The Perfect Reading List! See 19 Books Written by Your Favorite ‘Today’ Show Hosts

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The Girl He Loves! Get to Know Tony Bennett's Third Wife Susan Crow

Meet Denzel Washington's Amazing Kids John, Katia, Malcolm and Olivia

Sandra Bullock Is the Proud Mom of 2 Adopted Kids! Meet Louis and Laila
Without realizing it, morning anchors and TV hosts become an integral part of our everyday lives, and NBC’s Today show hosts are no exception. They break down world events, bring us news from surrounding neighborhoods, and entertain and inform us with fun, thoughtful interviews. We invite them into our homes every morning not because we have to, but because at the end of the day, they feel more like a trusted friend than just a face on TV. But wouldn’t it be nice if you could get to know more than just that face on the screen?
The Today show is a morning show staple that has had numerous hosts over the years. From broadcasting legends like Tom Brokaw and Barbara Walters to current favorites like Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, these personalities have made their way into our lives and have left an indelible mark. And not only have they shared stories from all over the world, they’ve also shared their own, through their books!
From cookbooks and self-help books to biographies and novels, getting to know your favorite NBC Today show hosts has never been easier or more fun! Scroll down to see 19 books authored by your favorite Today stars!
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Hoda Kotb
She's authored three great books!
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Amazon
HODA: How I Survived War Zones, Breast Cancer, and Kathie Lee
In her memoir, beloved Today host Hoda Kotb takes us behind the scenes and lets us get to really know her. With stories from her conservative Egyptian upbringing (both in the US and abroad) as well as from the front lines of every major news story she's covered, Hoda doesn't hold back, even when it comes to her cancer battle and divorce (they happened in the same year!). Inspiring, informative, and uplifting, it's safe to say that HODA reads just like, well, Hoda!
Where to Buy: Amazon, $15 $6.26
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Amazon
Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives
How do you face adversity? In Ten Years Later, Hoda talks to six people deep in the throes of hardship who chose to persevere — and then revisits them 10 years later. From a mother-of-two struggling with an abusive relationship to a 9/11 hero coping with loss in the aftermath, this book chronicles the journeys of people who, in their darkest hour, chose light. This book shows how adversity can lead to resilience, perseverance, and gratitude, and will encourage you to take your own first steps toward a brighter tomorrow.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $15.99 $9.27
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Amazon
Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way
In her latest book, Hoda shares the stories of people who found their life's purpose in the most unexpected ways, much to their own surprise. From an investment-banker-turned-minister to a once "no-kids" guy who now helps children all over the world, this book is a testament to those who fear that change and following your passions is impossible. Moving and motivational, let this book inspire you to find where you belong.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $16 $10.87
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Kathie Lee Gifford
Check out both of these books from KLG
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Amazon
Just When I Thought I Dropped My Last Egg: Life and Other Calamities
Who says getting older means you have to slow down? In Just When I Thought I Dropped My Last Egg, Kathie Lee Gifford takes that notion and throws it out the window. Laugh-out-loud funny, and a celebration of the beauty that comes with aging, this book is an empowering reminder that being fertile isn't just about babies — it's also about your mind and creative spirit.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $15.32
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Amazon
The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi
In her latest book, The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi, KLG delves further into her spirituality than ever before. As a devout Christian, Kathie Lee has long spoken about her faith, and in this book, she takes you along on her travels as she ventures down the biblical paths of Israel in an effort to deepen her spiritual knowledge with some help from Messianic Rabbi Jason Sobel. Join Kathie Lee on her "journey into the heart of scriptural faith and the land where it all began."
Where to Buy: Amazon, $24.99 $17.48
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Jenna Bush Hager
The former First Daughter is the author of two books!
