Read With Jenna’s August Pick Is a Moving Coming-of-Age Novel with a Twist

New month, new Read With Jenna pick—and this one’s already stirring up buzz. After choosing a twisty thriller for July, Jenna Bush Hager is switching gears with an emotional, coming-of-age novel for August. The Today show co-host just announced that her latest book club pick is My Other Heart by Emma Nanami Strenner and if you’re into stories about identity, family, and finding your place in the world, consider this your next must-read.

“Wow… I am so, so excited to share our August @readwithjenna pick,” Jenna wrote on Instagram on Monday, August 4. “‘My Other Heart’ by the incredible Emma Nanami Strenner is out everywhere.”

She went on to describe the book as a story full of “motherhood and friendship and identity and loss.”

Set between Pennsylvania and Japan, the novel follows three storylines: a mother separated from her daughter, and two best friends on the edge of adulthood—each one searching for belonging. Eventually, their lives intersect in a powerful and emotional climax that Jenna promises will stick with readers.

“It’s intelligent, moving, and just so gorgeously written,” she added. “Run, don’t walk. I can’t wait for everyone to read this one.”

Though the novel was just released, it’s already making waves—earning a 3.94-star rating on Goodreads with nearly 100 reviews and counting.

Author Emma Nanami Strenner shared her own emotional reaction to the news in a sweet video clip, revealing she found out while picking up pizza for her daughter after school. “I think my first 50 words were ‘Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh,’” she said, still clearly stunned. “It really hasn’t sunken in.”