The 'Jenna Effect': 15 Must-Read Books From Jenna Bush Hager’s Read With Jenna Club (2023-2025)

Since its launch in March 2019, the "Read With Jenna" book club has become one of the most powerful forces in American publishing, regularly catapulting new and diverse authors onto the bestseller lists and creating a phenomenon dubbed the "Jenna Effect." As of December 2025, the club continues its tradition of selecting compelling, character-driven novels that resonate deeply with a broad audience, culminating in a surprising and much-celebrated classic for the final pick of the year.

This deep-dive into Jenna Bush Hager’s literary empire explores the club’s latest selections, its significant impact on the industry, and the full professional life of the *TODAY* show co-host and former First Daughter. From the criteria she uses to select a book to the full list of recent and notable picks, here is everything a reader needs to know about the club that has defined a generation of bestsellers.

Jenna Bush Hager: Biography, Career, and Literary Endeavors

Jenna Welch Bush Hager is an American news personality, author, and journalist, best known as the co-host of NBC’s *TODAY with Hoda & Jenna*. Born on November 25, 1981, in Dallas, Texas, she is the daughter of the 43rd U.S. President, George W. Bush, and former First Lady Laura Bush. She has a fraternal twin sister, Barbara Bush, and her unique upbringing has given her a distinct perspective on public life and humanitarian issues.

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• Full Name: Jenna Welch Bush Hager
• Born: November 25, 1981 (Age 44 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, U.S.
• Parents: George W. Bush and Laura Bush
• Spouse: Henry Chase Hager (m. 2008)
• Children: Mila, Poppy, and Hal
• Education: University of Texas at Austin (English major)
• Career Highlights:
  • Teacher in Washington D.C. and Baltimore.
  • Editor-at-large for *Southern Living* magazine.
  • Contributing Correspondent for NBC's *TODAY* show (starting 2009).
  • Co-host of *TODAY with Hoda & Jenna* (starting 2019).
  • Founder of the "Read With Jenna" book club (March 2019).
• Published Books:
  • *Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope* (2007)
  • *Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life* (2017, co-authored with Barbara Pierce Bush)
  • *Everything Beautiful in Its Time: Seasons of Love and Loss* (2020)
  • *The Superpower Sisterhood* (2022, children's book)

The Anatomy of the ‘Jenna Effect’: Selection Criteria and Impact

When Jenna Bush Hager launched her book club, "Read With Jenna," in March 2019 on the *TODAY* show, it quickly became a major cultural and commercial phenomenon. The club’s influence on book sales is so profound that it has been widely compared to the impact of Oprah Winfrey’s legendary book club—a testament to Hager’s unique ability to connect with readers.

What Makes a Read With Jenna Pick?

The core philosophy of "Read With Jenna" is to select "well-written contemporary novels with propulsive plots" that spark meaningful conversations. However, a closer look at the selections reveals several key criteria that have defined the club's success and reputation:

• Focus on Debut and Diverse Authors: A significant majority of the selections are written by debut or diverse authors, providing a massive platform for new voices in the literary world.
• Emotional Depth and Hope: Hager often chooses books that explore complex human emotions, resilience, and hope, aligning with her own background as a humanitarian and author of books like *Ana’s Story*.
• Bestseller Guarantee: The "Jenna Effect" is real. More than 30 of the club’s selections have hit the *New York Times* bestseller lists, transforming the careers of many authors overnight. The club’s influence has been noted as being unmatched by any other book club in terms of sales influence in recent years.

The club is not just about sales; it’s about community. Hager’s warm, engaging on-air discussions and her personal connection to the stories she chooses make the club feel like a genuine, intimate recommendation from a trusted friend, driving its massive popularity.

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The Essential List: Read With Jenna Book Club Picks (2023–2025)

To provide a full picture of the club's diverse and impactful selections, here is a list of the most recent and notable books chosen by Jenna Bush Hager, highlighting the variety of genres and authors she champions. This list demonstrates the topical authority of the club, spanning contemporary fiction, historical narratives, and even a surprising classic pick.

The Latest Picks: 2025 Selections

The 2025 list featured a mix of highly anticipated new releases and a classic novel to round out the year, showcasing the club's evolving scope.

• December 2025: *Pride and Prejudice* by Jane Austen (A classic pick with a new introduction by Nicola Yoon)
• November 2025: *Cursed Daughters* by Oyinkan Braithwaite
• October 2025: *The Irish Goodbye* by Heather Aimee O'Neill
• August 2025: *My Other Heart* by Emma Nanami Strenner
• January 2025: *The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus* by Emma Knight
• Notable 2025 Picks (Various Months):
  • *Heartwood* by Amity Gaige
  • *The Dream Hotel* by Laila Lalami
  • *The Names* by Florence Knapp

Key Picks: 2024 Selections

The 2024 list was celebrated for its focus on strong narrative voices and unique settings, continuing the trend of boosting new literary talent.

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• January 2024: *The Waters* by Bonnie Jo Campbell
• February 2024: *Good Material* by Dolly Alderton
• March 2024: *The Great Divide* by Cristina Henriquez
• April 2024: *The House of Doors* by Tan Twan Eng
• June 2024: *The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store* by James McBride

Memorable Picks: 2023 Selections

The 2023 selections were marked by emotionally resonant stories that explored family, history, and moral dilemmas.

• December 2023: *We Must Not Think Of Ourselves* by Lauren Grodstein
• October 2023: *The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store* by James McBride (A major bestseller that crossed over to the 2024 list)
• June 2023: *The Whispers* by Ashley Audrain
• March 2023: *The Last Thing He Told Me* by Laura Dave (A massive hit that was later adapted into a successful limited series)
• January 2023: *The House of Doors* by Tan Twan Eng (Another crossover pick that gained momentum in 2024)

The Future of Read With Jenna

The "Read With Jenna" book club has cemented its place as a literary powerhouse, consistently introducing readers to high-quality, thought-provoking fiction. Jenna Bush Hager’s personal passion for reading and her commitment to uplifting diverse voices ensure that the club’s influence will only continue to grow. By selecting books that are both commercially appealing and critically engaging, the club serves as a vital bridge between readers and the next generation of bestselling authors. Whether you are looking for a new debut novel or a classic to revisit, the "Read With Jenna" list remains the definitive guide for what to read now.