Alix Earle Says She’s Never Read a Book—Jenna Bush Hager Made Her a Reading List
From classics to coming-of-age tales, the list has something for everyone!
Key Takeaways
- Jenna Bush Hager created a reading syllabus for Alix Earle after her book confession.
- The list includes classics like ‘Of Mice and Men' and favorites like ‘Pachinko.’
- Jenna’s full syllabus also includes books by Toni Morrison, Suzanne Collins and John Green.
Influencer and Dancing with the Stars finalist Alix Earle is making headlines again after she told Interview magazine that she’s “never read a book. Like, maybe Dr. Seuss?” Alix received plenty of backlash online for this comment, and Today show co-host—and avid reader—Jenna Bush Hager decided she, too, had something to say about it. On Thursday, during Jenna & Sheinelle, the Read With Jenna founder revealed that she had created a reading syllabus for Alix to help her out on her reading journey.
“We know that you’re smart, so you know what we want to do, we want to give you a little syllabus,” Jenna said.
To discover what made Jenna’s reading syllabus for Alix, keep scrolling!
‘The Baby-Sitter’s Club’ by Ann M. Martin
The beloved book series by Ann M. Martin begins with Kristy’s Great Idea and continues for 130 more books. Desperate for money, Kristy Thomas decides to start a babysitters club with her friends. Not only will it help them get some extra cash, but it will also allow them to spend time together. What Kristy and her friends Mary Anne, Claudia and Stacey didn’t expect is that the job also comes with screaming toddlers, weird clients and lots and lots of drama. A nostalgic tale readers of all ages love.
What Jenna says: “We know you’re [Alix] an entrepreneur. She started her own brand. This talks about females getting together, starting a club, empowering each other. Let’s start here, Alix.”
What readers are saying: “As a child I absolutely loved these books. I read more than 100 of them growing up, and unfortunately didn’t keep my collection. Now as an adult I have a niece who, just like me, loves to read. I am so happy to share this series with her. It is great for children. It touches on so many topics in such a wonderful way. From diabetes to a later storyline involving scoliosis. From first loves to first jobs. The series teaches acceptance and responsibility. I would highly recommend whether you want it for your child or for your own nostalgia.”
‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ by Judy Blume
Originally published in 1970, this delightful coming-of-age tale became a 2023 movie starring Rachel McAdams, Elle Graham and Kathy Bates. Twelve-year-old Margaret Simon is worried about fitting in at her new school. But when Nancy, Gretchen and Janie invite her into their secret club to discuss boys, bras and periods, Margaret finally begins to feel like she belongs—but she’s worried that they might judge her for not being affiliated with any major religion. What they don’t know is that Margaret has her own special relationship with God. One that involves lots of late-night talks and lots of secrets—including one about Margaret’s crush.
What Jenna says: “Alix, if you haven’t learned about sex, this might hit the ticket.”
What readers are saying: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is such a wonderful book! My daughter recently read it for a school book report, and she absolutely loved it. The story is relatable, funny and heartfelt, and it sparks great conversations about growing up and navigating life’s changes. We also watched the movie together, and it was just as enjoyable—the adaptation really captured the spirit of the book. A perfect read for young readers and a nostalgic treat for adults too. I highly recommend it!”
‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck
Inspired by John Steinbeck’s own time working as a migrant farmworker, this American classic tells the story of George and Lennie, migrant workers living in California during the Great Depression. They dream of having their own ranch, but first they have to survive at Salinas Valley, which becomes increasingly difficult after Lennie’s impulses get the better of him. A beautiful exploration of friendship, love and second chances.
What Jenna says: “If you didn’t get assigned this in eighth grade, I want to talk to your English teacher.”
What readers are saying: “Of Mice and Men is one of those classics that lives up to its reputation. John Steinbeck’s writing is clear and simple, but the emotions and themes run deep. The story of George and Lennie, two men chasing the small dream of land and stability, is touching, raw and tragic all at once. This is a beautifully written, deeply human story that’s as relevant today as when it was first published. If you’re looking for a classic that’s easy to read but leaves a lasting impact, Steinbeck delivers exactly that.”
‘Pachinko’ by Min Jin Lee
From New York Times bestselling author Min Jin Lee comes a sweeping multigenerational saga beginning in early 1900s Korea. When teenage Sunja becomes pregnant by a wealthy married man, her world falls apart. To escape the shame, she accepts a marriage proposal from a kind minister traveling to Japan, a choice that will change her family’s life for decades. What follows is a dramatic blend of love, trust, second changes and tragedy.
What Jenna says: “I love this author so much. This is a bigger one, so that’s why you start with these [other books].”
What readers are saying: “I found this novel so heartbreaking but in the best way. The writing is gorgeous and I loved every second I spent with the characters, no matter how painful it became. Pachinko repeatedly broke my heart into a million little pieces and I love every single second of it.”
Jenna Bush Hager’s Full reading syllabus for Alix Earle
After the segment ended Jenna revealed that she had more books for Alix to read, including:
- Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
- Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
- Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary
- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
“With social media, you have to use your mind quickly. When you sit in a book and you’re there for a while it uses a different part of our brain, which is a part that we used a lot back in the day and has been sort of combated with the rise of short videos,” Jenna said. “Reading fiction brings about—and we know this—the rise of empathy, because you’re sitting in the shoes of somebody else.”
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