7 Genius Stretches to Awaken Creativity When You’re in a Rut

Maybe you take the perfect #Winestagram without even trying. Perhaps making DIY pom pom pillows to upgrade your bedding ain’t no thang. But if you’re like the rest of us mere mortals, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to have a little expert help to boost your creativity. That’s why we reached out to top yoga instructors for their best moves to evoke some seriously beautiful inspiration. Read on, and maybe you’ll even draw up one of these totally zen yoga tattoos after, using your newly found imaginative flow.

1. Move out of the “box.” A simple but possible concept.”When [your lower abdomen and pelvic area] is tight or constricted, creative inspiration ebbs. Modern living can add to this blockage; repetitive movements, walking, sitting, even exercises like biking reinforce a rigid linear body profile,” says Diane West, Yoga Instructor at Mohonk Mountain House, a luxury resort and spa in New York’s idyllic Hudson Valley. “Think of keeping your body within the outline of a box; you can move forward or back but not much else. Yoga poses that open the hips can help you move ‘out of the box,’ physically and spiritually.” Grabbing hold of your waist with feet planted about shoulder distance apart, thrust your hips forward and hold for at least 10 seconds as you gently bend backwards. Returning to center, reach your left hand over your head and stretch to the right for five or so seconds, and repeat with your right hand. This will help open your joints and alleviate physical and emotional tension.

2. Banish mental fog by taking a seat. No, not hunched over your laptop at your desk, ladies. Rather, if you’re encountering mental blockage, try sitting in “easy seated pose” (also known as “Shkhasana”). “To perform, sit up straight, extend your legs in front of your body, then cross your legs in front of you at your shins. Then, place each foot beneath the opposite knee and place your hands on your knees, palms down. Breath in and out through your nose and close your eyes for one to three minutes,” shares Alexa Maytorena, an instructor at TruFusion in Las Vegas, Nevada. “This simple pose allows one to focus a scattered mind, and once the mind is calm, creative thoughts can flow through.”

3. Try reclined bound-ankle pose. Yogis call it Supta Bada Konasana; we just call it a brilliant way to unleash those inspirational juices. “Lie on your back with knees bent, feet on the floor. Bring the soles of your feet together and let the knees fall open to the sides so the legs make a diamond shape. Rest your arms alongside your body or place left hand on your heart and right hand on your belly. Hold the pose for two to five minutes, breathing smoothly,” suggests Rebecca Weible, Director and Founder of Yo Yoga! in New York City. West adds: “Allow gravity to assist in relaxing the hip flexors and relieving tension in the lower back area. So how does it help invoke a burst of innovation and originality? “This restorative pose provides hip opening, which can help alleviate stress — creativity’s nemesis. Additionally, taking a few minutes to relax and focus on your breath promotes clarity of thought,” Weible comments.

4. Try this imagination-sparking sequence. “Think of this as a series to do as a work break as opposed to three separate moves. I love the idea of moving and releasing to make room in your body and mind for more creative endeavors. Just like your body, your thoughts can get ‘stuck,’ so try these moves to restore focus, breath and, of course, creativity,” explains Rupa Mehta of The Nalini Method. “A) Rag Doll. By bending at the waist and folding over, you’re figuratively dumping the unproductive energy toward the floor! And, more literally, sitting for a long time can crunch your spine and posture, decreasing blood flow to the brain. So fold over, breathe deep, and elongate. B) Warrior 3. After you roll up from Rag Doll, having released any stress or stuck energy, it’s time to focus. Balance is a great way to connect strength with intention and purpose. While you hold this pose (for as long as is comfortable), try to keep a singular focus. This exercise will carry over to your work and help you to be present, so you don’t get distracted from your creativity! C) Seated Diamond Stretch. The intention here is to foster new ideas. Out with the old and in with the new! Sit comfortably on the floor with your feet touching and knees open in a diamond. Press your elbows into your knees to deepen the stretch and sit with breath and meditation in mind. I like this for creativity more than ‘easy pose,’ because it offers a manageable challenge or discomfort, as many creative endeavors need to succeed,” offers Mehta.

