The Full Read with Jenna Book Club List (October 2024)
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission.
Have you ever struggled to find your next great read? Look no further than the Read with Jenna Book Club List, curated by none other than Jenna Bush Hager herself.
As a co-host of the Today Show and an avid reader, Jenna has shared her love for books with audiences for years. But it wasn’t until 2019 that she started her own book club, and since then, it has become a must-follow for book lovers everywhere.
During the years, Jenna has chosen a wide range of books for her book club, from debut novels to historical fiction to young adults. Her selections often tackle important and timely themes such as race, identity, family dynamics, and more.
Table of Contents
Jenna's Picks 2024
The Mighty Red
by Louise Erdrich
October ’24 Pick
Thriller
Set in Argus, North Dakota, a group of people are interconnected through a fraught wedding. The story revolves around the love triangle between Gary Geist, an anxious young man set to inherit two farms; Kismet Poe, an impulsive and unpredictable woman he hopes to marry; and Hugo, a gentle giant who also loves Kismet. As they navigate their relationships, they also grapple with the impact of climate change, economic turmoil, and the fragility of human existence within the vastness of nature, making this narrative a compelling exploration of contemporary themes.
Blue Sisters
by Coco Mellors
September ’24 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
A year after the unexpected death of their fourth sister, Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky, each one dealing with their own struggles must come together to confront their childhood traumas and secrets while also trying to stop the sale of their family home in New York. With Coco Mellors’ signature blend of humor and heart, Blue Sisters is a heartwarming and honest story about grief, addiction, ambition, and, ultimately, learning to love life again.
The Wedding People
by Alison Espach
August ’24 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
Phoebe Stone is at a low point in her life when she arrives at the Cornwall Inn for what was supposed to be a dream vacation with her husband. However, fate has other plans as Phoebe finds herself alone and without any luggage or belongings. When she is mistaken for one of the wedding guests, Phoebe decides to go along with it and indulge in some luxury before she faces reality again. But what she doesn’t expect is for her chance encounter with the bride-to-be to turn into a life-changing experience.
All the Colors of the Dark
by Chris Whitaker
July ’24 Pick
Thriller
The disappearance of a local teenager shattered the quiet town of Monta Clare. But for Saint Brown, it’s more than just a news story – it’s her best friend who has been taken. As she races against time to find him, Patch is trapped in a dark room with only Grace, a mysterious voice, to keep him company. Their forbidden love grows as they cling to each other in their desperate situation. But when Patch finally breaks free and sets out on a journey to find Grace, he discovers the shocking truth behind his abduction and must confront his past while fighting for their future.
Swift River
by Essie Chambers
June ’24 Pick
Historical Fiction
Diamond Newberry is a teenager living in the small town of Swift River. She stands out for two reasons: her weight and the fact that she is the only Black person in town. Her father disappeared seven years ago, leaving Diamond and her mother to rely on hitchhiking to get around. But this summer, everything changes when Diamond receives a letter from a relative she’s never met before.
Real Americans
by Rachel Khong
May 24 Pick
Literary Fiction
Lily Chen and Matthew fall in love despite their different backgrounds – Lily, a broke Chinese American from Tampa, and Matthew, a wealthy East Coaster. Years later, their son Nick goes on a journey to find his biological father and confronts questions about identity and belonging. This immersive novel by Rachel Khong delves into issues of class, race, and family in modern America
The Husbands
by Holly Gramazio
April 24 Pick
Literary Fiction
Lauren finds herself in a bizarre situation when she discovers that her attic has the power to create an infinite supply of husbands for her. As she continues to experiment with different versions of her life, she begins to question the very essence of who she is and what truly makes her happy.