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Amazon
Ana's Story
Jenna Bush Hager's first book is inspired by the real life of a girl she met during her time working with UNICEF in Latin America. Ana, who was born with HIV transmitted from her mother, leads a rough life. Her mother dies when she's young and she is left to maneuver throughout the world alone, shuffled from home to home, with abuse at every corner. But things change when she falls in love and becomes pregnant at 17, leading her on a treacherous and beautiful new journey. Ana's Story is not just the story of one girl, but of many children around the world in need of basic care, and through the resources found at the end of the book, Jenna provides the reader with ways to help eradicate this ever-present problem.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $9.99 $8.27
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Amazon
Sisters First
When it comes to political dynasties, the most prevalent of the last 30 years is the Bush family. As the world watched father and son become president, there were two other family members who had front row seats — Jenna and Barbara Pierce Bush. From the Texas countryside to inside the White House walls, to say the Bush sisters had an unconventional childhood is putting it mildly. In Sisters First, both sisters recount their childhood, their unwarranted time in the spotlight, and the sisterly bond that helped them through it all.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $28 $16.17
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Katie Couric
Katie has authored one book!
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Amazon
The Best Advice I Ever Got
When thinking of the Today show, there's one face that still comes to mind — Katie Couric. With an illustrious, almost 40-year journalistic career that includes reporting for all three major networks and her very own talk show, Katie has spoken with some of the best and brightest people of our time. Naturally, she's amassed a treasure trove of advice from the time spent with these people and she's put it all in this book. Filled with anecdotes from people like Malcolm Gladwell and Morgan Freeman, this book is more than just a motivational read, it's the kick you need to take charge and live the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $17 $13.10
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Barbara Walters
TV icon Barbara's memoir is a must-read!
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Amazon
Audition: A Memoir
If there's one book on this list you won't be able to put down (and there are many), it's this one. Everyone knows Barbara Walters, but after reading her memoir, you'll get to know her better than you ever thought you could. A trailblazer in a male-dominated business (she was the first female co-host for the Today show, after all) you'll learn about her childhood, what drove her to strive for the greatness she ultimately achieved, and the pitfalls she had along the way, both professionally and personally. Barbara had a lot to prove in her career, seemingly auditioning for life every step of the way, and in this book, her final audition, she lays it all on the line, no holds barred.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $15.95$11.62
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Tom Brokaw
Tom is the author of two books, so far!
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Amazon
The Greatest Generation
In his first book, legendary journalist Tom Brokaw coins the phrase we now associate with those who lived and fought during World War II. The book consists of profiles of the men and women who served their country, both abroad and upon their return home. Including interviews with everyone from Martha Settle Putney, one of the first black women to serve in the newly formed WACs, to Navy pilot and future president George H. W. Bush. The Greatest Generation is a riveting book full of stories of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $18 $8.64
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Amazon
A Lucky Life Interrupted: A Memoir of Hope
One of the most moving and riveting memoirs of the last five years comes from none other than one of America's favorite journalists, Tom. Chronicling life both before and after his cancer diagnosis, Tom opens up and lets us into a world few would dare to share, essentially giving us a firsthand look into the personal journal he kept as he underwent treatment in 2013. Filled with memories from his incredible career as well as stories of the pain and struggle he experienced as he navigated his cancer, A Lucky Life Interrupted is not only a story of a man reflecting on his past while coming to terms with mortality, it's one of a man who's hopeful for the future and eternally grateful for tomorrow.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $16 $10.87
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Al Roker
Weatherman Al has written four books!
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Amazon
Never Goin' Back: Winning the Weight Loss Battle For Good
Al Roker's weight loss story is one of the greatest in recent memory. After reaching 350 pounds, Al made a promise to his dying father that things were going to change, and after a life-altering gastric bypass surgery, he lost the weight and eventually made it down to 190 pounds. But that success didn't come without struggle. Never Goin' Back chronicles it all, from his childhood battles with weight to the fateful day he made the decision to save his life. An inspiring read, it serves as a reminder for anyone on a weight loss journey to "never lose faith in yourself, just inches."
