Open Book with Jenna

Latest Episodes:

Steven Rowley: “Inspired by a Very Real Love Story” Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

While New York Times bestselling author Steven Rowley writes about life and love with heart and humor in his novels, his own real life romance is one for the books. Rowley joins Jenna Bush Hager to talk about his novel “The Celebrants,” a recent Read with Jenna pick, and why he believes all parts of life — the happy, the sad, the messy and the beautiful — are worth celebrating. The two are joined by Rowley’s husband and author of “Big Gay Wedding”, Byron Lane. They discuss the couple's beautiful love story, one as romantic and inspiring as the stories you’ll find in the pages of their books, and navigating life’s highs and lows together, including Lane’s cancer battle and the recent release of their latest novels.

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And the fun doesn’t stop here! Want to join our Read with Jenna community of book lovers? You can find our monthly book list and sign up for our newsletter here: TODAY.com/ReadwithJenna

You can also find us on Instagram on @ReadwithJenna

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Helen Ellis: “Marriage Is Play” Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

Helen Ellis is an Alabama-native turned New York Times bestselling author known for her warm brand of humor and amateur poker skills. In her newest release, “Kiss Me in the Coral Lounge: Intimate Confessions from a Happy Marriage”, Ellis offers a glimpse into her long marriage, and insight into what has made it work so well. Ellis joined Jenna Bush Hager to talk about lessons they have learned from their relationships … and how to best handle a snoring husband.

Follow the ‘Read with Jenna’ podcast now to hear new episodes every week.

And the fun doesn’t stop here! Want to join our Read with Jenna community of book lovers? You can find our monthly book list and sign up for our newsletter here: TODAY.com/ReadwithJenna

You can also find us on Instagram on @ReadwithJenna

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Kate DiCamillo: "I Learned to Live in My Imagination” Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

Kate DiCamillo is one of the biggest names in children’s books, with more than 43 million books in print. Her journey is a lesson in resilience. After receiving more than 400 rejection letters, she went on to win the Newbery Award for children's literature twice. Even though her books, like "Because of Winn Dixie" and "The Tale of Despereaux," are geared towards kids, readers of all ages can draw life lessons from her stories.

Follow the ‘Read with Jenna’ podcast now to hear new episodes every week.

And the fun doesn’t stop here! Want to join our Read with Jenna community of book lovers? You can find our monthly book list and sign up for our newsletter here: TODAY.com/ReadwithJenna

You can also find us on Instagram on @ReadwithJenna

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R.L. Stine: "I Never Planned to Be Scary ... I Was Always Funny" Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

R.L. Stine has been giving readers “Goosebumps” for over thirty years. At the age of 9, he stumbled across a typewriter in his attic. With that, his love of writing began. Stine released the first “Goosebumps” book in 1992 — and never stopped. He has since sold more than 400 million books and written over 300 spine-chilling and spooky “Goosebumps” books with page-turning plots and unforgettable creatures that keep middle-grade readers riveted. His newest Goosebump series released earlier this fall starting with Goosebumps: House of Shivers: #1: Scariest. Book. Ever. Jenna Bush Hager sat down with the beloved author last year to talk about the ideas behind Goosebumps and his impact on young readers.

Follow the ‘Read with Jenna’ podcast now to hear new episodes every week.

And the fun doesn’t stop here! Want to join our Read with Jenna community of book lovers? You can find our monthly book list and sign up for our newsletter here: TODAY.com/ReadwithJenna

You can also find us on Instagram on @ReadwithJenna

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jerry Seinfeld: “The Fun Is in the Ordinary” Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

Comedian, actor and author Jerry Seinfeld gives an inside look into the minds of some of the greatest comedians of our time with the show “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” Eleven seasons and five Emmy nominations later, the show also inspired Seinfeld’s coffee table book of the same name. Seinfeld joined Jenna Bush Hager for a cup of — what else? — coffee to talk about some of his favorite moments from the series.

Follow the ‘Read with Jenna’ podcast now to hear new episodes every week.

