In this special episode of Open Book with Jenna, Tiffany Haddish joins Jenna Bush Hager live at the Read with Jenna Book Festival in Nashville, Tennessee. Tiffany opens up about her childhood and the challenges she overcame at a young age. She shares the story of the teacher who helped her learn to read as a teenager, the first book that she ever finished, and how the library became her safe haven. Plus, she answers questions from the live festival audience in this special episode of Open Book with Jenna.(Event sponsored by Nashville Music City, Venue sponsored by W Nashville, and furniture provided by Mayker Events)
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55:33
Elin Hilderbrand on Beach Reads, Adaptations, and New Beginnings
Live from the first-ever Read with Jenna Book Festival in Nashville, Jenna Bush Hager sits down with New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand for a heartfelt conversation about the end of her iconic Nantucket series, the joys and challenges of co-writing The Academy with her daughter, and the excitement of book-to-screen adaptations — including the Netflix hit The Perfect Couple. Elin shares how her beloved beach reads have brought readers comfort and connection through the years, and what it means to turn the page and start a brand-new chapter. Plus, she answers questions from the live festival audience in this special episode of Open Book with Jenna.(Event sponsored by Nashville Music City, Venue sponsored by W Nashville, and furniture provided by Mayker Events)
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36:51
Judy Blume on Shaping Generations
Jenna sits down with the legendary Judy Blume — the beloved author whose stories have shaped generations, opened minds, and helped countless kids feel seen. From childhood classics to bestselling adult novels, Blume’s impact is undeniable, with 29 books, over 90 million copies sold, and translations in 39 languages. Recorded at her independent bookstore, Books & Books in Key West, this heartfelt conversation explores her creative journey, deep bond with readers, and the legacy she continues to build.
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Sarah J. Maas on 10 Years of 'A Court of Thorns and Roses'
Jenna Bush Hager sits down with bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, the powerhouse behind Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City. As ACOTAR celebrates its tenth anniversary, Sarah reflects on her early writing days, the manuscript she scrapped, and the debut that changed everything. She opens up about the impact of BookTok, balancing motherhood with deadlines, and why fantasy and romance offer more than just escapism — they offer hope.
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36:58
Jessica Soffer on ‘This Is a Love Story’
Jessica Soffer joins Jenna Bush Hager for a special Read with Jenna book club event to discuss her New York Times bestselling novel ‘This Is a Love Story.’ Together, they explore the book’s themes of motherhood, memory, and identity. Jessica shares how Central Park and the city of New York deeply influenced her writing and answers live questions from readers. She also gives a glimpse into what’s next in her writing journey.
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.
USA