5. Strike a bridge pose. Channel that inner Madonna and get physical in this one, girls. “Start by lying on your back with knees bent hip distance apart, and arms by your side with palms facing down. Use your leg strength and ground down through both heels to lift your hips up, pressing down through both palms,” says Maytorena. “Keep your core engaged by pulling navel into spine to support your back muscles. This move boosts creativity because it stimulates the adrenals which help to energize and motivate us.”

6. Enjoy some quality time in Goddess pose. This pose is accessible to most people and an easy setup: “It is not a static pose and therefore a good way to get started. Step your feet wide, turn your toes out, and sink your hips far enough to bring each knee over its corresponding ankle. Place your hands on your thighs and draw your tailbone down as the pelvis lifts. Breathe deeply and move side to side, shifting your weight back and forth. You can bend your arms at the elbows like goal posts, palms facing forward. As you move you may feel yourself sink deeper,” offers West. “Lower back issues and tight hips are common issues for many people (including spa guests). Gentle hip openers can counteract the effects of sitting for prolonged periods and allow creativity to flow.”

7. Try “Lion’s breath.” You don’t even need to be at the gym or on a yoga mat for this one. “Wherever you are, take a big inhale through your nose,” advises Lauren Imparato, founder and owner of the celebrated I.AM.YOU. Studio in New York City. “Then exhale strongly out of your mouth sticking your tongue out. Maybe even shake your head fiercely; don’t be afraid to make some noise. Repeat one to five times as you see fit and you’ll soon notice the release of whatever’s been holding you back in an infusion of fresh oxygen and energy to let your creative juices move forward.”

What’s your favorite stretch or yoga pose when you’re in a creative rut? Post a picture on Instagram and tag @BritandCo for a chance to be featured!

(Photos via Getty)

Just in time for a brand new month, we're kicking things off a 31-Day YogaChallenge this October. This year has had its fair share of ups and downs, but now it's time to recenter and refresh before our annual Holiday Season Sprint. You deserve to ease out of survivalmode and into a space where your stressisn't triggered as often. We all do.

From poses that lower your cortisol level to stretches that slowly eliminate back pain, here's everything you'll need to go from stressed to refreshed this month.

Week One (October 1st - 6th)

Image via Antoni Shkraba/Pexels

To get our yoga challenge started, we're starting off nice and slow so that your body as well as your senses can awakened. Over the next seven days, let these yoga poses help you center your energy so you can feel present. Trust us - your inbox can wait 10 minutes for you to ease into your day.

Energy-Centering Morning Yoga

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10 min Morning Yoga - Gentle Beginner Yoga Stretch (NO PROPS)

Day One

This yoga routine keeps things light by allowing you to perform most movements in the sitting position. They'll help you begin to release any recurring tension you've been feeling.

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10 min Morning Yoga Stretch for Beginners - Energy Boost Yoga

Day Two

Begin day two of the yoga challenge with another morning stretch that elongates your spine and helps loosen any lingering tension in your hips.

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10 Min Morning Yoga Miracle! FEEL AMAZING! (All Levels Yoga)

Day Three

Continue stretching your way into day three of the yoga challenge with these soothing stretches.

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The BEST way to start your day! | 10-Minute Morning Yoga

Day Four

If things are beginning to feel repetitive today, don't give up! The goal is to help your body get used to being stretched before you start powering through your to-do list.

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15 MIN MORNING YOGA FLOW || Wake Up & Feel Energised

Day Five

If you have an extra five minutes to spare, try this 15 minute morning yoga routine for a slight change of pace.

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10 Minute Yoga Power Flow For Beginners

Day Six

Things are starting to get interesting with this power flow yoga routine. This requires you to finally leave the sitting position and we know you're grateful for that.

Image via Anna Nekrashevich / Pexels

For day 7, take the time to give your body a break from your first week of intentional morning yoga stretches! Make your favorite tea or pumpkin spice latte drink and enjoy the crisp fall air! The fun picks back up October 8th!

