one page and laugh hysterically on the other.”

    The book follows a group of friends who meet at UC Berkeley and stay in each other’s lives thanks to an unusual pact.

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  • Dystopian

    "Chain-Gang All Stars" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

    "It’ll make you have conversations about the prison industrial complex," Jenna said. "It pushed me, for sure — but that’s the incredible thing about reading."
    Dystopian

    "Chain-Gang All Stars" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

    "It’ll make you have conversations about the prison industrial complex," Jenna said. "It pushed me, for sure — but that’s the incredible thing about reading."

    ”It’s about female gladiators in a future world where there’s a sport unlike any we’ve seen. Prisoners are meant to fight each other in order to get their freedom,” she says. While violent, Jenna says there’s a “love story at its heart.”

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  • Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling
    Science Fiction

    "Camp Zero" by Michelle Min Sterling

    “It is action-packed,” Jenna said. “I read it so fast. My sister did, too. You are going to love it.”
    Science Fiction

    "Camp Zero" by Michelle Min Sterling

    “It is action-packed,” Jenna said. “I read it so fast. My sister did, too. You are going to love it.”

    “You’ve never been anywhere like the world Michelle created,” Jenna said. “That’s one of the things I love about reading. It’ll take you to places you’ve never traveled.”

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  • Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown
    Family Life

    "Black Candle Women" by Diane Marie Brown

    "It’s about love, it’s about mothers and daughters — and it will bring you so much joy," she says.
  • Maame by Jessica George
    Coming of age

    "Maame" by Jessica George

    “I just couldn't believe the author’s talent and the range of emotions I felt while reading it. On one page I was crying, yet on another page, I laughed hysterically,” she adds.
    Coming of age

    "Maame" by Jessica George

    “I just couldn't believe the author’s talent and the range of emotions I felt while reading it. On one page I was crying, yet on another page, I laughed hysterically,” she adds.

    “It felt singular and interesting — raw and new,” Jenna tells TODAY.com.

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  • Sam by Allegra Goodman
    Coming of Age

    "Sam" by Allegra Goodman

    "'Sam' is about as perfect of a coming-of-age story I have ever read. It explores what happens when one girl loses the wonder of childhood — the innocence of her early years only to reclaim her power and hope," Jenna said.
    Coming of Age

    "Sam" by Allegra Goodman

    "'Sam' is about as perfect of a coming-of-age story I have ever read. It explores what happens when one girl loses the wonder of childhood — the innocence of her early years only to reclaim her power and hope," Jenna said.

    "Although it is a story of one girl, it will take all readers back to their own youth. I fell into this novel and read it in one sitting. Sam is the ideal book for all readers: those of you who read with us every month or those whose resolution it is to read more."

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  • The Secret History by Donna Tartt
    Mystery

    “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt

    “It is a pillar of the last 30 years in literature,” Jenna says.
    Mystery

    “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt

    “It is a pillar of the last 30 years in literature,” Jenna says.

    “With a book as layered as ‘The Secret History,’ there's going to be new revelations every time you read it. I feel like this is the type of book that needs to be reread every 10, 20, 30 years — which I just cannot believe,” she says.

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  • The Cloisters by Katy Hays
    Thriller

    "The Cloisters" by Katy Hays

    “I have recommended it to everybody that I possibly can because I feel like it's the perfect mystery,” Jenna said.
  • The Whalebone Theatre
    Literary Fiction

    "The Whalebone Theatre" by Joanna Quinn

    “It’s epic in scope,” Jenna said. “I couldn’t believe how beautiful the writing was. I was underlining things — it just says so much about where we find hope and love amid our darkest times.”
  • Solito by Javier Zamora
    Memoir

    "Solito" by Javier Zamora

    “I don’t think I’ve ever read a memoir which captivated me in so many ways."
    Memoir

    "Solito" by Javier Zamora

    “I don’t think I’ve ever read a memoir which captivated me in so many ways."

    “It was a beautiful book about family, those that we have and those that we make, and the little family that they made on their journey, which was almost sort of ""Iliad""-esque. An epic journey to their loved ones, because they had no choice,” Jenna said.

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  • The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford
    Historical

    "The Many Daughters of Afong Moy" by Jamie Ford

    “The Many Daughters of Afong Moy is one of the most beautiful books of motherhood of what we pass on to those that come after us — what we inherit. It's a book about strength and goodness. I just thought that this was the most incredible book that really displays the strength of women, and a time where I think we need it most," Jenna said.
    Historical

    "The Many Daughters of Afong Moy" by Jamie Ford

    “The Many Daughters of Afong Moy is one of the most beautiful books of motherhood of what we pass on to those that come after us — what we inherit. It's a book about strength and goodness. I just thought that this was the most incredible book that really displays the strength of women, and a time where I think we need it most," Jenna said.

    "Jamie Ford astounds me," Jenna said of the book's author. The book, which she describes as "epic," imagines the many, many generations of Afong Moy, believed to be the first Chinese women in the U.S. "Each scene, each world that these women live in, are ones that I wanted to stay in for a long time. The characters are still with me — I can’t stop thinking about them."