The Great Divide
by Cristina Henríquez
March 24 Pick
Historical Fiction
Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and foreign intervention, this story follows the intersecting paths of Francisco, Omar, Ada, John, and many others as they navigate their way through life in Panama during the construction of the Panama Canal. Each character has their own struggles and aspirations, yet they are all brought together by the common thread of working towards a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
The House on Mango Street
by Sandra Cisneros
March 24 Pick
Coming-of-age Fiction
A timeless coming-of-age novel that has captivated readers for decades, Mango Street is set in Chicago and follows Esperanza’s journey as she navigates the challenges and joys of adolescence and discovers her own unique identity. Through a series of vignettes, Cisneros paints a vivid picture of Mango Street—a vibrant and close-knit community filled with colorful characters and rich cultural traditions.
Good Material
by Dolly Alderton
February 24 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
Andy and Jen’s relationship seemed perfect; everyone around them saw their connection. But when Jen suddenly ends things, and Andy is left heartbroken and alone, he can’t help but wonder what went wrong. As he navigates through his new reality of being single and searching for answers, Andy turns to stand-up comedy to cope with his emotions.
The Waters
by Bonnie Jo Campbell
January 24 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
Set in rural Michigan, this is the story of three estranged sisters and their mother, an eccentric herbalist who has healed the local women for generations. As family secrets, love, and violence flood through the small town of Whiteheart, the youngest daughter, Dorothy “Donkey” Zook, must navigate her idyllic childhood while searching for truths about her family and the world.
Read with Jenna Book Club List 2023
We Must Not Think of Ourselves
by Lauren Grodstein
December 23 Pick
Historical Fiction
In the midst of confinement in the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII, a man joins a secret group to preserve stories and falls in love with his flatmate, Sala Wiskoff, leading to an impossible choice when he discovers a potential escape. So instead, they must come up with alternative ways to survive and resist the Nazi regime.
The Sun Sets in Singapore
by Kehinde Fadipe
November 23 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
Three women from different backgrounds navigate the glitzy and high-pressure world of Singapore, where their ambitions, insecurities, and addictions threaten to unravel everything they have worked for. As their lives intertwine, they must confront the dark side of paradise and make difficult choices that will change their futures forever.
Save for Later
How to Say Babylon
by Safiya Sinclair
October 23 Pick
Nonfiction
In her powerful and poignant memoir, Safiya Sinclair shares her experience growing up in a strict Rastafari household and the struggles she faced as she rebelled against her father’s beliefs. Through lyrical prose, she captures the challenges of finding one’s voice in a world full of oppressive forces.
Amazing Grace Adams
by Fran Littlewood
September 23 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
Grace Adams is a forty-five-year-old woman stuck in a midlife crisis who decides to leave her car during traffic and walk across London to win back her estranged teenage daughter. As she embarks on this journey, she rediscovers her amazing self and reminds those around her of just how amazing she truly is.
Summer Sisters
by Judy Blume
August 23 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
As two young women who are as close as family, Vix and Caitlin experience their teenage years together. They share everything from secret crushes to embarrassing moments, and with each passing summer, they become closer. But when a shocking event changes the course of their lives forever, it forces them to confront the secrets that have been kept from one another for so many years. Summer Sisters by Judy Blume is a captivating story of friendship, love, and loss that will touch readers’ hearts.
Banyan Moon
by Thao Thai
July 23 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
When Ann Tran’s grandmother Minh passes away, Ann finds herself at a crossroads in her seemingly perfect life. She returns home to Florida to face her estranged mother while dealing with the unexpected news of her pregnancy and uncertain future. In parallel, Minh’s story is told as she navigates young love and immigrating to America for a better life. As Ann uncovers secrets from the past, she learns how her grandmother’s decisions shaped the course of their family history.
The Celebrants
by Steven Rowley
June 23 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
Follow Jordan Vargas as he reunites with his college friends Jordy, Naomi, Craig, and Marielle after five years apart. As their decades-long pact comes to fruition, Jordan is harboring a secret that could shake up the group dynamic—but instead brings them closer together in unexpected ways.
Chain-Gang All-Stars
by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
May 23 Pick
Dystopian Fiction
A harrowing dystopian world where the prison industrial complex has been privatized and prisoners are forced into gladiatorial games for entertainment. The story follows two-star players, Loretta Thurwar and Hamara “Hurricane Staxxx” Stacker, as they navigate the brutal world of CAPE and fight for their freedom. But as they plan to escape, they must also grapple with the weight of leaving their fellow Links behind and the oppressive forces that seek to keep them in captivity.