We hope you're enjoying October's 31-Day Yoga Challenge so far. Things are going to get exciting soon and we can't wait to hear all about your progress. Be sure to share your journey with us by tagging @britandco & #britstagram!

Lead image via MART PRODUCTION/Pexels.

If you were on the internet at all this summer, then you're probably familiar with all the It Ends With Us cast drama. The rumored rift between director and star Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively didn't come to light until after the movie released, but Justin just revealed some brand new information that totally reframes the whole film: he almost suffered a "breakdown" while filming.

Justin Baldoni has been vocal about taking the role of Ryle, who abuses Blake Lively's Lily throughout the film, really seriously, but his latest interview with the How to Fail podcast reveals the effect of the character went way farther than anyone knew.

Keep reading to see why starring as Ryle Kincaid opposite Blake Lively in It Ends With Usaffected Justin Baldoni's mental health.

Justin Baldoni says Ryle Kincaid was "very hard" to get rid of.

Sony Pictures Releasing

When host Elizabeth Day asks about how he decompressed after playing Ryle, Justin admits the character was harder to shake than he anticipated. "That was very hard and honestly, that took a few months," he says. "I had dreams as him for a while, and it lived in my body, but I think for the most part, he's out."

And while starring in such a role is difficult on its own, he also had the job of directing the scenes he was in! "Directing is a very lonely job, I'll just be very candid," he says. "Because you are kind of at the top of this totem pole. In your moments of quiet, everybody has a thousand questions for you and also nobody wants to disturb you and you don't really have many people to talk to and you can't necessarily share your anxiety or your nervousness about something because you're also the leader."

His scenes as Ryle involved everything from romantic scenes with Blake Lively to a physical fight with Brandon Sklenar, and there were times he had to go "shake it out" away from the rest of the cast.

Justin Baldoni almost had a breakdown after filming a scene with Blake Lively.

"I've done a lot of somatic therapy so there were times when I was actually just shaking," he says. "There's a moment in the movie where Ryle finds Lily's phone and he finds a phone number and he's very jealous and he's heartbroken and he's angry and he doesn't harm her but you can see in his eyes how dangerous he is. After that scene, I had a near breakdown."

Despite the fact he plays such a "dangerous" character, Justin quickly became the most beloved cast member after the movie's release. Fans became suspicious whey they realized Blake Lively, Brandon Sklenar, and Jenny Slate didn't follow the director on Instagram (and avoided talking about him in interviews)...and then the internet came to the conclusion there was a major rift between the director and the cast (which hasn't technically been confirmed by anyone who's rumored to be involved).

Justin spent the movie's press run raising awareness for domestic violence support, while the internet quickly criticized how Blake Lively treated the film like a lighthearted rom-com, using the opportunity to promote her haircare line.

A source told People that Blake Lively felt "surprised," "vulnerable and upset"about the response to the film's press, while Justin's Jane the Virgin costar Gina Rodriguez came to Justin's defense and told People in September that "sweet, sweet soul" Justin is "my brother forever. Forever and ever."

"You know what?" Justin says. "[Gina's comments] came at a very special time for me and that meant a lot. She really showed up for me. That was really sweet...She's a sweetheart. She's family forever."

Read up on what Brandon Sklenar said about a potential It Starts With Us sequel movie.

My best friend and I have a running joke where instead of Thing 1 and Thing 2, we call ourselves Overwhelmed and Overstimulated. With so many devices, so many notifications, so many online clothing stores, so many streaming services (and so on and so forth), it's easy to feel stressed by everything happening in life. I get it!

That's why I talked to Sussan Nwogwugwu, Regional Nurse Practitioner Lead for digital health platform Done. Nwogwugwu offered some insight into symptoms that might indicate you have ADHD and how to help in those moments where *you* feel overwhelmed and overstimulated.

Figuring Out A Diagnosis

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While they can feel similar, there is a difference between having ADHD and just feeling overwhelmed. "On the one hand, feeling overstimulated may emanate from several stimuli, including stress, lack of adequate sleep, excessive noise, or sensory overload," Nwogwugwu says. "ADHD is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity that significantly impair daily functioning, or hyperactivity and are present in multiple settings."