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  • The Measure by Nikki Erlick
    Fiction

    "The Measure" by Nikki Erlick

    "It sounds ominous in many ways but actually, it is about love and how we choose to spend out days," says Jenna, "I think it will make everyone feel immense gratitude for the beautiful little moments."
    Fiction

    "The Measure" by Nikki Erlick

    "It sounds ominous in many ways but actually, it is about love and how we choose to spend out days," says Jenna, "I think it will make everyone feel immense gratitude for the beautiful little moments."

    Jenna said, "After my husband and I read it, we had a long conversation about our life. I think it will lead people to really think about how they live." Jenna Bush Hager said, "I know it sounds like a book about death but really it’s a book about how we choose to live."

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  • These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany
    Fiction

    “These Impossible Things” by Salma El-Wardany

    "Just like in my own life, this book is about three strong women who are the heroines of their own stories," said Jenna, "This book perfectly portrays the power, vulnerability and solace I have always found in female friendship."
    Fiction

    “These Impossible Things” by Salma El-Wardany

    "Just like in my own life, this book is about three strong women who are the heroines of their own stories," said Jenna, "This book perfectly portrays the power, vulnerability and solace I have always found in female friendship."

    The story is about best friends, Melak, Kees and Jenna as they find their way in the world. As they reconcile the cultural norms and societal expectations that accompany growing up in strict Muslim households with their own desires and passions, they know they have each other. They turn to each other when they are at their most raw, when they are looking for companionship and when they just want a good laugh.

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  • Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
    Literary Fiction

    "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt

    “This novel is filled with love, humor, joy and healing. It demonstrates the power and beauty of unexpected friendships. I can’t wait for this creative, feel-good story to surprise and delight the Read With Jenna book club this May,” said Jenna Bush Hager.
    Literary Fiction

    "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt

    “This novel is filled with love, humor, joy and healing. It demonstrates the power and beauty of unexpected friendships. I can’t wait for this creative, feel-good story to surprise and delight the Read With Jenna book club this May,” said Jenna Bush Hager.

    "Van Pelt’s debut novel tells the story of Tova, a widowed, night shift janitor working at an aquarium in Washington State. Tova had taken the job to stay busy; something she’s been trying to do since her eighteen-year-old son disappeared on the Puget Sound 30-years-earlier.

    While working, she forms an unexpected yet remarkable friendship with a giant pacific octopus named Marcellus. Marcellus is much smarter than he lets on. After he takes a liking to Tova, he helps her uncover the mystery behind the years-long disappearance of her son.

    “Not since ‘The Life of Pi’ have I found a book with such creativity and such a strong voice,” Jenna told TODAY."

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  • Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
    Literary Fiction

    "Memphis" by Tara M. Stringfellow

    This debut novel is told over 70 years from the shifting perspectives of Hazel, her daughters’, Miriam and August, and Miriam’s daughter, Joan. The book jumps back and forth through time as it slowly unveils the legacy each generation passes down to the next.
    Literary Fiction

    "Memphis" by Tara M. Stringfellow

    This debut novel is told over 70 years from the shifting perspectives of Hazel, her daughters’, Miriam and August, and Miriam’s daughter, Joan. The book jumps back and forth through time as it slowly unveils the legacy each generation passes down to the next.

    "This debut novel is a magnificent, engaging book about how love, trauma and sacrifice are passed down through three generations of Black women," said Jenna Bush Hager. "While the women endure deep loss, racism and abuse, they also find healing in friendship, community and forgiveness," said Jenna.

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  • Grounds Keeping by Lee Cole
    Literary Fiction

    "Groundskeeping" by Lee Cole

    It’s a story about love and identity and where we are from. It is about what makes us a family. I feel like it will lead to a lot of important conversation about what brings us together and what divides us. In a time when our country does seem so divided, I felt like it would be a healing, beautiful book for so many to read.
    Literary Fiction

    "Groundskeeping" by Lee Cole

    It’s a story about love and identity and where we are from. It is about what makes us a family. I feel like it will lead to a lot of important conversation about what brings us together and what divides us. In a time when our country does seem so divided, I felt like it would be a healing, beautiful book for so many to read.

    "Set in 2016 Kentucky, just prior to the election, aspiring writer Owen Callahan finds himself back home living with his uncle and grandfather. In exchange for writing courses, Owen becomes a groundskeeper at his local college. This is also how he meets and starts a secret relationship with writer-in-residence Alma Hazdic.

    Alma comes from a very different background than Owen. She grew up in a liberal family of Bosnian immigrants. As the two become closer, they explore their different experiences of home and family during a divided moment in U.S. history."

