‘Today Show’: Jenna Bush Hager Celebrates the Power of Female Friendships in June Book Club Pick
Jenna Bush Hager is kicking off summer with a “Read with Jenna” pick focused on the value of female friendships. The Today Show star just announced her June selection which should keep readers captivated through the very last page of the debut novel.
Jenna Bush Hager picks ‘These Impossible Things’ for June
Hager gave a description of These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany on Instagram, which is the first novel by the author.
“This debut novel follows the friendship of three Muslim girls navigating love and faith as their prime college years come to an end,” Hager wrote in the caption. “When one night takes a turn and changes everything— this trio has to find their way back to each other.”
Chronicling the lives of BFFs Malak, Kees, and Jenna, These Impossible Things explores the complex themes of culture, family, friendship, and tradition while trying to follow your own path.
“Salma’s novel shows the power of treasuring those close to us and demonstrates love in all forms,” Hager raved. “Come read with us!!”
Salma El-Wardany paid homage to her own friendships in her novel
The debut novelist revealed that her story came from her own realization of how significant the bonds of her female friendships have been over the years.
“As I got older, and as I went through life, I kind of got to a point where I was like, my girlfriends may be more important than my romantic relationships,” El-Wardany said, according to Today.com.
El-Wardany wanted to provide a story that she felt was missing in today’s current book selections while sharing some of her own journey.
“It kind of came back to that old adage of if there’s a story that you want to see that’s not there, then you better write it,” the author stated. “And so that’s one of the reasons I wrote it as well, because I just thought, I just want to tell a story of our lived experience, that doesn’t make us the butt of a joke.”
‘Today Show’ star related to the strong female bonds in ‘These Impossible Things’
Hager often speaks of her close relationship with her twin sister, Barbara, as well as her longtime friendships with other women. The Today co-host felt These Impossible Things reflected the importance of the bonds that are formed between women through life’s various stages and changes.
“Just like in my own life, this book is about three strong women who are the heroines of their own stories,” Hager remarked. “This book perfectly portrays the power, vulnerability and solace I have always found in female friendship.”
El-Wardany praised Hager on Instagram alongside the Today Show star’s picture holding These Impossible Things.
“My book has never looked as good as it does in your hands Jenna. 😍” the author commented. “Thank you so much, you queen of a woman. ❤️xxxx”
These Impossible Things goes on sale on June 7, 2022.