Camp Zero
by Michelle Min Sterling
April 23 Pick
Science Fiction
A research project in a remote northern settlement brings together a diverse group of individuals with their own hidden agendas and motivations, leading to unexpected twists and turns as they navigate their way through the project. From a young woman seeking a better life for her family to a professor trying to escape his wealthy upbringing and an all-female military research unit fighting for survival in harsh conditions
Black Candle Women
by Diane Marie Brown
March 23 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
The Montrose women—Augusta, Victoria, and Willow—have lived together in their California bungalow for years. With a collection of tinctures and spells that bind them together, it’s no surprise that things get complicated when seventeen-year-old Nickie Montrose brings home a boy. An ancient family curse holds their lives in its grasp—anyone they fall in love with dies. Now Nickie must choose between the safety of her home and the risk of finding true love while searching for answers to break the family curse.
Maame
by Jessica George
February 23 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
A debut novel about a young woman, Maddie, negotiating the complexities of what it means to be torn between two cultures and her place in them. As she pushes for recognition in her career, navigates the world of internet dating, and reassesses her relationships with those closest to her, Maddie is forced to confront tragedy and find where she truly belongs. Filled with humor and poignancy, Maame celebrates the power of friendship and explores what it’s like to be caught between two homes. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking an honest, thoughtful take on modern life.
Sam
by Allegra Goodman
January 23 Pick
Literary Fiction
Sam’s journey through adolescence is full of surprises and setbacks. As she struggles to find her place in the world, both she and the reader come to understand that sometimes it takes a leap of courage to get where you want—and need—to be. In Sam, Goodman beautifully portrays a teenage girl’s journey through life as she discovers who she is and learns to love and accept herself for it. A powerful coming-of-age story, Sam is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with identity, insecurity, or the pressures of growing up.
Jenna's Book Club Picks 2022
The Secret History
by Donna Tartt
December 22 Pick
Historical Fiction
A sweeping historical novel set in 16th-century Florence. It follows Lucrezia, the third daughter of the grand duke, who finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight when her older sister dies on the eve of her wedding to the ruler of Ferrara, Modena, and Reggio. Despite lacking the experience and skills required of a duchess, Lucrezia must marry her late sister’s betrothed to secure the future of the Ferranese dynasty. As she navigates treacherous court customs, Lucrezia discovers that her new husband is not quite who he appears to be.
The Cloisters
by Katy Hays
November 22 Pick
Literary Fiction
The novel follows Ann Stilwell, who arrives in New York City expecting to work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art but instead finds herself assigned to The Cloisters—a gothic museum and garden renowned for its medieval art collection and mysterious researchers studying divination. As Ann gets caught up in the researchers’ more outlandish theories, she discovers a hidden 15th-century deck of tarot cards that might hold the key to predicting the future. Ann soon finds herself embroiled in a dangerous game of power and ambition, as The Cloisters become haunted by secrets and dark magic.
The Whalebone Theatre
by Joanna Quinn
October 22 Pick
Literary Fiction
When a whale washes up on the shores of the English Channel, twelve-year-old orphan Cristabel Seagrave takes it upon herself to build a theatre from its bones with the help of her household. The Whalebone Theatre becomes her escape from her difficult life, a place where she can use her imagination to create new worlds. But when World War II breaks out, Cristabel and her brother Digby are drawn into the conflict in different ways, threatening to tear the family apart.
Solito
by Javier Zamora
September 22 Pick
Memoir
Javier Zamora’s memoir tells the story of his harrowing journey from El Salvador to the United States at the age of nine. Zamora details the perils he faced during his migration, including treacherous boat trips, relentless desert treks, and encounters with armed men. Despite the dangers he faced, Zamora was determined to reunite with his mother, who had left for the United States four years earlier. Solito is a moving account of one child’s journey to find his family and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Need ideas to reach your reading goals and diversify your reads?
