Renowned media personality Jenna Bush Hager is not just a familiar face on NBC’s Today show; she has become a driving force in the literary world. With her popular book club, Read with Jenna, and now her own publishing imprint, Thousand Voices Books, Bush Hager is redefining what it means to champion storytelling and literacy. This new venture promises to elevate diverse voices and continue the legacy of her family’s dedication to literature.

Unleashing the Power of Stories: How Jenna Bush Hager is Transforming the Publishing World

A New Era for Storytelling

The launch of Thousand Voices Books marks a significant milestone in the career of Jenna Bush Hager. As part of the Random House Publishing Group, this imprint will debut six titles in 2025, starting with "Conform" by Ariel Sullivan. The decision to establish an imprint was not taken lightly. Six months ago, Bush Hager began contemplating the idea, driven by her passion for books and her desire to create a platform that celebrates underrepresented voices. “Because I’m so into it, it doesn’t really feel like work,” she reflects. “I mean, it is, but I’m just having such a great time.”Her enthusiasm is palpable, especially when discussing the challenges faced by celebrity-led imprints. While many have warned her about the pitfalls, Bush Hager believes her unique position as a trusted voice in the literary community offers a solution. Her established platform on Today and her book club provide a built-in audience ready to embrace the stories she champions. Moreover, her family’s deep-rooted connection to literature adds another layer of authenticity to her venture.

Family Ties and Literary Traditions

Bush Hager’s love for books can be traced back through generations of her family. Both of her grandmothers were avid readers, and one even had a needle-pointed pillow on her couch that read, “Reading is sexy.” This sentiment has been passed down, and Bush Hager proudly displays a replica on her own couch. Her mother, former First Lady Laura Bush, was a librarian, and both grandmothers, including Barbara Bush, dedicated their lives to promoting literacy. When George H. W. Bush became Vice President in 1981, Barbara focused her efforts on literacy, founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.One of Bush Hager’s earliest memories involves reading with her grandmother Barbara, who was then the First Lady. She recalls being deeply moved by a book recommended by her grandmother, titled "A Dog Called Kitty." The story’s emotional impact left a lasting impression on her, illustrating the profound power of literature to evoke feelings and connect people across generations. “I think I realized the power that books have to make us feel,” she says, highlighting how this experience shaped her lifelong appreciation for storytelling.

Navigating Challenges and Finding Hope Through Literature

As Bush Hager embarks on this new chapter, she also faces the challenges of balancing her media commitments. The fourth hour of Today, now renamed Jenna & Friends, has seen a rotation of guest hosts following Hoda Kotb’s departure. Despite the upheaval, Bush Hager remains grateful for the support of celebrities like Taraji P. Henson and Eva Longoria, who joined her during a particularly difficult time marked by devastating fires in Los Angeles. Their presence underscored the importance of community and resilience, values that are central to her mission.In times of crisis, Bush Hager turns to books for solace and inspiration. During the recent wildfires, a book she read offered her hope and reminded her of the transformative power of literature. “When we’re witnessing these horrific fires and people’s livelihoods and lives and everything that they own being burned, this book brought so much hope to me,” she explains. This experience reinforces her belief in the singular power of books to bring comfort and perspective during challenging moments.

Expanding the Reach of Thousand Voices

Thousand Voices Books aims to amplify diverse voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard. By leveraging her platform and influence, Bush Hager hopes to introduce readers to narratives that challenge conventions and inspire change. The imprint’s inaugural title, "Conform," is a testament to this vision, exploring themes of identity and societal pressures. As she looks toward the future, Bush Hager is committed to ensuring that every book published under Thousand Voices resonates with readers and contributes to meaningful conversations.Through her imprint, Bush Hager continues the legacy of her family’s dedication to literacy while forging her own path in the publishing industry. Her goal is clear: to empower voices that deserve to be heard and to remind the world of the enduring power of stories to shape our understanding of ourselves and each other.