Jenna Bush Hager has revealed her first Read with Jenna selection for 2026, choosing a memoir that she calls “one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read.”
Since launching the club in 2019, the Today with Jenna & Sheinelle co-host has spotlighted one new title every month, focusing on debut and diverse voices that haven’t always received mainstream attention.
At a Glance
- January’s pick is debut memoir Home Schooled by Stefan Merrill Block
- Bush Hager, 44, founded the club to elevate under-represented authors
- The memoir recounts Block’s unconventional education after his mother withdrew him from public school at age nine
- Why it matters: The selection continues the club’s mission to amplify stories that reflect the full spectrum of American experiences
A Memoir of Unorthodox Education
Stefan Merrill Block’s childhood took a dramatic turn when, at nine years old, his mother removed him from public school. Her goal was to protect the creativity she feared the traditional system was stifling.
For years, Block learned at home through experimental teaching methods that shaped his worldview. The arrangement ended when he re-entered public school as a freshman, forcing him to navigate an entirely different social and academic landscape.
Bush Hager praises the resulting memoir, declaring it “one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read.”
Spotlighting Diverse Narratives
The former first daughter has used her platform to champion writers whose backgrounds and perspectives have historically been under-published. She previously told News Of Losangeles that the club’s mission centers on “highlighting debut and diverse writers.”
By “younger writers,” Bush Hager clarifies she means authors early in their careers rather than in age. The focus extends to:
- Stories that have not always received publishing attention
- Voices from communities historically under-represented in literature
- Debut works that might otherwise escape mainstream notice
The approach ensures, in her words, that “all of America is really represented in the stories that we’re sharing.”
Expanding the Literary Canon
Under Bush Hager’s curation, Read with Jenna balances contemporary debuts with timeless classics. Readers can find:
- Fresh discoveries from first-time authors
- Revisited works by literary giants like Toni Morrison and Jane Austen
- A mix of genres that spans fiction, memoir, and beyond
This dual focus allows subscribers to explore new favorites while returning to established masters, creating a reading list that bridges generations and styles.
The 2026 Journey Begins
With Home Schooled leading the 2026 lineup, Bush Hager continues her streak of selecting emotionally resonant narratives. The memoir’s examination of alternative education, family dynamics, and personal identity aligns with the club’s history of choosing books that spark nationwide conversation.
Each month, members receive:
- An announcement video featuring Bush Hager’s personal take
- Discussion questions for book groups
- Access to author interviews and behind-the-scenes content
- A community forum to share reactions and insights
A Club Built on Passion
Bush Hager’s lifelong love of reading fuels the project. Friends and colleagues note that she always carries a book, often quoting passages that moved her. That enthusiasm translates into curated selections that feel both intimate and universal.
Since 2019, the club has:
- Recommended more than 70 titles
- Helped launch several debut authors onto bestseller lists
- Partnered with independent bookstores for signed editions
- Donated thousands of copies to libraries and schools nationwide
Looking Ahead
While only the January pick has been revealed, readers anticipate another year of thought-provoking choices. Past themes have explored:
- Immigrant experiences
- Environmental activism
- Historical re-examinations
- Coming-of-age across cultures
Whatever direction Bush Hager takes next, followers expect the same careful curation that has made Read with Jenna a trusted guide for book lovers seeking their next great read.
**Key Takeaways
- Jenna Bush Hager‘s January 2026 selection is Home Schooled, a memoir about unconventional schooling
- The club, started in 2019, prioritizes debut and diverse authors
- Block’s story of leaving and re-entering traditional education resonated deeply with the host
- Members can expect monthly picks that challenge, delight, and broaden literary horizons