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  • Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
    Contemporary Fiction

    "Black Cake" by Charmaine Wilkerson

    This book is about family, legacy and what binds us together. There was something almost mysterious about it. I was on the edge of my seat. I wanted to know what was going to happen and who these character were.
    Contemporary Fiction

    "Black Cake" by Charmaine Wilkerson

    This book is about family, legacy and what binds us together. There was something almost mysterious about it. I was on the edge of my seat. I wanted to know what was going to happen and who these character were.

    "The story begins with a death. In her passing, Eleanor Bennett leaves her two children a slice of Black Cake made with their family’s secret recipe and a lengthy audio recording. With that, estranged siblings Byron and Benny untangle a web of mysteries and buried family secrets. As long-hidden truths come to light, they grapple with the impact of their mother's choices.

    It is beautifully paced over multiple generations and shifting perspectives. It cover themes of immigration, racism, identity and familial trauma. I couldn’t believe it was a debut."

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  • The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
    Dystopian Fiction

    "The School for Good Mothers" by Jessamine Chan

    Is it possible for a book to be so good that it ruins reading all together? I had serious concerns that this might be true after finishing “A School For Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan. This debut novel was so captivating, thought-provoking and beautifully written, everything I tried to pick up next paled in comparison. It was all I wanted to talk about, think about and read.
    Dystopian Fiction

    "The School for Good Mothers" by Jessamine Chan

    Is it possible for a book to be so good that it ruins reading all together? I had serious concerns that this might be true after finishing “A School For Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan. This debut novel was so captivating, thought-provoking and beautifully written, everything I tried to pick up next paled in comparison. It was all I wanted to talk about, think about and read.

    The dystopian drama is about a young Chinese mother whose pride and joy is her only daughter, Harriet. After making one critical mistake, Frida finds herself in a government reform program for bad mothers. While the custody of her child hangs in the balance, she must prove her worth as a mother or risk losing Harriet forever.

    Once I started, I couldn’t put Chan’s novel down. This book is every mother’s worst nightmare written in exquisitely beautiful prose. It offers a sharp social commentary about parenthood and the vulnerability of mothers.

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  • Bright Burning Things by Lisa Harding
    Fiction/Drama

    "Bright Burning Things" by Lisa Harding

    I have never read a book that addresses mental health and alcoholism in as transparent and beautiful a way as “Bright Burning Things” by Lisa Harding. It is a thought-provoking story about motherhood and addiction that is full of human emotion and struggle.
    Fiction/Drama

    "Bright Burning Things" by Lisa Harding

    I have never read a book that addresses mental health and alcoholism in as transparent and beautiful a way as “Bright Burning Things” by Lisa Harding. It is a thought-provoking story about motherhood and addiction that is full of human emotion and struggle.

    The novel is about Sonya, a former actress who is facing down the demons of her childhood trauma and failed career. As her alcoholism spirals out of control, the one thing she remains proud of is her four-year-old son, Tommy. While heartbreaking at times, I found the book to be about resilience and the power of a mother’s love. The writing is raw and intimate. I felt like I was in their apartment with them. To feel that close to the characters, to really understand their motives and desires made the novel gripping and powerful.

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  • The Family by Naomi Krupitsky
    Fiction/Drama

    "The Family" by Naomi Krupitsky

    In her debut novel, “The Family,” author Naomi Krupitksy tells the mafia’s story from the unique vantage point of these two young girls as they grow into wives, mothers and leaders in their community. “The Family” is a coming-of-age story about loyalty, resilience and what it means to belong to a group that is bigger than yourself.
    Fiction/Drama

    "The Family" by Naomi Krupitsky

    In her debut novel, “The Family,” author Naomi Krupitksy tells the mafia’s story from the unique vantage point of these two young girls as they grow into wives, mothers and leaders in their community. “The Family” is a coming-of-age story about loyalty, resilience and what it means to belong to a group that is bigger than yourself.

    "Sofia Colicchio's bold and loud personality is a perfect balance to her best friend, Antonia Russo's reserved and quiet nature. As children, they recognize their fathers as powerful men in their community but they don't understand why. When Antonio's father goes missing after a walk with the boss, a crack begins to form in their life-long bond.

    As they grow into young women with families of their own, their neighborhood of Red Hook grows around them. They become leaders in their community as they push the boundaries of the society they were born into. It all comes to a break on one night, when their loyalty to the Family and two each other faces the ultimate test."

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  • The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
    Historical Fiction

    "The Lincoln Highway" by Amor Towles

    When I read Amor Towles third and most recent book, “The Lincoln Highway,” I knew I had to share it with my book club. Not only is it one of the most beautifully written books I have ever picked up, it’s a story about hope, friendship and companionship in a time when we need it so much.
    Historical Fiction

    "The Lincoln Highway" by Amor Towles

    When I read Amor Towles third and most recent book, “The Lincoln Highway,” I knew I had to share it with my book club. Not only is it one of the most beautifully written books I have ever picked up, it’s a story about hope, friendship and companionship in a time when we need it so much.