Where to Buy: Amazon, $15 $12.26
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Amazon
Storm of the Century: Tragedy, Heroism, Survival, and the Epic True Story of America's Deadliest Natural Disaster — The Great Gulf Hurricane of 1900
In his latest book, famed weatherman Al dives into the deadliest natural disaster in American history: The Great Gulf Hurricane of 1900. The storm — resulting in 8,000 deaths and destroying a city that served as a symbol of America's maturity into modernity — awakened a nation to the destructive power of mother nature. This historical narrative combines a cast of electrifying characters and dramatic historical truths, putting a fresh spin on a story that seems all too familiar today.
Where to Pre-Order: Amazon, $15.99 $8.98
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Amazon
Been There, Done That: Family Wisdom For Modern Times
They are two of the most well-known journalists today who have covered every major story of the last 30 years. Now, Al and his wife, Deborah Roberts, are getting personal and sharing a heartfelt collection of lessons they learned over their 22 years of marriage, from everyone including their parents, grandparents, and a couple of famous friends, too. An incredibly candid read, the couple discusses the trials and tribulations faced within marriage, career, and family from a whole host of perspectives, giving any and every reader the chance to see themselves in it.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $26.98
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Amazon
The Morning Show Murders: A Novel
In his first novel, Today staple Al doesn't stray too far from the newsroom with protagonist Billy Blessing. As a host of a popular cooking segment on the morning show Wake Up America!, Billy becomes a murder suspect after the poisoning of one of the network's top bosses via Billy's coq au vin. Billy knows he's being framed, but with an international assassin and his pesky co-host on his tail, proving it is only half the battle.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $7.99
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Jane Pauley
Jane is the author of two books!
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Amazon
Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue
In her memoir, journalist and Today show veteran Jane Pauley tells the story of her journey from America's heartland to the hearts of millions through their television screens. Beginning with her start in Indianapolis and later on her tenures on Today and Dateline, Jane delves into the highs and lows of her striking career. She gets candid along the way, sharing her insights on life, the American family, and the reward of rediscovering yourself in midlife.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $7.99
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Amazon
Your Life Calling: Reimagining the Rest of Your Life
If you've ever worried about aging holding you back from following your dreams, this book is for you. In Your Life Calling: Reimagining the Rest of Your Life, Jane examines life after 50 and all it can afford you. Fifty years ago, middle-aged meant preparing to slow down, but with those over 50 now being more vital than any previous generation, Jane explores what happens when the perspective on aging flips and adopts the age-old adage of, "the best is yet to come." With stories from people featured in her award-winning Today show segment, "Life Reimagined Today," as well as her own anecdotes, Jane presents all the wonderful places life can take you.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $16 $8.67
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Willie Geist
This great book from Willie (and his dad!) is a must-read!
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Amazon
Good Talk, Dad
It's not uncommon to see a son follow in his father's footsteps, but to reach the same height of success isn't always an easy feat. However, this is the real-life story of Today and Morning Joe host Willie Geist and his father, longtime CBS: This Morning correspondent Bill Geist. The book is essentially a long-form heart-to-heart between father and son as they discuss everything from fatherhood and religion, to being on TV and driving lessons gone horribly wrong. Told in a unique back and forth "banter" style, this book is a hilarious and poignant story of a unique father-son dynamic, and as crazy as it may be, it's quite normally rooted in one thing: a lot of love.
Where to Buy: Amazon, $16 $8.98
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Natalie Morales
Natalie has authored one book, so far!
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Amazon
At Home With Natalie
In her first cookbook, Today alum and current Access Hollywood host Natalie Morales takes us into her home with an array of multicultural dishes from her life. Born in Taiwan to a Brazilian mother and Puerto Rican father, the busy mother-of-two lived all over as a child, including Panama, Spain, and Brazil. Thanks to her globetrotting childhood, she fell in love with the many different flavors of the world, and in At Home with Natalie, she puts a healthy spin on her favorite dishes that are bound to become favorites of yours, too.
Where to Pre-Order: Amazon, $30
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