The Many Daughters of Afong Moy
by Jamie Ford
August 22 Pick
Historical Fiction
When Dorothy Moy discovers that her five-year-old daughter is exhibiting the same dissociative behavior as herself, to save her from the same fate, Dorothy turns to an experimental treatment and connects with her ancestors. As she tries to break the cycle of pain and abandonment, she discovers that love has been waiting for her all along.
The Measure
by Nikki Erlick
July 22 Pick
Literary Fiction
Eight ordinary people are faced with the same extraordinary choice. Do they wish to know how long they’ll live? And, if so, what will they do with that knowledge? The book charts the dawn of this new world through an unforgettable cast of characters whose decisions and fates interweave with one another. The Measure is a story about friendship, love, and what it means to live life to the fullest.
These Impossible Things
by Salma El-Wardany
June 22 Pick
Literary Fiction
In this coming-of-age debut novel, three best friends must navigate the complicated terrain of love, sex, faith, and family as they move into adulthood. Malak, Kees, and Jenna have been inseparable since childhood. But as they enter their college years, they find themselves pulled in different directions by the expectations of their families, their community, and their own desires.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
by Shelby Van Pelt
May 22 Pick
Literary Fiction
A charming, witty exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope. Told through the eyes of a widowed woman who forms an unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus living at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, this novel follows Tova as she uncovers the truth surrounding her son’s mysterious disappearance over thirty years ago. With Marcellus’s help, Tova finally has a chance to find the closure she needs and move on with her life.
Memphis
by Tara M. Stringfellow
April 22 Pick
Literary Fiction
A powerful debut that explores the lasting effects of violence, racism, and love within a family over multiple generations. Told from the perspective of several different narrators, each with their own unique voice, Memphis weaves a complex and intimate portrait of a family struggling to grapple with their past while also trying to move forward.
Groundskeeping
by Lee Cole
March 22 Pick
Literary Fiction
Groundskeeping is a beautifully written debut novel about two very different people who fall in love and must navigate the complicated waters of class, identity, and coming of age in an America that is crumbling. Alma Hazdic is a successful writer who comes from a liberal family of Bosnian immigrants, while Owen Callahan is an aspiring writer who moves back to Kentucky to live with his Trump-supporting uncle and grandfather. As they grow closer, Alma must struggle to understand Owen’s complicated relationship with family and home, while Owen comes to terms with the things he’s running from.
Black Cake
by Charmaine Wilkerson
February 22 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
Set in present-day California, it follows the journey of siblings Byron and Benny as they try to unravel their mother’s mysterious past and come to terms with their own heritage. With the inheritance of a black cake and a voice recording, they must piece together the truth behind their mother’s secrets and long-lost child, all while navigating their strained relationship. As they delve deeper into Eleanor’s past, they question everything they thought they knew about their family and themselves.
The School for the Good Mothers
by Jessamine Chan
January 22 Pick
Literary Fiction
Frida Liu is a Chinese immigrant trying to live up to her parents’ expectations while juggling a failing career and a strained marriage. Her only solace is her daughter, Harriet, until one bad day leads to her being scrutinized by the state and potentially losing custody of her child. Frida must navigate a system that judges mothers based on their devotion and prove that she can be a good mother despite her mistakes.
Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club List 2021
Bright Burning Things
by Lisa Harding
December 21 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
Sonya used to be a performer, the star of the show. But now, her life revolves around one thing- alcohol. The glamorous parties and handsome men are long gone, replaced by blackouts and hazy nights she can’t remember. Her son, Tommy, is the only light in her dark world, but even that love is not enough to overcome her addiction.
The Family
by Naomi Krupitsky
November 21 Pick
Historical Fiction
Two best friends, Sofia and Antonia, have grown up in the tight-knit community of the Family. But when Antonia’s father goes missing, their friendship is put to the test as they navigate through marriage, motherhood, and leadership roles within the Family.