    "After Emmett is dropped off at home in Nebraska by the warden of the juvenile work farm he's spent the last 15 months serving time at, he is shocked to find out his two friends from the detention center, Wooley and Duchess, snuck a ride in the trunk of the warden's car with big plans to travel to New York City. The three 18-year-old’s gather up Billy, Emmett's eight-year-old brother, and together they embark on their fateful journey.

    Spanning just 10 days, the historical fiction novel is told from the shifting perspectives of eight different characters. Towles brilliantly captures the inner reality of each with profound and poetic prose."

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  • Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang
    MEMOIR

    "Beautiful Country" by Qian Julie Wang

    In her memoir, “Beautiful Country,” author Qian Julie Wang shares her families remarkable journey from China to the U.S. in search of a better life in New York City.
    MEMOIR

    "Beautiful Country" by Qian Julie Wang

    In her memoir, “Beautiful Country,” author Qian Julie Wang shares her families remarkable journey from China to the U.S. in search of a better life in New York City.

    "From joyful childhood memories to the fear and trauma that accompanied her families undocumented status, Wang’s detailed descriptions will transport readers to the streets of New York City’s Chinatown," said Jenna, "Wang writes about learning English from library books, working for pennies sewing with her mother, dancing with her dad and her mother’s constant efforts to protect her."

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  • The Turnout by Megan Abbot
    Mystery

    "The Turnout" by Megan Abbott

    "I love how Megan Abbott looks at the darker sides of things that we all remember, such as ballet classes as children," said Jenna, "She examines the relationship between Dara and Marie and the past that connects them while exploring themes of siblinghood, how our past predicts our future and the darker side of ballet."
    Mystery

    "The Turnout" by Megan Abbott

    "I love how Megan Abbott looks at the darker sides of things that we all remember, such as ballet classes as children," said Jenna, "She examines the relationship between Dara and Marie and the past that connects them while exploring themes of siblinghood, how our past predicts our future and the darker side of ballet."

    Sisters Dara and Marie Durant, along with Dara’s husband, Charlie, run a ballet studio they inherited after the loss of their parents in a tragic accident. Up until now, the three of them have operated in harmony, each holding their own responsibilities in the family business. Just before the annual "Nutcracker" performance, when a suspicious accident occurs in the studio, a contractor named Derek enters their lives and threatens the delicate balance under which they operate. As Derek becomes a point of fixation for Marie and convinces the trio to undertake a lofty renovation, questions begin to surface about who he is, what he knows and why he is there.

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  • Hell of a Book by Jason Mott
    Family Life

    "Hell of a Book" by Jason Mott

    "It is a timely exploration into what it means to be a Black man living in America," said Jenna. "It’s a beautiful story about family love and dedication to finding out who we are."
    Family Life

    "Hell of a Book" by Jason Mott

    "It is a timely exploration into what it means to be a Black man living in America," said Jenna. "It’s a beautiful story about family love and dedication to finding out who we are."

    Told through two parallel storylines. , "Hell of a Book" is a heart-breaking yet, at moments, hilarious, novel about living as a Black man in America. On one side, there is an unnamed Black author on a book tour through contemporary America. On the other, a young Black boy named Soot is growing up in the American South. The unnamed author is funny. Reality blurs as he experiences bizarre moments on tour and continues to encounter another unnamed character, known as The Kid. Meanwhile, in Soot’s story, we read about the injustices and fears faced by a young Black boy growing up in the South.

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  • Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
    Family Saga

    "Malibu Rising," by Taylor Jenkins Reid

    "I felt like 'Malibu Rising' was a compulsively fun read that anybody would want to throw in their beach bag," said Jenna, "I think after the year we’ve had, everybody is looking forward to summer and this book felt like the perfect kick-off. "
    Family Saga

    "Malibu Rising," by Taylor Jenkins Reid

    "I felt like 'Malibu Rising' was a compulsively fun read that anybody would want to throw in their beach bag," said Jenna, "I think after the year we’ve had, everybody is looking forward to summer and this book felt like the perfect kick-off. "

    “Malibu Rising” tells the story of one summer night that changes everything for the four Riva siblings, Nina, Jay, Hud and Kit, who are the offspring of legendary singer Mick Riva. Over the course of a 24-hour period, Reid skillfully mixes Nina’s legendary end-of-summer party with flashbacks to Mick’s tumultuous relationship with his children’s mother. I loved the contrast between 1950s and 1980s Malibu and the insight into what makes these characters who they are.

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  • Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
    Historical Fiction

    "Great Circle," by Maggie Shipstead

    "Now, more than ever, I love reading about women who chart their own courses. As a mom of two little girls and a young boy, I believe it is important to highlight fictional and nonfictional stories of fierce, independent women who don’t conform to what society says we need to be."
    Historical Fiction

    "Great Circle," by Maggie Shipstead

    "Now, more than ever, I love reading about women who chart their own courses. As a mom of two little girls and a young boy, I believe it is important to highlight fictional and nonfictional stories of fierce, independent women who don’t conform to what society says we need to be."