So overstimulation is the result of outward elements, but ADHD comes from inside your brain. And while stress can have its up and downs, ADHD and its symptoms are consistent.

Nwogwugwu also says claiming ADHD when you don't actually have it can be harmful. That's why it's important to talk to a pro (like a psychiatrist or a psychologist) instead of using TikTok to self-diagnose.

"Self-diagnosis may lead to misunderstanding, eventually preventing the individual from accessing appropriate support and proper treatment," she says. If you self-diagnose and treat one disorder when you're really struggling with something else, you won't get the help you truly need.

That being said, don't feel like you have to dismiss consistent patterns or habits if they're interrupting your daily life. Nwogwugwu points out a few behaviors that could indicate you have undiagnosed ADHD, like "difficulty concentrating and focusing on tasks that are not particularly interesting or stimulating."

"Undiagnosed ADHD could manifest through impulsive behaviors such as acting without thinking, interrupting others while talking, or a high inclination to risky behaviors," she continues. You might also misplace items, lose track of time, and constantly forget and miss appointments, but that's not all.

"An individual with unorganized and difficulty that results in a cluttered environment could have undiagnosed ADHD [and it] could manifest through restlessness where an individual has challenges relaxing and always feels 'on the go,'" she says. "In addition, it could manifest in challenges in following instructions [or] difficulty in multitasking effectively, and difficulties with impulse control."

Living In The Present

Image via Tara Winstead/Pexels

Like so many other areas in the health and wellness space, ADHD can manifest differently in different people! That means that there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to getting diagnosed, which emphasizes how important it is to talk to your doctor.

One specific area where it depends on the person? ADHD affects women differently than it affects men.

"Inattentive symptoms are predominant in women, while hyperactive and impulsive symptoms are common among men," Nwogwugwu says. "Besides, co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are more common in women than men with ADHD."

Women living with ADHD can also end up internalizing their problems, which impacts emotional regulation, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

Nwogwugwu also mentions how important it is to form an individualized care plan to make sure you're taking care of your specific needs — including your mental health. "Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulties with impulse control may lead to interpersonal conflicts and social difficulties, affecting an individual’s self-image and self-concept adversely," she says.

Struggling with organization, attention, and time management can affect the people around you, which in turn might leave you feeling like you aren't meeting expectations for work or your relationships. We've been there, and we also know that stressing about those details can make it easier to mess up next time.

"This may cause frustration, feelings of underachievement, or actual underachievement that would lower an individual’s self-esteem," she says. "Persons with ADHD can face judgment, criticism, and stigma from society and feel rejected by peers because of their poor social skills. The negative experiences could have adverse effects on self-concept and self-esteem, especially among children."

Moving Forward

Image via Polina Zimmerman/Pexels

But the good news is that your life doesn't have to come to a standstill because of an ADHD diagnosis. Whether your doctor recommends lifestyle changes or steps that are a bit more extreme, there are also some calming habits Nwogwugwu recommends adding into your routine.

"Breathing exercises and yoga could help address the feelings," she says. "The techniques slow down the heart rate and reduce cortisol levels resulting in improved and sustained attention and affect." Since breathing techniques are grounding, they help you focus on something besides what's making you anxious.

"Talking to someone who can help, this can be a therapist, friend, a family member, or a counselor can be a great way to get some relief," she adds. "It helps one to express emotions or sentiments openly, which may relief the burden. Expressive writingcould help in regulating emotions through neural activation. In other words, writing could be therapeutic for overstimulated or overwhelmed individuals by helping them feel in control of the situation."

If you're feeling symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD, make sure to talk to your doctor for a care plan! Check out our email newsletter to hear from more health experts.

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Gapnever misses, and right now, their new arrivals for wintertime are absolutely stunning. From chic (yet practical) jackets that stand up to cold temps to trendy jeans that'll definitely earn you compliment after compliment, you just have to peek at their current collection.