And the fun doesn’t stop here! Want to join our Read with Jenna community of book lovers? You can find our monthly book list and sign up for our newsletter here: TODAY.com/ReadwithJenna

You can also find us on Instagram on @ReadwithJenna

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Margaret Atwood: "We All Have Bits of Hopefulness Built In" Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

Margaret Atwood is a living legend. The Canadian author and poet has written over 50 books and has been published in more than 45 countries. Her 1985 classic "The Handmaid's Tale" garnered acclaim and alarm, predicting a dystopian future in which women had no rights. Now in her 80s, she recently released her new book, "Old Babes in the Wood," a collection of 15 short stories. Jenna Bush Hager visited Atwood's alma mater, the University of Toronto, where the two sat down to discuss her childhood, career and upcoming memoir.

Follow the ‘Read with Jenna’ podcast now to hear new episodes every week.

And the fun doesn’t stop here! Want to join our Read with Jenna community of book lovers? You can find our monthly book list and sign up for our newsletter here: TODAY.com/ReadwithJenna

You can also find us on Instagram on @ReadwithJenna

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amor Towles: "All From a Message in a Bottle" Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

Though Amor Towles’ writing talent was recognized when he was just a child, his career as an author didn’t begin until after a 20 year stint as an investment banker on Wall Street. He wrote in his spare time and on weekends before finally finishing “Rules of Civility,” his first New York Times bestseller. He went on to release two more bestseller novels, including a Read With Jenna pick, selling more than six million copies and earning praise from Bill Gates and Barack Obama. In this episode of Read With Jenna, Amor and Jenna chat in front of an audience at the Aspen Ideas Festival, where he opens up about his writing journey and the inspiration behind his historical novels. Amor will release his latest book, “Table for Two: Fictions”, April 2024.

Follow the ‘Read with Jenna’ podcast now to hear new episodes every week.

And the fun doesn’t stop here! Want to join our Read with Jenna community of book lovers? You can find our monthly book list and sign up for our newsletter here: TODAY.com/ReadwithJenna

You can also find us on Instagram on @ReadwithJenna

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ruth Simmons: "Be Open to Learning From Everything" Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

Ruth Simmons came from humble beginnings, growing up in east Texas as the daughter of sharecroppers. But she saw no barriers for her future. Simmons pursued a career as a successful professor and academic administrator, eventually serving as president of Smith College, Brown University and Prairie View A&M University. In this episode of Read With Jenna, Ruth reflects on her childhood and her mission to give back to others with similar life stories.

Follow the ‘Read with Jenna’ podcast now to hear new episodes every week.

And the fun doesn’t stop here! Want to join our Read with Jenna community of book lovers? You can find our monthly book list and sign up for our newsletter here: TODAY.com/ReadwithJenna

You can also find us on Instagram on @ReadwithJenna

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Judy Blume: "I'm an Optimist" Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

Beloved author Judy Blume is a literary trailblazer. Cherished by millions of readers across multiple generations, her books have acted as a rite of passage for kids and pre-teens. The prolific author’s 29 books, including "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret", have sold over 90 million copies, and have been printed in more than 39 languages. Her stories are touchstones for adolescents eager to feel seen and understood. Blume joined Jenna Bush Hager for a conversation on the impact of her books, the 25th anniversary of her novel “Summer Sisters" and her very own next chapter, opening an independent bookstore.

Follow the ‘Read with Jenna’ podcast now to hear new episodes every week.

And the fun doesn’t stop here! Want to join our Read with Jenna community of book lovers? You can find our monthly book list and sign up for our newsletter here: TODAY.com/ReadwithJenna

You can also find us on Instagram on @ReadwithJenna

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Javier Zamora: "I Survived the Unsurvivable" Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

Javier Zamora is a renowned Salvadoran poet, author and activist. When he was just 9 years old, he emigrated from El Salvador to the U.S. to reunite with his parents, who were already there. His memoir "Solito" details this harrowing solo journey away from a war-torn country and into one where home always felt far away. Zamora is the first Salvadoran author to make the New York Times bestsellers list. Jenna Bush Hager spoke to Javier about his memoir “Solito”, a recent Read with Jenna pick, and what it means to tell his story now.
Follow the ‘Read with Jenna’ podcast now to hear new episodes every week.
And the fun doesn’t stop here! Want to join our Read with Jenna community of book lovers? You can find our monthly book list and sign up for our newsletter here: TODAY.com/ReadwithJenna
You can also find us on Instagram on @ReadwithJenna

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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