    Born in 1914, Marian drops out of school at the age of 14 to follow her passion for aviation. She becomes a pilot after a wealthy bootlegger provides her with a plane and lessons, a debt she pays back for the rest of her life. A century later, Hadley Baxter is an actor caught in the prison of celebrity culture in Hollywood. When she is cast to play Marian in a film about the pilot’s disappearance in Antarctica, the two women’s fates collide. "I’m not sure I have ever highlighted such an ambitious novel," Jenna said.

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  • Good Company by Cynthia D'aprix Sweeney
    Coming of Age

    "Good Company," by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

    "I was captivated by the way the author writes intimately about human connection, including the ties between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, and friends."
    Coming of Age

    "Good Company," by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

    "I was captivated by the way the author writes intimately about human connection, including the ties between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, and friends."

    This novel's story begins when, 20 years into her happy marriage, Flora discovers an envelope containing the wedding ring her husband claimed to have lost years prior. "It’s in some ways a coming-of-age book for a woman that is about to become an empty nester. We will always evolve and change. Watching this character do that will feel very relatable for a lot of different women," said Jenna.

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  • What's Mine and Yours by Naima Coster
    Family Life

    "What's Mine and Yours," by Naima Coster

    "The story is epic in scope. It is about understanding the demons and the hardships that come before us and how they affect our lives."
    Family Life

    "What's Mine and Yours," by Naima Coster

    "The story is epic in scope. It is about understanding the demons and the hardships that come before us and how they affect our lives."

    This novel is about two American families, specifically two mothers, each fighting for a better future for their kids. "As a mother myself, I related to the mothers' fierce love for their children even when they made mistakes," said the TODAY book expert. "Nobody understands us like our families, even when imperfect."

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  • Send For Me by Lauren Fox
    Historical Fiction

    "Send for Me," by Lauren Fox

    "It’s a love story, but is also about all the complications we experience in life from heartbreak to tough choices. Truthful and real, this is a book that completely captures the textures of real life."
    Historical Fiction

    "Send for Me," by Lauren Fox

    "It’s a love story, but is also about all the complications we experience in life from heartbreak to tough choices. Truthful and real, this is a book that completely captures the textures of real life."

    Set in pre-WWII and present-day Wisconsin, this novel follows the lives of two women as each are faced with impossible choices. "I’ve read so many books set in the pre-WWII era, but this one felt really raw and fresh. It captures the emotion of what it feels like to be human."

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  • The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
    Historical Fiction

    "The Four Winds," by Kristin Hannah

    "Choosing two historical fictions for February was not intentional but it definitely emphasizes our readers' desire to explore this genre," said Jenna.
    Historical Fiction

    "The Four Winds," by Kristin Hannah

    "Choosing two historical fictions for February was not intentional but it definitely emphasizes our readers' desire to explore this genre," said Jenna.

    For the first time in her book club’s history, Jenna asked a group of club members to help her select a book. They picked "The Four Winds" by Kristin Hannah, a Depression-era novel that follows the story of Elsa Wescott and her family as they strive for a better life.

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  • Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour
    Satire

    "Black Buck," by Mateo Askaripour

    "'Black Buck' is raw and intimate — and a title I knew our book club readers needed to read as we begin this new year with a fresh start."
    Satire

    "Black Buck," by Mateo Askaripour

    "'Black Buck' is raw and intimate — and a title I knew our book club readers needed to read as we begin this new year with a fresh start."

    This novel tells the story of 22-year-old Darren who finds himself the only Black salesman at an eccentric tech start-up in New York City. "'Black Buck' is my favorite type of book: a surprise, a fresh gift," said Jenna. "Alternating moments of satirical humor with heartbreaking realities, this is a book that will have readers both laughing and crying."

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  • The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
    Literary Classic

    "The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison

    "It was the first book that really opened my eyes to how literature can create understanding and take you into worlds you don’t know."
    Literary Classic

    "The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison

    "It was the first book that really opened my eyes to how literature can create understanding and take you into worlds you don’t know."

    This novel by Jenna's favorite author of all time tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an 11-year-old Black girl living in Ohio who longs to be blonde-haired and blue-eyed. "I was totally in awe of Toni Morrison’s ability to make us feel like we were walking in Pecola’s footsteps," Jenna recalled about the first time she read the novel in her sophomore English class at Austin High School. "I remember marking it up like I had never marked up any books before."

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  • White Ivy by Susie Yang
    Coming of Age

    "White Ivy," by Susie Yang

    "White Ivy is a juicy and fun read with a shocking twist. It’s a coming-of-age novel that will lead to conversations about otherness and ambition."
    Coming of Age

    "White Ivy," by Susie Yang

    "White Ivy is a juicy and fun read with a shocking twist. It’s a coming-of-age novel that will lead to conversations about otherness and ambition."

    This novel follows the story of Ivy, a Chinese immigrant who strives for the glamorous life she associates with the American Dream, through any means necessary. "Ivy isn’t your typical heroine," Jenna explained. "She’s got a bit of an honesty problem and she loves to steal."

