📖 Overview
Jenna Bush Hager is an American news personality, journalist, and author who gained prominence as the co-host of NBC's "Today with Hoda & Jenna." As the daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, she transitioned from her role as a presidential daughter to establish her own career in media and publishing.
Following her father's presidency, Bush Hager developed a multifaceted career in television and publishing. She serves as a correspondent and co-host on NBC's "Today Show" and has authored several books, including children's literature and personal memoirs. Her work as an editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine further expanded her presence in media.
Her literary contributions include "Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope," based on her work with UNICEF, and "Everything Beautiful in Its Time," a collection of personal essays about her grandparents. She also co-authored several books with her twin sister Barbara, including "Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life."
Since 2019, Bush Hager has co-anchored the fourth hour of "Today" alongside Hoda Kotb, where she discusses current events, conducts interviews, and leads the "Read with Jenna" book club. This platform has established her as a significant voice in contemporary media and literary discussion.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Bush Hager's personal, conversational writing style in both her memoirs and children's books. Reviews highlight her authenticity in sharing family stories and experiences in the White House.
Amazon reviewers (4.7/5 average across books) note her ability to connect with young readers in "Ana's Story," praising its sensitive handling of difficult topics. A common thread in reviews is her skill at making complex issues accessible to children.
"Everything Beautiful in Its Time" receives praise for its intimate portraits of her grandparents, with multiple readers citing specific passages about grief and family bonds. One Goodreads reviewer wrote: "Her memories of both Bush and presidential families feel genuine rather than sanitized."
Critics point to occasional surface-level storytelling and say some books rely too heavily on her family name. Some readers note her children's books can be "predictable" or "safe."
Goodreads ratings:
- Ana's Story: 3.9/5
- Everything Beautiful in Its Time: 4.2/5
- Sisters First: 4.1/5
📚 Books by Jenna Bush Hager
Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope
A non-fiction work chronicling the life of a 17-year-old single mother in Latin America who is HIV positive, based on Bush Hager's experiences while working with UNICEF.
Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life A memoir co-written with Barbara Pierce Bush sharing personal stories and reflections about growing up as twin sisters in the public eye.
Everything Beautiful in Its Time: Seasons of Love and Loss A collection of personal essays reflecting on Bush Hager's relationships with her grandparents, including both the Bush and Welch families.
Sisters First A children's picture book co-authored with Barbara Pierce Bush celebrating the special bond between sisters.
Read with Jenna: Stories of Hope and Community A collection of essays exploring themes from books featured in Bush Hager's Today Show book club.
Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life A memoir co-written with Barbara Pierce Bush sharing personal stories and reflections about growing up as twin sisters in the public eye.
Everything Beautiful in Its Time: Seasons of Love and Loss A collection of personal essays reflecting on Bush Hager's relationships with her grandparents, including both the Bush and Welch families.
Sisters First A children's picture book co-authored with Barbara Pierce Bush celebrating the special bond between sisters.
Read with Jenna: Stories of Hope and Community A collection of essays exploring themes from books featured in Bush Hager's Today Show book club.
👥 Similar authors
Emily Giffin writes character-driven stories about relationships and family dynamics in contemporary settings. Her books explore complex personal choices and moral dilemmas, similar to Bush Hager's approach to storytelling.
Laura Dave focuses on family secrets and emotional journeys through multiple generations. Her narratives blend personal discovery with family relationships, matching Bush Hager's interest in generational storytelling.
Mary Laura Philpott writes memoirs and essays about family life, career transitions, and personal growth. Her work combines humor with reflection on life experiences, paralleling Bush Hager's style in her personal essays.
Kelly Corrigan creates memoirs centered on family bonds and life-changing moments. Her focus on parent-child relationships and family heritage aligns with Bush Hager's exploration of family legacy.
Ann Patchett writes both fiction and non-fiction that examines family relationships and personal transformation. Her work includes themes of privilege and responsibility that echo Bush Hager's perspective as someone from a prominent family.
Laura Dave focuses on family secrets and emotional journeys through multiple generations. Her narratives blend personal discovery with family relationships, matching Bush Hager's interest in generational storytelling.
Mary Laura Philpott writes memoirs and essays about family life, career transitions, and personal growth. Her work combines humor with reflection on life experiences, paralleling Bush Hager's style in her personal essays.
Kelly Corrigan creates memoirs centered on family bonds and life-changing moments. Her focus on parent-child relationships and family heritage aligns with Bush Hager's exploration of family legacy.
Ann Patchett writes both fiction and non-fiction that examines family relationships and personal transformation. Her work includes themes of privilege and responsibility that echo Bush Hager's perspective as someone from a prominent family.