Sarah J. Maas is a New York Times bestselling author of the “Throne of Glass,” “A Court of Thorns and Roses” and “Crescent City” series. Between ages 16 and 22, she drafted a series of books ... before scrapping them all to start fresh. And then published her first book — “Throne of Glass,” a slight tweak to her original title — at the age of 26. Maas sat down with Jenna Bush Hager to discuss her newest book, “House of Flame and Shadow,” the impact BookTok had on her career, and how she balances parenting and writing. She also unpacks the joy that writing romance and fantasy brings her and what her biggest hope is for her readers.


TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager is an open book and is known for sharing all of who she is.  Now Jenna will bring intimate, inspiring and entertaining conversations with celebrities, experts, friends, authors, and book lovers to a wider audience in her new podcast, Open Book with Jenna.  Each week, she’s joined by a guest who shares candid stories about their life, current projects, and reveals how a favorite read or a first book may have influenced their path. Join Jenna as she continues her mission to connect people, create meaningful conversations, and share her love of storytelling. 


Introducing: Open Book with Jenna

Chris Whitaker is a New York Times bestselling author. His latest novel, All the Colors of the Dark is one of his most personal novels and is a Read with Jenna book club pick. Chris and Jenna chat in front of an audience at the Aspen Ideas Festival, where he opens up about what led him to writing, how the characters in his book were inspired by his own childhood, and how he’s transformed tragedy into triumph. They also discuss Jenna’s production company Thousand Voices producing the television series adaptation of his novel.


‘All the Colors of the Dark” Author Chris Whitaker on How Writing Saved His Life

Colleen Hoover is a publishing phenomenon. While she didn’t necessarily set out for fame, she has achieved literary super-stardom, becoming one of the bestselling authors in the world and the top-selling author in the United States. Jenna Bush Hager sat down with Hoover at her “Book Bonanza” charity event in Texas to talk about her lifelong love of writing, and how readers have resonated with her books. We revisit their conversation from September 2023, as Hoover’s passionate and dedicated following of fans, known as “CoHorts,”  flock to the theater to see the anticipated movie adaptation of her novel "It Ends With Us." The movie adaptation features Blake Lively (Lily Bloom)  &amp; Justin Baldoni (Ryle Kincaid ) and centers around the choices we must make in orderto break the patterns in our lives.


“It Ends with Us” Writer Colleen Hoover On The Film Adaptation of Her Novel

Sarah J. Maas On How BookTok Helped Her Become Publishing Royalty

Back in 2008, shortly after the death of his father, journalist Tim Russert, Luke Russert joined NBC News as a correspondent. He spent eight years covering elections and reporting on some of the biggest political issues of our time before suddenly resigning, after realizing he didn’t feel fulfilled. Russert then embarked on a journey of self-discovery, traveling to more than 60 countries. He documented his travels and lessons in his memoir “Look For Me There: Grieving My Father, Finding Myself”. In a touching and honest conversation with Savannah Guthrie, Russert opens up about finally realizing his purpose after a life-changing moment in Israel.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


Luke Russert: "I'm Still a Work in Progress"

Raised in the rural mountains of Idaho by survivalist parents, Tara Westover never dreamed she'd be where she is today. Her memoir “Educated” tracks her route into the outside world, starting with her first step into a classroom at age 17, to getting a Ph.D. at Cambridge University, to writing a New York Times bestselling memoir. Throughout the memoir, education was the tool Westover used to broaden her perspective. Jenna Bush Hager sat down with Westover to discuss her memoir — both its content and how it changed her life — and where she’s going next.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


Tara Westover: “I Wanted a Different Life”

In this bonus episode of Read with Jenna, Rumaan Alam, the bestselling author of "Leave the World Behind", a Read with Jenna pick, joins Hoda &amp; Jenna with his recommendations for good books that would make great gifts to share the joy of reading this holiday season. 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


BONUS: Book Picks for the Holiday Season

Children's book author Mo Willems never thought a pigeon wanting to drive a bus could turn into a career. But more than 20 years later, Willems is a rock star to both children and parents for his hilarious "Pigeon" book series. He has written dozens of other stories and characters that allow children to play as they are learning to read on their own. Willems sat down with Joe Fryer to talk about his famous pigeon's 20th anniversary and the other projects in store for his fans. Willems released his latest book, "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!”, this fall.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


Mo Willems: "My Books Are an Invitation to Be Creative"

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. 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


Steven Rowley: “Inspired by a Very Real Love Story”

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


Helen Ellis: “Marriage Is Play”

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


Kate DiCamillo: "I Learned to Live in My Imagination”

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


R.L. Stine: "I Never Planned to Be Scary ... I Was Always Funny"

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


Jerry Seinfeld: “The Fun Is in the Ordinary”

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


Margaret Atwood: "We All Have Bits of Hopefulness Built In"

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


Amor Towles: "All From a Message in a Bottle"

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&amp;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


Ruth Simmons: "Be Open to Learning From Everything"

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


Judy Blume: "I'm an Optimist"

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


Javier Zamora: "I Survived the Unsurvivable"

Colleen Hoover is a publishing phenomenon. While she didn’t necessarily set out for fame, she has achieved literary super-stardom, becoming one of the bestselling authors in the world and the top-selling author in the United States. In 2022, she outsold the Bible. She continues to dominate the New York Times bestseller list week after week, thanks to her passionate and dedicated following of fans, known as “CoHorts”. Hoover sat down with Jenna Bush Hager at her “Book Bonanza” charity event in Texas to talk about her lifelong love of writing, the anticipated movie adaptation of her novel "It Ends With Us," and how readers have resonated with her books on this episode of Read with Jenna. 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


Colleen Hoover: "Make Every Book Better Than the One Before It"

In this podcast, TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager brings you intimate, entertaining, and revealing conversations with her favorite writers. Hear from authors as they share their creative process, their love of books, and what inspires them to share their stories with the world. Join Jenna as she continues her mission to connect readers, create conversations and share her love of reading.  Follow now to hear new episodes of ‘Read with Jenna’ 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/ReadwithJennaYou can also find us on Instagram on @ReadwithJenna


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Sarah J. Maas On How BookTok Helped Her Become Publishing Royalty

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