Alice Hoffman Discusses Her New Novel Plus the Author She Calls ‘The Greatest American Writer’ on Jenna Bush Hager’s Podcast
Plus, learn what’s on the ‘Practical Magic’ author’s bookshelf now
Key Takeaways
- Alice Hoffman tells Jenna Bush Hager about the books she stole from her mother’s bookshelf.
- Hoffman says Shirley Jackson and J.D. Salinger were among the authors whose books she stole.
- Toni Morrison, Elizabeth Strout and Jodi Picoult among authors Hoffman loves to read.
Practical Magic author Alice Hoffman just appeared on Jenna Bush Hager’s podcast, Open Book With Jenna to talk books, movies, childhood reading and more. This interview came a few weeks after Bush Hager announced that Hoffman’s newest novel, The Witches of Cambridge, would be her September Read With Jenna pick. Below we share our highlights from Bush Hager and Hoffman’s conversation and reveal where you can listen to it.
Jenna Bush Hager’s history with Alice Hoffman
Bush Hager grew up with Hoffman’s magical reads, like Practical Magic and Here on Earth. So when she picked Hoffman’s The Witches of Cambridge as her September Read With Jenna selection, it was a full-circle moment for the Today show co-host.
Then, just weeks later, Hoffman appeared on Bush Hager’s podcast, Open Book With Jenna, and Bush Hager made sure Hoffman knew exactly where she stood: as “one of my favorite authors,” telling her: “I’ve loved your work for—I don’t know how many years it’s been—but definitely 20-plus years,” Bush Hager added. “And so to get to be with you today, but also to have you be part of this book club that we have going on, just means so much.”
A look at Alice Hoffman’s new book
The Witches of Cambridge follows Ava and Lauren during their freshman year of college at Radcliffe College in 1950s Cambridge, Massachusetts. During that time they uncover a secret society of witches called the Lilith Society, which tests them and their friendship in ways they never thought possible.
“I cannot think of a more perfect book to welcome us to fall,” Bush Hager said earlier this month. “It’s a novel about love, friendship and finding your power.”
Hoffman’s take on her newest novel? She told Bush Hager, “This book was more about situations with friends.” “How important friendship is for women, and how deep it is for women. I’m not really sure what it’s like for men, but for women, sometimes I think it’s more important than romantic relationships,” the author added.
Alice Hoffman on her childhood reading habits
During the interview, Hoffman revealed that she used to steal books from her mother’s bookshelf. “I think I wasn’t supposed to read them,” Hoffman joked. “I stole Shirley Jackson, whose books were kind of scary and interesting. I stole J.D. Salinger, which I don’t think I was supposed to read, but she was really the only mom that I knew who had bookshelves and books. So I think it was a real connection between us.”
These days, Hoffman’s bookshelf is filled with all kinds of books. As for her favorites? She told Bush Hager, “For me, Toni Morrison was, is and always will be the greatest American writer.” Next she revealed, “I love to read—no matter what she writes—Elizabeth Strout. I just feel like she looks into the emotional life of people in such a deep way.”
“I love Jodi Picoult. She’s always writing about some social issue. It’s not what I write, but I love to read about it,” the author added. “It’s interesting though, because Witches of Cambridge isn’t per se about a social issue, but it is a feminist book.”
Where to listen to ‘Open Book With Jenna’
You can listen to Open Book With Jenna on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and Youtube.
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