Worth the Hype? Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 Book Club Picks

We Don't Read Science Fiction...Or Do We?

In this episode, we set out to prove one thing: we don’t read science fiction. At least… that’s what we thought. Join us as we explore the sci-fi titles that pulled us out of our comfort zones—and maybe even changed our minds. Were these truly “science fiction,” or just great stories with a futuristic twist? Along the way, we share what surprised us, what challenged us, and whether we’re ready to embrace a genre we once avoided. So… do we read science fiction? You might be surprised by the answer. Books mentioned in this episode: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Dune by Frank Herbert Emma M. Lion Series by Beth Brower Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel 1984 by George Orwell The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Divergent by Veronica Roth Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Let's Talk Newberry Awards 2026

The 2026 Newbery Medal winners are here, and we have thoughts. In this episode, we each spotlight a different honored title and break down what makes it award-worthy (or not!). From unforgettable characters to powerful themes, we’re sharing our honest reactions, favorite moments, and a few surprises along the way. Come chat books with us! Titles mentioned in this episode: The Trouble With Heroes by Kate Messner Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamilo Little House on The Prarie by Laura Ingalls Wilder Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil by E. Frankweiler The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly Smokey The Cow Horse by Will James On The Bank of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri Refugee by Alan Gratz Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser The Vanderbeekers Series by Karina Yan Glaser All The Blues in The Sky by Renée Watson A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez by María Dolores Águila Pax by Sara Pennypacker Heartwood Hotel by Kallie George The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Divergent by Veronica Roth Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Our Thoughts on I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

In this episode, we dive into I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel, a heartfelt celebration of the reading life. Each of us chose a different chapter to explore, sharing personal takeaways and favorite moments along the way. From the joy of getting lost in a good book to the habits and quirks that make readers unique, this conversation highlights why reading matters and how it shapes who we are. Whether you’re an avid reader or just getting back into books, there’s something here for you. Books mentioned in this episode: Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner A Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Wonder by R.J. Palacio The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne Kingdom of Wrenley Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes LIttle House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Cannery Row by John Steinbeck East of Eden b John Steinbeck Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Erasure by Percival Everett James by Percival Everett Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl The Sugar Queen by Sarah Allen Bear Town by Fredrik Backman My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Let's Talk Banned Books

This week we are talking about banned and challenged books! What that actually means, why certain books get challenged, and whether those concerns feel fair or like an overreaction. Each of us picked a banned or challenged book to break down. We're discussing what it's about, why it was questioned, and where we personally land on it.  We also dive into bigger questions about age appropriateness, school vs. parent choice, and whether banning books really protects readers or just limits conversations. Titles mentioned in this episode: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Lord of The Flies by William Golding All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr Between The World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck East of Eden by John Steinbeck Erasure by Percival Everett Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Educated by Tara Westover Ashes by Frank McCourt The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner The House of My Mother by Shari Franke Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe Charlotte's Web by E.B. White Skippyjon Jones by Judith Byron Schachner Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

Worth the Hype? Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 Book Club Picks

On this week's episode, we each chose a different title from Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 Book Club list and asked if they were worth the hype? We share star ratings, potential triggers, break down what worked (and what didn't), and help you decide whether these picks deserve a spot on your TBR! Titles mentioned: The Names by Florence Snap Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand Heartwood by Amity Gaige Midnight Library by Matt Haig Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Little Women by Louisa May Alcott A Family Matter by Claire Lynch This Is A Love Story by Jessica Soffer The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill