Savannah Guthrie’s Favorite Books—Including the One Jenna Bush Hager Personally Recommended

When people think of books and the Today show, they probably think of Jenna Bush Hager and her book club, Read with Jenna. And while Jenna is outspoken on her love of reading, there is another host who loves to get lost in a good book. Yes, we’re talking about Savannah Guthrie, who not only loves to read but has written books as well. Below we share Savannah’s top reads, including the one Jenna recommended to her.

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Savannah Guthrie’s reading list 

From gripping thrillers to faith-based reads, these are the books Savannah has turned to—and talked about—when it mattered most.

‘The Woman in the Window’ by A.J. Finn 

This bestselling thriller follows Anna Fox, a reclusive New York City resident who spends her days drinking wine, watching old movies and spying on her neighbors. When the Russells move into the house across the street, they seem like the perfect family—until one night, while watching them, Anna witnesses something she shouldn’t have. But soon her mind begins to play tricks on her, and Anna finds herself questioning what’s real and what’s not.

When Savannah read it: In 2018, Savannah posted, “About to go on a 14 hour flight this weekend. I need a good book. Not too heady, but not a beach read either. Looking for a page turner like Gone Girl. @RWitherspoon [Reese Witherspoon] do you have any suggestions?” on X (formerly known as Twitter). Following that, over 1,000 people sent her recommendations, and in the end Savannah picked The Woman in the Window. 

What readers are saying: “The Woman in the Window is a perfect read for those who enjoy slow burning thrillers that focus on deep character development through compelling writing. As someone who enjoys classic films, I especially appreciated the suspense of the book that left me feeling terrified without the gore and sensational violence typical of modern works. Instead, The Woman in the Window got inside my head, made me question everything I thought I knew about what Anna saw, and held on so tightly that I couldn’t put the book down until I finished.” 

‘Theo of Golden’ by Allen Levi

After moving to Golden, Georgia, an elderly man named Theo discovers a coffee shop with 92 portraits on the wall, each featuring a resident of the small town. Intrigued by the artwork and the people behind it, Theo decides to buy the portraits and gift them to those featured. In doing so, he makes new friends, hears captivating stories and discovers that sometimes the best thing a person can do is simply show up and listen.

When Savannah read it: In January of this year, Savannah revealed that she was reading Theo of Golden while recovering from her microlaryngeal surgery on her vocal cords. Jenna then piped in and said, “I gave her that!” How sweet is that?

What readers are saying: “Theo of Golden is a book that deserves a re-read as so many details will take on more depth of meaning when the reader has the benefit of a type of omniscience in regards to the characters and the plot. This novel will enchant and inspire; it will bring chuckles and tears. In the end, it will leave no reader unmoved.” 

‘Yes, and…Daily Meditations’ by Richard Rohr 

If Savannah’s journey has taught us anything, it’s that faith can be a lifeline during life’s hardest moments—and this book delivers exactly that kind of comfort. In Yes, And…, Franciscan priest Richard Rohr shares daily meditations to help readers deepen their faith and open their heart. It’s heartfelt, uplifting, hopeful and a powerful reminder of how important God and faith are.

When Savannah read it: In that same January interview with her Today family, Savannah revealed that she was trying to “grow as a person,” then showed this book. 

What readers are saying: “As someone searching for a deeper, broader and more reasonable spirituality than I was taught in church, I loved this book. Rohr provides a fresh take that left me wondering how something so freeing became so distorted over the past 2000 years. I can’t wait to read more from this author.” 

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Savannah Guthrie’s favorite author 

In addition to the books mentioned above, Savannah loves everything written by Judy Blume. In fact, she once told Jenna she was jealous of her working with the beloved author on the Summer Sisters adaptation. 

“Listen, I don’t have a lot of jealousy issues with you, but one is that you have hung out with Judy Blume,” Savannah told Jenna in May 2025, per our sister site Us Weekly. “I love Judy Blume.”

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Savannah also opened up about her love for the author in an interview with Good Housekeeping, telling them in October 2025, “I learned a lot about the world from Judy Blume.”

Us too, Savannah! Us too! 

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