Jenna Bush Hager recently made headlines when she talked about her future on Today With Jenna & Friends, but the good news is that she’s not going anywhere — not right now, at least. You’ll still be able to watch her and her guest hosts on weekday mornings — and keep up with her latest book recommendations, too.
Looking for a good book to read as the summer winds down? The popular news personality just announced the August pick for the Read With Jenna book club, and it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster to add to your reading queue. This month’s highlighted novel is My Other Heart, a debut from author Emma Nanami Strenner. It’s described as a coming-of-age story wrapped up in a heart-wrenching mystery, and if early reviews are any indication, it will be the start of a promising writing career for the new novelist.
Pamela Dorman Books
My Other Heart
This coming-of-age story gets the seal of approval from Jenna Bush Hager — and plenty of other avid readers.
$30 at Amazon
What is My Other Heart about?
This debut novel tells the story of three women: First, there’s Mimi Truang, a mother whose young daughter disappeared seventeen years ago from the Philadelphia airport when they were traveling back home to Vietnam. The other main characters are two teenage best friends: Kit, who is half Japanese, half American and adopted by white parents, and Sabrina, the daughter of a Chinese immigrant single mother.
As the book unfolds, the two teenagers are spending their last summer before college together, and they’re both searching for a better understanding of their family histories. At the same time, Mimi hasn’t given up searching for her daughter and gets an unexpected lead that brings her back to Philadelphia. The three women’s lives become intertwined, bringing the book to an “astonishing climax.”
What does Jenna say about it?
Jenna recently took to Instagram to announce her latest book club pick, and she absolutely gushed over the unforgettable story: “This novel is full of motherhood and friendship and identity and loss — I fell in love with each character and was grasping for more with every chapter,” the TV host wrote.
“Set between Pennsylvania and Japan, the story follows a mother who was devastatingly separated from her daughter, and two best friends on the brink of adulthood, each searching for where they come from — and where they belong,” she writes.
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“When the three paths finally intersect in an unforgettable climax, we are left with a story full of heart, honesty, and power. It’s intelligent, moving, and just so gorgeously written.”
I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely intrigued!
Here’s what early reviewers say
My Other Heart only came out a few days ago, but early reviews on Goodreads call it an emotional masterpiece.
“It’s a beautiful novel which delves into complex issues of coming to age, racism, identity, and friendships. Told through various perspectives of cleverly crafted characters we are taken on a journey spanning Vietnam, Japan and Philadelphia,” explains one reader, who gave the novel a five-star rating. “I cannot commend this book any higher than to say read it. It’s emotional, powerful, and eye-opening.”
Others praise the book as one of their favorite reads of the year: “This is one of the most heartbreaking and emotional reads I’ve picked up this year and a true masterpiece from Emma Nanami Strenner,” writes another five-star reviewer. “I loved how the book navigates the relationship between race and wealth and the realities of various Asian American communities — how each journey is different but unfortunately clubbed together by the majority in American society. A magnificent and bittersweet story; exceptionally and beautifully written!”
Readers also appreciate the book’s unexpected plot twists: “There are several twists along the way that keep the story from wandering into fairytale happy-ever-after territory. On the whole, I really enjoyed it. It’s a quick read and would make a good summer book for young adults,” recommends another Goodreads user.
Should you read it?
If you’re looking for an engaging and emotional book that will leave you reeling, My Other Heart will surely deliver. It has strong themes about class and race, as well as the ties between mothers, daughters, and best friends. Plus, reviewers agree that the writing is absolutely beautiful, making it a fabulous debut from a talented new author. I’ll definitely be adding it to my reading list, and you might want to, as well!
Pamela Dorman Books
My Other Heart
This new recommendation from Jenna Bush Hager is sure to be a worthwhile read this fall.
$30 at Amazon
Other new releases to add to your reading list
Want a few more options? The following are several other titles that came out in the past few months that are worth adding to your TBR list.
Not Quite Dead Yet: A GMA Book Club Pick
Spectacular Things: Reese’s Book Club
The View From Lake Como
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping
These Summer Storms
The Woman in Suite 11
Finding Grace
Atmosphere: A GMA Book Club Pick
Never Flinch
If you have any questions about these books — or you just wanna chat about your favorite products you think we should check out — send us an email at shopping.editors@aol.com and we’ll write you back!