Luckily, I did the heavy lifting and scrolled all 600+ items to nail down the cutest styles for the season. A lot of these are undeniably luxe-looking, but also happen to be on sale up to 30% off! Shop my faves below.

These new arrivals from Gap are everything:

Check out my top favorite Gap finds for completing your most stylish winter outfits!

Gap

The Extra Heavyweight Hoodie That Hoodies

I own this hoodie in the butter yellow colorway, and I was instantly impressed by the quality. Its 'extra heavyweight' promise holds true – the material is thick and durable, but has just the right amount of slouch to it so it's not overly structured. The lack of traditional hoodie strings makes it feel upscale, which is perfect for any cozy winter 'fit.

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Organic Cotton Poplin Barrel Sleeve Cropped Shirt

This cotton poplin shirt reminds me so much of something DÔEN would sell, but while the famed brand's tops near $200 a pop, this Gap version is only $47. Plus, you can take an extra 30% off with code 'GREAT'. Score!

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Mesh Midi Dress

Though it's sheer, this meshy midi dress makes the perfect addition atop some cozy winter layers. Holiday gathering season is upon us, and this pick will def get the party started.

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Cropped Pointelle Cardigan

The button-up design on this lightweight cardi means you can play with multiple ways to wear it. The hem hits at just the right spot to pair with mid- or low-rise jeans.

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Strapless Denim Jumpsuit

This easy one-and-done jumpsuit is sooo flattering. It snugly hugs the torso before falling into a wide-leg silhouette that'll wear super well with your go-to winter boots. Layered up with a cardigan or not, you'll be making a style statement wherever you go.

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High Rise Barrel Jeans

Barrel jeans are one of the hottest jean shapes of 2024 – rock the trend with this style that's shoppable in 8 different washes!

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BiStretch Strapless Vest

Your new office BFF, now in the shape of a sleek strapless vest. Pair it with a blazer and you're set up for immediate success!

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Oversized Mixed Cable-Knit Sweater

Cable knit is timeless, so you can wear this cozy pick year after year. After year. Seriously – the soft, slouchy cotton will hold up tremendously well.

Gap

High Rise Braided '70s Flare Jeans

I love that these wide-leg jeans have some '70s flair but still feel up-to-date for today's fashion trends. They'd look absolutely stunning (they def do the booty some favors) on a night out!

Gap

Leopard Denim Chore Jacket

Hello, leopard print! If your winter outfits are craving a little extra oomph, this patterned piece is sure to do the trick.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more stylish winter finds!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

I've recently started sitting on my balcony in the morning to catch up on standout book club reads, and it's been so refreshing. Call me obsessive, but I just can't get enough of finding hidden gems that others — like Jenna Bush Hager — are reading. When she's not co-hosting TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, she's sharing her monthly book club picks on Read With Jenna and accompanying podcast!

Created by Hager in 2019, Read With Jenna features over 50 titles that Hager eagerly shares with other book lovers. She told The Today Show, "There's nothing like falling in love with a book," and I wholeheartedly agree. If you can't get enough of curating your own bookshelf, here are 32 standout reads from Jenna Bush Hager's book club.

December 2024

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Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliverby Mary Oliver

Jenna Bush Hager's December book club pick is a little different than what's been featured before because it focuses on the amazing poetry of Mary Oliver. With over 200 poems that eloquently capture Oliver's love for life, readers are sure to find ways to be in awe of the little things that are often taken for granted.
Of this pick, Jenna Bush Hager said it reminds her of the things that center her. "When life feels uncertain, I find comfort in a few things: stepping outside into nature, leaning into my faith, or picking up poetry. Mary Oliver’s poems, in particular, feel like a warm hug," (via Read With Jenna on Instagram).

November 2024

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This Motherless Landby Nikki May

Funke goes from enjoying a cozy life in Nigeria with her parents and brother to being jostled off to England, an unknown land she's never been to before. Upon her arrival, she recoils at the tragic state of where she'll be living and how different her interactions are with other family members. Yet, she and her cousin Liv find joy in each other.

