Hoda Kotb, 61, Reveals 5 Beloved Books—Including One She Keeps in Her Bag at All Times
From thrillers to self-help, these are the books the former 'Today' anchor can't get enough of
Key Takeaways
- Hoda Kotb's favorite books focus on personal growth, reflection, faith and resilience.
- The former ‘Today’ co-host says one inspirational book stays in her bag wherever she goes.
- Alongside self-help classics, Hoda also loves twist-filled Riley Sager thrillers.
If you’ve ever wanted to peek inside Hoda Kotb’s book bag, today is your lucky day! The beloved broadcaster, bestselling author and all-around inspiration has an impressive reading list! And while you might expect her former Today show co-host Jenna Bush Hager to be the bigger bookworm of the two, Hoda holds her own—with a deeply personal stack of reads that range from juicy page-turning mysteries to soul-nourishing books about faith and self-discovery. To discover the books Hoda loves, read on!
Hoda Kotb’s favorite books
From thrillers to self-help, here are some of Hoda’s favorite books.
‘Gift from the Sea’ by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Inspired by the shells on the seashore, this bestselling book explores how the shape of a woman’s life ripples outward, touching everyone around her. From the ways modern life and technology strain our relationships to how personal changes reshape our sense of self and connection with others, this timeless meditation offers wisdom that resonates across generations.
What Hoda says: “I love the beach, so reading about seashells and salt water is my jam. This book was written in the 1950s, but its message about rest and reflection is timeless. I’m into both.”
What readers are saying: “This book takes me away from everyday life and transports me to a place where there is solitude and peace, where I can slow down and be fully present. After reading it the first time, it stayed with me.”
‘Conversations with God’ by Neale Donald Walsch
This inspirational book offers readers a new way of looking at religion and their relationship with God. Within the pages, author Neale Donald Walsch shares how to unlock your true potential and how to replace fear with love and joy.
What Hoda says: “I’m drawn to this series of books, each one contemplating what God would say in various settings and situations. I keep one in my bag, and when I have a few minutes in between things, I soak up the wisdom.”
What readers are saying: “It’s a wonderful book that brought me hope and love into my life like never before. It’s brought me closer to God than ever before. It’s given me an upbeat and optimistic view of life. This book changed my life for the better in every single aspect of it.”
‘With a Vengeance’ by Riley Sager
Set in the 1950s, this page-turner follows Anna Matheson, a young woman desperate to get revenge on the six people who destroyed her family, trapping them on a train going from Philadelphia to Chicago, hoping to confront each of them. But when someone on the train winds up dead, it becomes clear that everyone on board is seeking revenge. Now Anna must catch the killer and protect the people she came to destroy—even if it means risking her own life in the process.
What Hoda says: “Sometimes a juicy mystery is what I need as a mental teaser. Who dunnit?! This one lurked in my stack of bedside books until its suspenseful finish.”
What readers are saying: “With a Vengeance is dark, clever and deeply satisfying—a story about revenge, redemption and the lengths we’ll go to for justice. I couldn’t put it down. Every twist hit harder than I expected. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Sager pulled the rug out from under me. The pacing is sharp, the tension unrelenting and the emotional undercurrent—especially Anna’s grief and resilience—makes it so much more than a simple thriller.”
‘The Pivot Year’ by Brianna Wiest
Inspired by Brianna Wiest’s own journal, this book offers readers 365 daily meditations that will help them “pivot” into the best year of their life. All of the meditations inspire, engage and guide readers toward finding the inner peace they’ve been looking for. It’s a powerful book you’ll want to read again and again.
What Hoda says: “We change throughout life, so Brianna’s 365-day approach reveals how her messages hit you differently year after year. What speaks to you on the first read changes as you grow. Every time I read it, I find what I need at that moment.”
What readers are saying: “The Pivot Year has helped me stay open minded, optimistic and provides a level of clarity and validity in my feelings. Each day, after reading, my shoulders drop and I’m able to take a big sigh of relief/release. It’s such a simple, yet really effective way to begin each day.”
‘Living, Loving & Learning’ by Leo F. Buscaglia, PhD
This collection of informative and amusing lectures from motivational speaker Leo F. Buscaglia, PhD, delivered between 1970 and 1981. One of the most famous lines in the book: “We’ve got to learn to trust again, to believe again. Of course it’s a risk, but everything is a risk. We need to begin to go beyond just ‘being’ again. We’ve got to get in touch with being human and there’s a difference.”
What Hoda says: “I give this to everyone because all of us face change throughout life. I like Leo’s positive approach to it: Change is one of the joys of living! He’s also a big proponent of hugs, just like me.”
What readers are saying: “I picked this book up years ago by chance at my apartment’s community center book exchange. It changed my life. I still give it to this day to good friends. I still go back and read it from time to time. Just reading this makes you feel like you know Leo and makes you want to be a better person. He was a wonderful soul.”
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