5 Books That Helped Make Jenna Bush Hager’s Book Club a Hit—From Ann Patchett to Kristin Hannah
Before Read With Jenna became a go-to source for recommendations, these five novels helped establish its reputation for unforgettable stories
Key Takeaways
- Jenna Bush Hager’s early book club picks included novels by Ann Patchett and Kristin Hannah.
- ‘The Last Romantics’ was the first-ever Read With Jenna selection in March 2019.
- The five books explore family bonds, grief, resilience and so much more.
Over the years, Jenna Bush Hager’s book club, Read With Jenna, has chosen dozens of books that went on to become bestsellers and international sensations. Those books include novels written by authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid, Kristin Hannah and even Ann Patchett! The Today Show co-host has also chosen authors who were unknown at first but went on to become beloved voices. Today, we’re looking back at some of the original Read With Jenna books that helped solidify the book club as one of the best. Read on for more.
‘The Last Romantics’ by Tara Conklin
In March 2019, Jenna announced this Tara Conklin book as her first-ever Read With Jenna pick. It follows a poet named Fiona Skinner, who decides to tell an audience about the inspiration behind her most well-known work, The Love Poem. Growing up, the Skinner family endured what they called a “Pause,” which means they spent one summer completely free and feral. It left them bonded in ways they never thought possible; decades later, a family crisis reunites the siblings and they are once again thrown into chaos, but this time they might not survive it. A moving family saga that will leave readers wanting more.
What Jenna says: “I sent it immediately to my husband and my mom and to my sister, who was laying next to me when I finished it, weeping. I think it’s because 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.”
What Goodreads users are saying: “The Last Romantics is a glorious book from start to finish. It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what it is without giving it all away, so my best approximation is this book is an ode to sibling love. And I think that is more than enough.”
‘The Dutch House’ by Ann Patchett
From bestselling author Ann Patchett comes another moving family saga that follows siblings Danny and Maeve, who grow up in a beautiful home outside Philadelphia in the 1950s. Abandoned by their mother, they’re raised by their father and their stepmother Andrea, who despises them. Soon after their father dies, Andrea forces the siblings out of their family home, called the Dutch House. As adults, Danny and Maeve remain close, often reminiscing about their childhood home. Eventually, secrets emerge and the two begin to question everything they thought they knew about each other and their family.
What Jenna says: “The Dutch House is a beautiful, dark fairy tale. I thought it was a beautiful story of a relationship between brother and sister. Danny and Maeve’s childhood is filled with disappointment, but the love they find in each other is beautiful and hopeful.”
What Goodreads users are saying: “An Ann Patchett novel is a treasure. She writes about family so compellingly that I always feel as if I know her characters in real life, and I’m drawn into the stories she shares about their inner lives. I listened to this book on audio, performed by Tom Hanks, who was a marvelous storyteller. I usually read an Ann Patchett novel several times, and I’m already looking forward to re-reading this one and discovering all of her clever descriptions.”
‘The Four Winds’ by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction tales are renowned for their moving prose and unforgettable characters, and this February 2021 Read With Jenna pick delivers those exact same vibes. In 1934, Elsa Martinelli leaves Texas with her two children to escape the drought that’s killing all their crops and making their future look bleak. She decides to head west to California in search of a better life. But when they arrive, Elsa discovers that life in California is just as hard, and soon she is forced to work on farms in harsh conditions with the other migrants for unlivable wages. Despite that, Elsa continues to fight for herself and her children, even when it seems impossible.
What Jenna says: “I couldn’t believe how many of these things were relevant today. This character, Elsa, is strong but she also suffers. She’s vulnerable. I love her.”
What Goodreads users are saying: “This is an epic read that is undoubtedly heartbreaking, but it’s stunning and so beautifully written that I will take Elsa Martinelli with me in my heart for some time to come. Don’t miss this one!”
‘Dear Edward’ by Ann Napolitano
This January 2020 Read With Jenna pick follows 12-year-old Edward Adler after a plane crash claims the lives of everyone aboard his flight—except him. As the only survivor, Edward must navigate overwhelming grief, the loss of his entire family and unwanted public attention, all while the world watches his every move. What follows is a keenly observed, heart-wrenching exploration of survival, identity and grief.
What Jenna says: “I choose Dear Edward because it is a book about love and loss and finding your way after the unthinkable. It deals with grief and there are definitely sad moments but, ultimately, I found it to be a really hopeful, beautiful book.”
What Goodreads users are saying: “Ann Napolitano has such an incredible way of making you feel connected to her characters. Her writing is emotional without constantly telling you how to feel. She gives you the little details, the thoughts and the quiet moments, and somehow they can hit harder than the big dramatic scenes. I also loved how the two timelines slowly work together. We’re seeing the people before the crash and Edward afterwards, and the contrast between the two makes everything feel even more poignant.”
‘Nothing to See Here’ by Kevin Wilson
In November 2019, Jenna picked this book as her Read With Jenna pick. Lillian and Madison become roommates at a boarding school, but Lillian leaves the school after a scandal. As a result, she and Madison begin to talk less and less. Then, one day out of the blue, Lillian receives a letter shows from Madison, begging Lillian to help her take care of Madison’s stepchildren—young twins—who need someone. The only problem is sometimes the kids randomly burst into flames. Even so, Lillian bonds with them, and soon her life begins to change for the better.
What Jenna says: “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.”
What Goodreads users are saying: “It takes a lot of skill for an author to write a book about children bursting into flames and do it in a way that makes it not only believable, but endearing. I absolutely loved this quirky, funny and sweet story.”
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