This same joy follows them to the next phase of their lives until their bond is shattered given the revelation of their mother's former decisions. Individually, Funke and Liv find it difficult to live lives that are free from the pain of their family's past.

October 2024

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The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich

Argus, North Dakota bears witness to the intertwined fates and lives of those attending a wedding. Gary Geist is faced with huge responsibilities, but also can't stop thinking about making Kismet Poe his wife. He's not the only one with eyes for her though. There's also Hugo and his resolve that Kismet belongs with him.
Kismet is gifted with visions like her mother Crystal who happens to help with the sugar beets of Gary's family farms. Somehow, each of them will have to make sense of the things they can see and what remains unknown in The Might Red.

September 2024

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Blue Sistersby Coco Mellors

Grief affects everyone differently, but it's never been painted so poignantly before. Blue Sisters introduces readers to the three Blue Sisters – Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky — as they try to piece together their lives after the death of their sister Nicky. From remnants of addiction to defeat in various forms, the sisters are forced to reconcile their emotions when more shocking news beckons them to return home.

August 2024

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The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Reading like the sister of Ally Condie's The Unwedding, The Wedding People centers around one woman's determination to make the most of time in Rhode Island.

Phoebe Stone's hit rock bottom without her husband, but hasn't given up on her dream of traveling to Newport, Rhode Island so she can unwind at Cornwall Inn. Coincidentally, her arrival doesn't cause a stir because it's assumed she's one of the many guests that'll be attending a lavish wedding.

She flies under the radar so much that she and the organized bride begin developing a bond that results in secrets being shared. But, Phoebe has a plan and no one will see it coming.

July 2024

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In a time where America is in the midst of political and social changes, a small town in Missouri is left shaken by the disappearance of girls. Despite the residents' fears, no one knows why this is happening nor do they know where to begin searching for the missing girls.

But, a young boy by the name of Patch decides to step up to the plate to return the daughter of a well-to-do family. Though the family seems to be grateful for her return, unrest begins bubbling underneath the town's surface.

As Patch and his family begin grappling with what it means to be a hero in society's eyes, they also realize that some things are merely a facade to hide darker truths.

June 2024

Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4)

Prepare to be transported through time as you read one family's saga through the yes of the young Diamond Newberry.

She and her mom have relied on other people to drive them wherever they need to go since her Pop vanished without any indication of where he could be. Everyone in town knows who Diamond is and they often subject her to harsh bullying. It's something she wishes would change, but the only thing she can foresee is her mother's sheer determination to move on with their lives.

That sounds great, but Diamond's suddenly left with more answers when she learns about more of the women in the Newberry family. She even learns more information about her Pop that paint a much larger picture than she originally saw. What this does is creates a strong tether that helps Diamond start finding her place in the very world that's sought to mistreat her.

But, how much of Diamond's life will be forever changed the more she learned?

May 2024

Real Americans by Rachel Khong

Real Americans is a beautiful story about identity, class, and more in America. It begins with Lily Chen falling in love with Matthew despite their different backgrounds. She's dealing with being an unpaid intern who's the child of someone who escaped Mao's Cultural Revolution while Matthew is the heir of a successful pharmaceutical company. Nevertheless, they somehow manage to fit together.

But, something happens in between the time they fall in love and the moment Lily's son Nick realizes his mom seems to be keeping something from him. She's never talked about his father and this has only piqued his curiosity even more.

The more he tries to find answers about his dad, the more Nick realizes there's not always a clear path to the past.

April 2024

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

What if you came home from work one day to discover you're married to a stranger and everyone knows but you? That's exactly what happens to Lauren and it confuses her because she's sure she'd remember getting married. Not only that, but she's apparently been married for a while. Everyone in her life knows and the life around her shows evidence that her marriage isn't a fluke. So why can't she remember it?

The answer to her question lies in the mysterious act that occurs in the attic. For some reason, it's become a place where she 'receives' new husbands and a brand new lifestyle. She starts to enjoy the newness of living different lives, but eventually she wonders if it's possible to find happiness in one of the realities she's being afforded.