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  • Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam
    Family Life

    "Leave the World Behind," by Rumaan Alam

    "It’s chilling and mysterious but also poignant and even funny. My only advice: Read it with the lights on."
    Family Life

    "Leave the World Behind," by Rumaan Alam

    "It’s chilling and mysterious but also poignant and even funny. My only advice: Read it with the lights on."

    Jenna first read this book in the middle of the darkest days of the pandemic. The ominous novel tells the story of two families, strangers to each other, who become stranded in a vacation home together after a blackout. "It is a suspense at its core, but to call it only a thriller discredits the incredible detail and intimacy with which the author writes about and understands family dynamics and race," said Jenna.

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  • Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
    Family Life

    "Transcendent Kingdom," by Yaa Gyasi

    "Where do we look for solace when the worst happens? How do we make sense of senseless tragedies? This is a story about those big questions."
    Family Life

    "Transcendent Kingdom," by Yaa Gyasi

    "Where do we look for solace when the worst happens? How do we make sense of senseless tragedies? This is a story about those big questions."

    This novel follows the story of Gifty, a young Ghanaian-American woman pursuing a Ph.D., as she copes with loss and unanswered questions. "It’s also a book about mental health and race and I believe that, at this moment in our culture, it will lead to some really important conversations," said Jenna.

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  • Here For It by R. Eric Thomas
    Memoir

    "Here For It," by R. Eric Thomas

    "Here For It" is a memoir, presented through essays, about Thomas's life, identity and journey to self-acceptance while he was growing up as a Black and queer man in the U.S.
    Memoir

    "Here For It," by R. Eric Thomas

    "Here For It" is a memoir, presented through essays, about Thomas's life, identity and journey to self-acceptance while he was growing up as a Black and queer man in the U.S.

    Jenna selected this novel in collaboration with Noelle Santos, owner of The Lit Bar, the only independent bookstore in The Bronx. In the wake of George Floyd's death, Jenna shared that she wanted to promote a book that could continue important conversations happening around the country. "I knew (Santos) would have ideas on books that we can read as a club that would help us open our minds," said Jenna.

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  • The Comeback by Ella Berman
    Coming of Age

    "The Comeback," by Ella Berman

    "This beautifully written and compulsively readable book broke me from my pandemic blockage," said Jenna. "It is the perfect summer read."
    Coming of Age

    "The Comeback," by Ella Berman

    "This beautifully written and compulsively readable book broke me from my pandemic blockage," said Jenna. "It is the perfect summer read."

    In this novel, young actress Grace Turner reckons with the abuse that Hollywood allows. "Berman astonishingly began writing the novel before the #MeToo movement—and the novel takes advantage of the distance afforded by fiction to brilliantly continue the important conversation," said Jenna.

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  • Friends and Strangers by J. Courtney Sullivan
    Coming of Age

    "Friends and Strangers," by J. Courtney Sullivan

    “'Friends and Strangers' is a compellingly readable book that feels a little bit like a beach read, but at the same time tackles themes of acceptance of others and also of yourself."
    Coming of Age

    "Friends and Strangers," by J. Courtney Sullivan

    “'Friends and Strangers' is a compellingly readable book that feels a little bit like a beach read, but at the same time tackles themes of acceptance of others and also of yourself."

    Told from alternating perspectives of a young mom named Elisabeth and her nanny, Sam, this is a book about what it means to live an authentic, happy and purposeful life. "It’s a compelling book that takes on modern issues surrounding adulthood, motherhood, and class."

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  • A Burning by Megha Majumdar
    Political Thriller

    "A Burning," by Megha Majumdar

    "Themes of fate and class, corruption and justice abound as 'A Burning' poses the question: Who do we stand by when the worst happens? And what do we stand for?"
    Political Thriller

    "A Burning," by Megha Majumdar

    "Themes of fate and class, corruption and justice abound as 'A Burning' poses the question: Who do we stand by when the worst happens? And what do we stand for?"

    Set in contemporary India, the book tells the plight of three unique characters whose lives become entangled after a horrific terrorist attack. "I've never been to India, but through Megha’s words, I was transported there," said Jenna.

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  • All Adults Here, Emma Straub
    Family Life

    "All Adults Here," by Emma Straub

    "I think in a time when all we want is hope, 'All Adults Here' is a bright and beautiful book to reach for."
    Family Life

    "All Adults Here," by Emma Straub

    "I think in a time when all we want is hope, 'All Adults Here' is a bright and beautiful book to reach for."

    "The book explores how families can be messy and complicated while at the same time stay centered on love. It poses big themes that you can discuss with friends and family but also remains light and fun at its core."

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  • Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore
    Historical Fiction

    "Valentine," by Elizabeth Wetmore

    "This beautiful story of justice, redemption, grace, and strength will arrest and transport you," said Jenna.
    Historical Fiction

    "Valentine," by Elizabeth Wetmore

    "This beautiful story of justice, redemption, grace, and strength will arrest and transport you," said Jenna.