The Lincoln Highway
by Amor Towles
Beautiful Country
by Qian Julie Wang
September 21 Pick
Memoir
The memoir follows Qian Wang’s experience as a young immigrant in New York City and her family’s struggle to survive as undocumented Chinese immigrants. However, despite the challenges they face, there are moments of joy and resilience that shine through. As Qian navigates her new life and deals with her parents’ health issues, she learns to embrace her identity as an American.
The Turnout
by Megan Abbott
August 21 Pick
Thriller
Frida Liu is a Chinese immigrant trying to live up to her parents’ expectations while juggling a failing career and a strained marriage. Her only solace is her daughter, Harriet, until one bad day leads to her being scrutinized by the state and potentially losing custody of her child. Frida must navigate a system that judges mothers based on their devotion and prove that she can be a good mother despite her mistakes.
Hell of a Book
by Jason Mott
July 21 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
A poignant and thought-provoking novel following a Black author on a cross-country book tour as he grapples with themes of family, race, and America’s ongoing struggles with police shootings. Through the author’s journey, readers are taken on an emotional ride that explores love, loss, and what it means to be Black in America.
Malibu Rising
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
June 21 Pick
Historical Fiction
Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of summer. But over the course of twenty-four hours, their lives will change forever. Told from multiple points of view, this novel explores the complex dynamics and relationships within a celebrity family as they face their pasts and confront their futures.
Great Circle
by Maggie Shipstead
May 21 Pick
Historical Fiction
Two women, Marian and Hadley, separated by a century but connected through their passion for flying. Marian, who was raised by her uncle in Missoula, Montana after being rescued from a sinking ocean liner as an infant, drops out of school at fourteen to pursue her love of flight. Hadley is a Hollywood actress who is cast to play Marian in a film about her disappearance in Antarctica. As Hadley dives into the character and story of Marian, she also discovers her own desire for self-determination and freedom.
Good Company
by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
April 21 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
Flora has always been content with her life as a dedicated wife, mother, and co-owner of Good Company Theater in New York City. But when she finds her husband’s wedding ring after he claimed to have lost it years ago, Flora begins to question everything she thought she knew about her marriage and herself.
What’s Mine and Yours
by Naima Coster
March 21 Pick
Literary Fiction
Two families navigate the aftermath of a controversial county initiative that integrates students from the predominantly Black east side into predominantly white schools on the west side. Through the perspectives of two teenage students, Gee and Noelle, readers witness the impacts of this integration on their families and how it shapes their adult lives. The mothers of these teenagers, Jade and Lacey May, are both determined to give their children a better life but will make choices that have far-reaching consequences.
The Four Winds
by Kristin Hannah
February 21 Pick
Historical Fiction
Set in Texas during the 1920s and 1930s, The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah is a poignant novel that follows the life of Elsa Wolcott and her family as they navigate through one of the most challenging times in American history – the Great Depression. As Elsa’s marriage to Rafe Martinelli crumbles under the weight of economic hardship, she must decide to stay and fight for her land or leave everything behind and start anew in California.
Save for Later
Send for Me
by Lauren Fox
February 21 Pick
Historical Fiction
As Annelise grapples with the rise of anti-Jewish sentiment in prewar Germany and ultimately makes the difficult decision to leave her family behind, Clare must confront her own privilege and reckon with the sacrifices made by her ancestors. Through the discovery of her great-grandmother’s letters, Clare gains a deeper understanding of her family’s past and finds strength in their resilience.
Black Buck
by Mateo Askaripour
January 21 Pick
Contemporary Fiction
Darren is a young Black man living with his mother in Brooklyn. He is content with his low-key life working at Starbucks and spending time with his girlfriend. But when he is recruited to join an elite sales team at a hot tech startup, he becomes “Buck” – a ruthless salesman determined to succeed in the cutthroat corporate world. However, as Buck’s success grows, so does his disillusionment with the company and its questionable practices.
Book Club Selections 2020
All the Read with Jenna Club Picks of 2019
The Last Romantics
by Tara Conklin
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into a world of great stories with Jenna Bush Hager’s book club. You might just discover your new favorite book!