March 2024

The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez

Debuting tomorrow, The Great Divide is a tale about the intersection of lives, compassion, and dedication. Set in Panama, the novel allows readers to form an intimate relationship with Omar, Ada Bunting, and John Oswald as they navigate circumstances that bring them together.

Despite his father's disdain for a new canal that's been commissioned to be built, Omar finds himself among one of the workers tasked with paving the way for it to exist. It's backbreaking work that takes a toll on him, but his weariness is comforted by Ada. Having seen firsthand how Ada cares for those who are fragile or sick, scientist John Oswald immediately enlists her help due to his wife being sick.

The Great Divide sweeps you into it's compassionate arms and has an ending that'll surely make your heart swell.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

To celebrate it's 40th anniversary, Jenna Bush Hager's book club has named The House on Mango Street as it's second pick for March! It's about Esperanza Cordero's desire to define who she is outside of what her Spanish culture has chosen for her. There's moments of sheer bliss that make heart-wrenching recollections easier to stomach, but Esperanza always finds a way to embrace how these things make her who she is.

February 2024

Good Material

Good Material is the new coming-of-age novel for adults who are still trying to figure out if they're adulting properly and revolves a series of events that makes main character Andy feel like he's down on his luck. From watching the breakdown of his longterm relationship to feeling like he's not growing as a comedian, it's clear that Andy is ready to do whatever it takes to become better in the love and career departments. But, is he truly ready to learn his life's lessons and will he be prepared for what happens next?

January 2024

The Waters

Trigger Warning: This novel contains graphic mention of animal cruelty.
The Waters is a gripping tale that involves Hermine "Herself" Zook's unmistakable way of healing others in Whiteheart, Michigan. However, she doesn't have the best relationship with her daughters and this makes for a complicated life when her granddaughter, Dorothy "Donkey" Zook" is left in her care.

Despite Donkey's desire to run free in Whiteheart, her family's past threatens to disrupt that and then some. Will she be able to understand what's threatening the community around her or history repeat itself? Find out when the book releases January 9, 2024.

December 2023

We Must Not Think of Ourselves

#ReadWithJenna announced its December pick yesterday and it's a historical novel that's sure to tug at your heartstrings. We Must Not Think of Ourselves follows Adam Paskow's journey as a Jew held captive by the Nazis. He later finds himself working alongside others who are committed to immortalizing history as it unfolds around them. Not without flaws, Adam unintentionally falls in love with Sala Wiskoff despite the latter being a married mother. This thrusts him into a world filled with complicated choices fueled by the need to survive and love.

Will his choices hinder those he's agreed to help or will he prove that taking risks is necessary for history to move forward? Pick up a copy of We Must Not Think of Ourselves to find out!

November 2023

The Sun Sets in Singapore

To help ring in a new month, Jenna Bush Hager's book club announced its November pick earlier today. Available for purchase tomorrow, The Sun Sets in Singapore introduces us to three women whose paths seem different at first glance. However, each of them have something that's lurking behind initial assumptions. As Dara, Amaka and Lillian find themselves 'lost' in Singapore's paradise, they begin to realize there is a such thing as too much tranquility - especially if it's disguised to hide life-altering truths. Will they be able to confront what they've escaped from or will it continue to follow them like shadows on a summer day?

October 2023

How To Say Babylon

Jenna Bush Hager's October pick is a tale of what happens when toxic traditional views begin to threaten a family's foundation. Young Safiya Sinclair must come to grips with her father's authoritative reign over her family, especially when she realizes her mother's only act of rebellion is making sure her daughters are educated. It's something that Sinclair allows to open her mind and set her free from her father's views.

A Woman Is No Man

Let your curiosity and assumptions about this book's cover introduce you to the journey of Deya. While she has her sights set on going to college and chasing her dreams, her strict grandmother is only concerned about Deya becoming someone's wife. Tradition seems to rule her life, and it's the last thing Deya wants. A random turn of events grants her wish and takes her on a journey of self-discovery where she learns what it means to be a woman whose voice is not only heard, but also respected.