    Set in Odessa, Texas, in 1976, this novel follows the aftermath of a horrific act of violence: the attack of a 14-year-old girl named Gloria Ramirez. "From the beginning, I was drawn to the book’s setting: a western corner of my home state of Texas," said Jenna. "I also immediately felt my heritage in this novel, even glimpsing my grandma Jenna—a homemaker who never graduated from college but taught me every constellation in the sky—in the women of Valentine."

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  • Writers & Lovers by Lily King
    Coming of Age

    "Writers & Lovers,” by Lily King

    How long is it OK to hold onto a dream that isn’t coming true? Can you really have a love life and your dream career? These questions are at the heart of this coming-of-age story.
    Coming of Age

    "Writers & Lovers,” by Lily King

    How long is it OK to hold onto a dream that isn’t coming true? Can you really have a love life and your dream career? These questions are at the heart of this coming-of-age story.

    After the unexpected death of her beloved mother, aspiring writer Casey Peabody finds herself in a love triangle between a writing professor and his student. “I chose 'Writers and Lovers' because I don’t think I’ve chosen a book like this,” said Jenna. “Lily King really explores different themes that our book club hasn’t explored.”

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  • The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare'
    Coming of Age

    "The Girl With The Louding Voice," by Abi Daré

    "While reading, there were times when I felt like Adunni was whispering, singing and in parts, crying to me," Jenna said. "This is truly a love story about one young girl whose resilience and grit drive her, until her voice is loud and clear."
    Coming of Age

    "The Girl With The Louding Voice," by Abi Daré

    "While reading, there were times when I felt like Adunni was whispering, singing and in parts, crying to me," Jenna said. "This is truly a love story about one young girl whose resilience and grit drive her, until her voice is loud and clear."

    This debut novel tells the beautiful story of a young woman named Adunni who finds her voice and creates her own destiny in modern-day Nigeria. "She doesn’t get an education, she isn’t allowed to learn. Although it’s the fictional story of one young girl in Nigeria, it really is the story of so many others," Jenna explained.

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  • Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
    Coming of Age

    "Dear Edward," by Ann Napolitano

    "I choose Dear Edward because it is a book about love and loss and finding your way after the unthinkable."
    Coming of Age

    "Dear Edward," by Ann Napolitano

    "I choose Dear Edward because it is a book about love and loss and finding your way after the unthinkable."

    This novel tells the story of a 12-year-old boy named Edward after he is the sole survivor of a plane crash that claims the lives of 183 passengers, including his family. "One element of this story I particularly loved was the relationship between Edward and his brother which reminded me so much of my sister and I," Jenna said.

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  • Late Migrations by Margaret Renkl
    Memoir

    "Late Migrations," by Margret Renkl

    "It was a beautiful walk in the woods, you stopped and took in all of these beautiful things about life," Jenna said, "About relationships, about family, about friendships, about finding who you are."
    Memoir

    "Late Migrations," by Margret Renkl

    "It was a beautiful walk in the woods, you stopped and took in all of these beautiful things about life," Jenna said, "About relationships, about family, about friendships, about finding who you are."

    Late Migrations is a compilation of essays written by author Margaret Renkl that weave together to touch on themes of love, loss and hope. The book begins with the story Renkl was told about the birth of her mother and ends with her death. "The way that she put it all together felt like a beautiful collage," Jenna said.

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  • Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
    Humorous

    "Nothing to See Here," by Kevin Wilson

    "It sounds a little bit sci-fi but I don’t think any book has touched me about parenthood as much as 'Nothing to See Here,'" Jenna said.
    Humorous

    "Nothing to See Here," by Kevin Wilson

    "It sounds a little bit sci-fi but I don’t think any book has touched me about parenthood as much as 'Nothing to See Here,'" Jenna said.

    This story centers around a pair of estranged, longtime friends, Madison and Lillian, whose lives have gone in dramatically different directions. "The theme is definitely on family and being yourself and finding who you are, even if what you are seems strange to the rest of the world," Jenna explained.

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  • The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
    Family Life

    "The Dutch House," by Ann Patchett

    “I read ‘The Dutch House’ right after I had Hal, and even in the middle of the night when I was feeding him I reached for this beauty of a book," said Jenna.
    Family Life

    "The Dutch House," by Ann Patchett

    “I read ‘The Dutch House’ right after I had Hal, and even in the middle of the night when I was feeding him I reached for this beauty of a book," said Jenna.

    Set over five decades, this novel follows the close sibling relationship of the book's main characters, Danny and Maeve, as they navigate life's obstacles. “What I kept coming back to in this book was Danny and Maeve’s closeness, their bond, how they raise each other,” said Jenna.

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  • The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall
    Historical Fiction

    "The Dearly Beloved," by Cara Wall

    "I think it would be really interesting to read with your spouse and with friends," Jenna explained. "I told (my husband) Henry right after I finished it that I thought he should read it."
    Historical Fiction

    "The Dearly Beloved," by Cara Wall

    "I think it would be really interesting to read with your spouse and with friends," Jenna explained. "I told (my husband) Henry right after I finished it that I thought he should read it."

