What is ‘Banyan Moon’ about? ‘Today’ host Jenna Bush Hager urges book lovers to spend $243 on 'epic love story'

Jenna Bush Hager shares items inspired by 'Banyan Moon,' a tale of love, relationships, and three generations of women in her book club
UPDATED JUL 26, 2023
Jenna Bush Hager, the host of the ‘Today’ show's book club, has recently recommended ‘Banyan Moon’ as her latest pick (Getty Images)
Jenna Bush Hager, the host of the ‘Today’ show's book club, has recently recommended ‘Banyan Moon’ as her latest pick (Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Today with Hoda and Jenna’ host and the former first daughter Jenna Bush Hager has consistently shown her passion for books and reading. She has become well known for her regular book club segment where she features and discusses various books, particularly focusing on uplifting and inspiring stories. Her love for literature is evident as she often engages with the authors and offers her thoughtful reviews to the ‘Today’ audience. Even now, Hager recently recommended her book reader fans to buy these five things and spend a whopping $243.86 after reading her recent book club pick, ‘Banyan Moon’ by Thao Thai.

In a recent ‘Today with Hoda and Jenna’ book club segment, host Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb shared some exclusive items hand-picked by the mother of three daughters. On Tuesday, July 25 ‘Today’ broadcast, Hager called upon her latest book club pick, ‘Banyan Moon’, which she described as an ‘epic love story’ and showcased the top five items to her ‘Today’ audience to buy and spend on after reading the book.

'Banyan Moon' by Thao Thai is a fierce novel about 3 generations of Vietnamese women (@hodaandjenna/YouTube)
'Banyan Moon' by Thao Thai is a fierce novel about 3 generations of Vietnamese women (@hodaandjenna/YouTube)

What is ‘Banyan Moon’ by Thao Thai about?

‘Banyan Moon’ is a debut novel by Thao Thai that tells the story of three generations of Vietnamese American women grappling with the loss of their matriarch, Minh. The novel is a multi-generational story that spans decades and continents, from 1960s Vietnam to the wild swamplands of the Florida coast. The story is told from the perspectives of three strong, stubborn, and fiercely independent women. ‘Banyan Moon’ explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as the sacrifices that each family member makes along the way. The contentious relationship between a mother and daughter comes to a head when their family's matriarch dies. The novel is a beautifully written, page-turning story that explores the traumatic legacy of war and the immigrant experience. It is an intricately woven story of three generations of women, their struggles, and their triumphs. It is a stunning and deeply moving story of mothers and daughters, love and loss, and the power of family to heal and endure.



 

What items did Jenna Bush Hager recommend spending $243.86 on?

As summer arrives, readers eagerly anticipate the months from May to August for their cherished tradition of summer reading. Jenna Bush Hager, the host of the ‘Today’ show's book club, has recently recommended ‘Banyan Moon’ as her latest pick. However, if you're seeking more beach reads, fret not, as Hager has thoughtfully curated a selection of hand-picked items to complement your reading experience of ‘Banyan Moon’ or any other beach reads you have planned for this sunny season.

The Rattan Beach Chair

Elevate your beach experience with these chic woven rattan beach chairs, perfect for channeling Ibiza or Mykonos vibes. Not only do they exude style, but they also offer optimal comfort and convenience. Available in two sizes with a foldable hinge at just $140 at Minnidip, these chairs are designed to enhance your relaxation.

DIY Pho Kit

Immerse yourself in the world of ‘Banyan Moon’ with the characters' favorite comfort food - a delightful pho kit to cook like them at just $21.99.

Gold Moon Star Earrings

In ‘Banyan Moon’, characters share an otherworldly connection across states, countries, and even planes of existence. These elegant gold earrings at $24.87 at Etsy, inspired by the cosmos, symbolize their profound interconnection, evoking a sense of unity and mystery. Wearing them might invoke a deeper connection to life's cosmic intricacies, like in the book.

Low Maintenance Plants

Enhance your living space with a low-maintenance, beautiful house plant from Greendigs - an easy way to add natural decor to your home. With various pre-potted options, choose your favorite plant and customize the vase, no green thumb is needed at $40.

Plant Trio Doormat

Complete the warm welcome with a plant-themed doorman, inviting the world into your space alongside your new house plant collection. Experience the magic and interconnectedness just like the characters in ‘Banyan Moon’ with these delightful additions to your life at $17 on Pottery Barn.

Make sure to give these items a must-try, especially if you're Jenna Bush Hager's book club fan.

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