This week we are talking about banned and challenged books! What that actually means, why certain books get challenged, and whether those concerns feel fair or like an overreaction. Each of us picked a banned or challenged book to break down. We're discussing what it's about, why it was questioned, and where we personally land on it. We also dive into bigger questions about age appropriateness, school vs. parent choice, and whether banning books really protects readers or just limits conversations.

Titles mentioned in this episode:

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Lord of The Flies by William Golding

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Between The World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Erasure by Percival Everett

Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

Educated by Tara Westover

Ashes by Frank McCourt

The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner

The House of My Mother by Shari Franke

Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Skippyjon Jones by Judith Byron Schachner

Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

On this week's episode, we each chose a different title from Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 Book Club list and asked if they were worth the hype? We share star ratings, potential triggers, break down what worked (and what didn't), and help you decide whether these picks deserve a spot on your TBR!

Titles mentioned:

The Names by Florence Snap

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Heartwood by Amity Gaige

Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A Family Matter by Claire Lynch

This Is A Love Story by Jessica Soffer

The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill

In this episode, we dive into the captivating worlds created by bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid. From old Hollywood glamour to the drama of 1970s rock bands and the intensity of professional tennis, Reid’s novels bring unforgettable characters and emotional storytelling to life. We discuss some of her most popular books—including The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & the Six, Malibu Rising, and Carrie Soto Is Back—sharing our favorite moments, characters, and themes along the way. Join us as we explore what makes Taylor Jenkins Reid’s stories so addictive, why readers can’t stop talking about them, and which of her books might be the perfect place to start.Titles mentioned in this episode:

Forever, Interupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Up Next:

Read with Jenna 2025 Picks

Titles mentioned in this episode:

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley

Finlay Donavan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

James by Percival Everett

Erasure by Percival Everett

Matlida by Roald Dahl

Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

What's Up Next?

Author Spotlight: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Join us as we discuss These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner. An absolute favorite (maybe of all time) book of 2 of our co-hosts, that is sure to become a favorite of yours! We will discuss how much we love Sarah Prine, the love story, and the difficulties that were experienced in the post-civil war era.

Titles mentioned in this episode:

These is My Words by Nancy Turner

Killing Crazy Horse by Bill O'Reilly

James by Percival EverettUp Next: How would we cast one of our favorite novels?

Join in our conversation about a list of self help books from library purchases. We each picked one and read it, so we could tell you if you should read it or not? You will get some great ideas from this episode, even if you don't have time to actually read the books.

Titles mentioned in this episode:

The Plan: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi

Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves by Alison Wood Brooks

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More by Jefferson Fisher

Meditations For Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time For What Counts by Oliver Burkeman

Up Next:

Book Club Episode discussing These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner

Come join us as we look back at what we liked about our reading in 2025, and what we want to change for 2026. We will tell you all about what we liked, what we didn't like, what we plan to change, and if we have any goals for 2026. Plus we'll give you a few great recommendations!

Titles mentioned in this episode:

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

The Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner

The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene

Emma by Jane Austen

Alledgedly by Tiffany D Jackson

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Marin Ireland

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood

A Mannequin for Christmas by Timothy JanovskyIn 2 weeks:

The Best Self Help Books from 2025

Join us as we look back at the long list of books the five of us read last year. Which books made us feel something and which ones shocked us? Which one do we fee like we could recommend to almost anyone? And finally, what were our very favorites we read in 2025? Come listen for some great titles to add to your TBR!

Books mentioned in this episode:Let Them by Mel Robbins

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrick Backman

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

James by Percival Everett

The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene

The Three Mothers by Anna Malaika Tubbs

Alledgedly by Tiffany D Jackson

James by Percival Everett

Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls

Last Summer Boys by Bill Rivers

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz

The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander Newfoundlad by Jim Defede

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Elligible by Curtis Settenfield

Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl

The Bullet that Missed by Richard Osman

Emma by Jane AustenUP NEXT:

What are our literary intentions for the coming year?