The Ultimate Read With Jenna Book List: Every Must-Read Pick From 2024 To The Latest 2025 Selection

If you are looking for the absolute latest and most comprehensive list of the "Read with Jenna" book club selections, you have come to the right place. As of Thursday, December 18, 2025, the book club, hosted by Jenna Bush Hager on the *Today Show*, continues its mission to spotlight diverse, compelling, and often debut literary voices, captivating millions of readers across the globe. This list is your ultimate, up-to-date guide, featuring the newest monthly selection, a full breakdown of the 2025 and 2024 picks, and a curated list of the all-time best novels and memoirs that have defined the club's success since its launch in March 2019. The "Read with Jenna" book club has become one of the most influential forces in publishing, consistently turning its featured titles into instant bestsellers and catapulting authors to literary stardom. From powerful contemporary fiction to unforgettable memoirs and even a few unexpected classics, the selections are known for their emotional depth and ability to spark meaningful conversations. Keep reading to ensure your to-be-read (TBR) pile is stocked with Jenna's most impactful and current recommendations.

Jenna Bush Hager: Author, Journalist, and Literary Curator

Jenna Bush Hager is more than just the host of a popular book club; she is an American news personality, author, and journalist who has cultivated a significant platform for literature. Born Jenna Welch Bush on November 25, 1981, she is the second child of former U.S. President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush. Her fraternal twin sister is Barbara Pierce Bush. Jenna graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in English, a background that clearly informs her passion for reading and her ability to select thought-provoking titles. Before her career in journalism, she worked as a teacher. She is married to Henry Hager, and they have three children. Her role as a co-host of *Today with Hoda & Jenna* on NBC has given her a massive audience, which she leverages masterfully to promote reading through her "Read with Jenna" book club. Her own work as an author, including the memoir *Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope* and children's books co-written with her mother, further solidifies her position as a respected literary figure.

The Latest Selections: Read with Jenna Book List 2025

The 2025 selections have continued the book club’s tradition of blending powerful debut novels with a few surprising picks. Jenna's choices for this year have spanned continents and genres, ensuring there is a compelling read for every type of book enthusiast. The current selection, announced for December 2025, is a delightful and unexpected choice: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This classic novel, originally published in 1813, marks a rare but welcome deviation from the club’s focus on contemporary works, inviting readers to revisit the timeless romance of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Here is a look at the other powerful and diverse selections from 2025:

• November 2025: Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan.
• August 2025: My Other Heart by Emma Nanami Strenner.
• January 2025: The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight. A fascinating title promising a unique narrative perspective.

Other notable 2025 picks mentioned in the literary sphere include The Names by Florence Knapp, The Dream Hotel by Laila, This is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer, and The Irish Goodbye. These selections showcase the club's commitment to promoting a diverse range of new and compelling voices in fiction and non-fiction.

A Look Back: The Best of the Read with Jenna Book List 2024

The year 2024 was a banner year for the book club, introducing readers to several critically acclaimed novels and a few deeply personal memoirs. The choices of 2024 were particularly strong in exploring themes of family, identity, and resilience. The final pick of 2024, for December, was Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver. Like the 2025 classic selection, this choice of a poetry collection demonstrated Jenna's willingness to expand the club's scope beyond traditional narrative fiction, encouraging readers to engage with profound and beautiful verse. Here are some of the standout selections from the 2024 list:

• January 2024: The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell. This novel was praised for its immersive setting and complex characters.
• February 2024: Good Material by Dolly Alderton. Alderton’s witty and insightful fiction continues to resonate with a wide audience.
• March 2024: The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez. A powerful work of historical fiction.
• Highly Recommended 2024 Pick: All the Colors of the Dark by Christ Whitaker. This emotional mystery was singled out by many book critics as one of the best choices of the year.

Other acclaimed 2024 selections included Absolution: A Novel, The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern (a non-fiction pick), and The Women: A Novel. These titles collectively highlight the club's focus on literary excellence and emotional resonance.

The All-Time Essential Read with Jenna Picks (Since 2019)

Since its inception in March 2019, the "Read with Jenna" book club has featured over 70 books, with some sources listing up to 84 selections, each leaving a significant mark on the literary landscape. Many of these titles have gone on to win major awards and remain perennial favorites among book lovers. Building a topical authority on this book club requires recognizing the foundational picks that helped define its reputation. If you are new to the club or looking for the most universally praised books, here are the essential all-time picks that belong on every reader’s shelf:

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

This novel is frequently cited as one of the best and most beloved "Read with Jenna" picks of all time. It tells the heartwarming story of a widow and a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus, exploring themes of grief, connection, and the unexpected ways we find family. Its unique premise and emotional depth made it a massive commercial success.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

A monumental work of historical fiction, The Four Winds captured the hearts of readers with its powerful narrative about the American Dust Bowl. Hannah’s sweeping tale of a mother’s fight for survival during the Great Depression is a testament to resilience and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

An early pick for the club, Dear Edward tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who is the sole survivor of a devastating plane crash. The novel is a profound exploration of loss, recovery, and the search for meaning after tragedy. It was a powerful selection that set the tone for the club's focus on emotionally resonant narratives.

Other Iconic and Highly Recommended Picks:

• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett: A stunning novel about twin sisters whose lives diverge dramatically, exploring race, identity, and secrets.
• The Wedding People (A highly-rated pick).
• Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson.
• Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora: An unforgettable non-fiction account chosen for its timely and deeply personal narrative.
• The Comeback.

The diversity of these selections—from the historical fiction of Kristin Hannah to the contemporary magic of Shelby Van Pelt—demonstrates why the "Read with Jenna" book club remains a vital and exciting source of literary discovery. By consistently championing both established and emerging authors, Jenna Bush Hager has cultivated a vibrant community of readers eager to explore the world through the pages of a great book.