Searching For Sylvie Lee

Families can carry hidden secrets that threaten to undo everything one knows once they begin searching for the truth. And this is exactly what happens when Amy rushes to find out what happened to her older sister Sylvie after her disappearance. With her confidence growing as she draws nearer to the truth, Amy is faced with the difficult task of seeing her family without rose-colored glasses and has to decide what that means for them as well as her.

Nothing to See Here

When Lillian drifts apart from her roommate and eventual friend Madison, she thinks nothing of it. That is until Madison begs her to help her caring for her stepchildren whose irritation manifests as fire. Over time Lillian is able to develop a beautiful relationship with the twins and learns the depths of her love are limitless.

The Girl With The Louding Voice

As she grows up in Nigeria, Adunni longs for a future that looks different from what she's always known. She goes to great lengths to figure out how to do so and this takes her down a path filled with sorrow and faith.

Valentine

When Mary Rose Whitehead finds young Gloria Ramirez on her doorstep, she quickly realizes a vicious act of brutality happened. Unfortunately, justice isn't swift and this leads Whitehead to take matters into her own hand.

A Burning

A Burning takes readers on a tale that intertwines the lives of three different people. Beginning with the public smear campaign of Jivan, readers are then introduced to a gym teacher whose ambitions cloud his judgment and a sweet, yet misunderstood soul who works to clear Jivan's name.

Friends and Strangers

Friends and Strangers follows Elisabeth and Sam as they navigate what it means to show up in the different seasons of their lives. They somehow form an unlikely friendship that's quickly threatened and leads to things that are hard to come back from.

Leaving The World Behind

When Amanda and Clay decide to take a breather from city life with their teenagers, they initially feel they're in for peace and quiet at the rural location they've chosen. Unfortunately for them, the owners of the home they're renting arrive in the middle of the night. It's a tale of wariness that spills over and it's up to the reader to decide if it's warranted or not.

White Ivy

People aren't always what they seem, and Ivy Lin is a prime example of this. She learns how to steal from her grandmother, and she doesn't stop until her mother decides enough is enough. After being sent to China, Ivy grows to become trustworthy and evens bumps into her former crush's sister. But, her past begins to haunt her and she finds out that some things are hard to forget.

What's Mine And Yours

Gee and Noelle's worlds collide when integration brings them together. Behind the scenes we find that their mothers — both with strong opposing views — are doing what they feel is best to prepare their children for a life in America. Each has their own reasoning even if it threatens to erase who their children truly are.

Good Company

Flora Mancini is forced to question the life she and her husband have built when she discovers he didn't actually lose his wedding ring years ago. It's enough to make anyone go mad, but she somehow works to piece together the puzzle to discover the truth and decide how to move forward.

Malibu Rising

Things reach a fever pitch in this tale about family secrets and longing. Each of the Riva siblings have their own ghosts and anticipation to look forward to as their famous summer party draws near. It's only a matter of time before things bubbling underneath the surface burst in front of everyone.

Hell of a Book

Hell of a Book is about an author who's being followed by an imaginary child and a Black boy named Soot. As the past and present collide, Hell of a Book somehow lives up to its name in a reckoning tale.

Bright Burning Things

Bright Burning Things sheds light on a former entertainers love for her son and struggle to part ways with drinking. It's a tale that's familiar to those who have parents who struggle with alcoholism and the pain it often inflicts.

Black Cake

With their mother's cryptic message and a family-long recipe involving black cake looming between them, brothers Byron and Benny must work together to learn more about her history. They also have to find a way to repair their relationship before everything that still ties them together is lost forever. Be sure to read Black Cake before it comes out on Hulu this November!

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Tova Sullivan has suffered two great tragedies in life — the death of her husband and her son's unsolved disappearance. When she befriends an octopus named Marcellus, he becomes determine to help her understand what happened to her son before evidence is completely lost at sea.

Check Out More Titles From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club:

Images via Amazon

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This post has been updated.