    This gracefully written novel follows two couples brought together to lead a historic church in New York City during the 1960s and traces the course of their lives before and after they intersect. "It’s a book about faith, friendship, relationships and what connects us," Jenna said.

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  • Patsy by Nicole Dennis-Benn
    Motherhood

    "Patsy," by Nicole Dennis-Benn

    "She wants freedom, and as you read you understand what she’s running from — the secrets she needs to be freed of."
    Motherhood

    "Patsy," by Nicole Dennis-Benn

    "She wants freedom, and as you read you understand what she’s running from — the secrets she needs to be freed of."

    "She wants freedom, and as you read you understand what she’s running from — the secrets she needs to be freed of."

    This story begins in Jamaica as the titular character gets her visa and makes the difficult decision to leave her daughter, Tru, behind while she seeks a better life for herself in America. "I think particularly now it’s critical that we open our minds to the way others live," Jenna said.

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  • Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
    Humorous

    "Evvie Drake Starts Over," by Linda Holmes

    "I was captivated by Evvie Drake right away," said Jenna. "By the character of Evvie — and her predicament of finding herself as a young widow and trying to find herself after being in this marriage and being in this relationship since high school."
    Humorous

    "Evvie Drake Starts Over," by Linda Holmes

    "I was captivated by Evvie Drake right away," said Jenna. "By the character of Evvie — and her predicament of finding herself as a young widow and trying to find herself after being in this marriage and being in this relationship since high school."

    This debut novel from Holmes (who's best known as the host of NPR's "Pop Culture Happy Hour" podcast) follows the titular character Evvie Drake a year after the death of her husband. "In a lot of romantic comedies, you kind of know exactly what’s going to happen," Jenna said. "You know exactly the character's motivation, which is to find the guy. And really, I think (Evvie's) motivation is to find herself. And to me that felt really empowering and fresh."

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  • Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok
    Mystery

    "Searching for Sylvie Lee," by Jean Kwok

    "Mysteries are my guilty pleasures. I always think I'm kind of good at solving what's happened early on in the book," Jenna explained.
    Mystery

    "Searching for Sylvie Lee," by Jean Kwok

    "Mysteries are my guilty pleasures. I always think I'm kind of good at solving what's happened early on in the book," Jenna explained.

    This gripping story begins when Sylvie Lee goes missing on a trip to visit her extended family in the Netherlands and her sister, Amy, must step up to lead the search. "Amy is searching for her sister and the sisterhood is, I think, the most beautiful part of it," Jenna said.

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  • A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum
    Womanhood

    "A Woman Is No Man," by Etaf Rum

    "It's about what is acceptable for a woman — how a woman can use her voice," Jenna told TODAY. "And to see these women change, and to see their idea of what they can be change over generations is really the story of so many women."
    Womanhood

    "A Woman Is No Man," by Etaf Rum

    "It's about what is acceptable for a woman — how a woman can use her voice," Jenna told TODAY. "And to see these women change, and to see their idea of what they can be change over generations is really the story of so many women."

    Following three women in a Palestinian family, this novel explores the tension between each woman's expectations and dreams as they raise the next generation of women in the U.S. "The story really captivated me," Jenna said. "I couldn’t put it down."

    See story
  • The Unwinding of The Miracle by Julie Yip-Williams
    Memoir

    "The Unwinding of the Miracle," by Julie Yip-Williams

    "She wrote throughout her cancer diagnosis to, I think, make sense of it," Jenna said. "But she also had two young daughters, like I do. She was the same age that I am when she was diagnosed, which I think was one reason I immediately connected with it."
    Memoir

    "The Unwinding of the Miracle," by Julie Yip-Williams

    "She wrote throughout her cancer diagnosis to, I think, make sense of it," Jenna said. "But she also had two young daughters, like I do. She was the same age that I am when she was diagnosed, which I think was one reason I immediately connected with it."

    Published posthumously, Yip-Williams' memoir traces her life beginning with her tumultuous childhood in Vietnam through her personal and professional successes as an adult. When confronted with a terminal diagnosis, she set out to document the miraculous life she'd led and the difficult task of grappling with its early end.

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  • The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin
    Family Life

    "The Last Romantics," by Tara Conklin

    "The Skinner siblings have this dynamic that any of us who are lucky enough to have siblings or best friends that are like sisters or brothers, we know that feeling of that shared history," Jenna said.
    Family Life

    "The Last Romantics," by Tara Conklin

    "The Skinner siblings have this dynamic that any of us who are lucky enough to have siblings or best friends that are like sisters or brothers, we know that feeling of that shared history," Jenna said.

    Jenna kicked off her book club with this moving and intimate novel that follows the story of four siblings as they grapple with tragedy. The final page of "The Last Romantics" is one of Jenna's favorite last pages of any book she's read!

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