5 Of Hota Kotb's Favorite Books

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Hoda Kotb bid farewell to the "TODAY" show in January 2025. After nearly two decades of nonstop set life, you would think the TV personality would take a well-deserved break, but not Kotb. She spent most of 2025 being fully present as a mother to her daughters, Hope and Haley, and also honing in on her wellness brand, Joy 101. You'd think those two things alone would keep her busier than ever, but Kotb challenged herself further. She added her name to the list of celebrities who released memoirs in the fall of 2025. 

It was a move that revealed just how influential books and reading have shaped her life and what she values as a person. In a September 2025 interview with Page Six, she opened up about working on her memoir and how she approached it with the mindset of writing something she, as a reader, would want to read herself. And, when it comes to books she wants to read, she's often looking for something that is "informative, interesting, and so inspirational that you can't wait to share them with the people you love." 

In the interview, she also shared her absolute favorite reads. From inspirational memoirs to a historical fiction novel by a longtime friend, Kotb highlighted a blend of books that speak to her in various ways. These are some of the titles that have long stayed with her and influence what she chooses to add to her TBR next. 

Hoda Kotb described "The Untethered Soul" by Michael A. Singer as a book for guidance. She said it's the perfect book for when you "want to stop bickering with your inner voice ... Each page leads you toward a more peaceful mind." And the book must be one heck of an impactful read, as despite the book having been out for more than 14 years, it still holds the number one spot on Amazon lists for best-selling spiritual meditation books. Kotb also isn't the only celeb to recommend it as a favorite read. Miley Cyrus, who has had quite the style transformation, loves the book so much that she keeps copies to give out to contestants of "The Voice."

Alongside Kotb, many reviewers swear by the book, calling it a must-read if you're looking to train yourself to break free of negative thoughts and get in touch with a calmer, more centered version of yourself. Over 80% of the book's 40,000+ Amazon reviewers have given it a 5-star rating. One reviewer summed up their experience with a simple note of gratitude to the author: "Thank you beyond comprehension. This book has shown me a whole new perception of this life. Thank you."

If you've been looking for a read that encourages a more peaceful version of yourself, then you'll want to add Kotb's favorite meditation book to your TBR. It's the perfect book for a gentle introspective journey, helping you reset your mindset for the new year ahead. 

One of two memoirs on her list is "Gift from the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Although the book was published in 1955, it has remained a timeless staple for many readers seeking some wisdom and reflection. Kotb told Page Six, "I love the beach, so reading about seashells and salt water is my jam. This book was written in the 1950s, but its message about rest and reflection is timeless. I'm into both." The longtime morning show host mentioned she loves to read books that are informational as well as "inspirational," and "Gift from the Sea" delivers both. Our writer is also a fan of this book as it strikes the perfect balance between gentle lessons on slowing down and thoughtful reflections on the importance of always having a sense of personal space. 

It's a book that gives you the nudge to slow down, hit pause, and reconnect with yourself to stay grounded. A Goodreads reviewer wrote, "On my third reading of Gift from the Sea, I continue to be amazed at how immediately relevant this 1950's classic feels ... It's not a difficult read; on vacation, I finished it in a day. But her words make a deep impression on me, and this will be one I return to regularly, for inspiration and comfort and challenge." This is another book from Kotb's favorites to read if you're seeking a thoughtful reminder to step back from the rush of everyday life. 

Hoda Kotb also included a friend's 2018 novel, "After the Rain," on her list of favorite reads. Although she's been a writer for more than forty years, this book is Lorenzini's very first work of fiction, as she's mainly focused on the nonfiction genre. In fact, she co-wrote many nonfiction books with Kotb. 

Lorenzini's first novel is set in Florida, and Kotb described it as a story of "a shy woman who wonders if she can reinvent her life by moving next door to Thomas Edison's winter estate." The book is the first of the Becoming Belle series. The story follows Belle Carson as she settles into her new life in Florida and forges unexpected friendships, faces old wounds, and tries to reshape her future. It's a good book to add to your TBR when you want inspiration to take a leap of faith and open yourself to new beginnings. 

A Goodreads reviewer loved the book so much that they felt compelled to leave their first-ever review of a book. "This is my first time writing a book review but this book was beautifully written. I love how each character had a distinct voice ... I am not an avid reader, and never have read a book twice but this will be my first. I want to see what else I missed. It truly is a perfect novel," the reviewer noted.  

Like many avid readers, it turns out Hoda Kotb is also a fan of a good ol' whodunnit. She said she loves to get into "a juicy mystery" for a much-needed "mental teaser," and "With a Vengeance" by Riley Sager is one of her favorite mystery and thriller books that "lurked in [her] stack of bedside books until its suspenseful finish." And any fan of the mystery and thriller genre knows Riley Sager writes one heck of an edge-of-your-seat book that always deserves a spot on your TBR. But Kotb's favorite Sager book has some of his sharpest twists yet. 

The story follows Anna Matheson, who boards a train to face the people who ruined her family. But when one of them turns up dead, her quest for revenge and justice quickly spirals into a dangerous game where every passenger is a suspect. From Agatha Christie's iconic train-set whodunnits to the standout train scenes in hit blockbusters, Sager told The Hollywood Reporter that he drew on a surprising mix of influences when writing this story.

While the book seems to be a hit-or-miss with readers, many praise it for its unpredictable twists and turns and fast pace. A Goodreads reviewer shared, "I have never read a Sager that I didn't enjoy! This one is no exception ... It did take me a little to get going. I thought the villain was about 4 different characters." 

Maria Shriver's "I Am Maria" is the second memoir to make it on Hoda Kotb's list of favorite books. Kotb expressed her love for the book, explaining, "This is a beautiful window into my dear friend's life and soul ... Maria shares her journey to define herself outside of family and romantic relationships." Kotb praised her friend Shriver for being so raw and relatable as she opens up about who she really is, separate from the roles she's best known for. 

Kotb interviewed Shriver on the "TODAY" show in October of 2024 to discuss her memoir, and it was clear Kotb had deep admiration for the depth and transparency Shriver brought to tell her real story — a story that focuses on her and not her life as the wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger, nor as a member of the Kennedy clan. Kotb described Shriver as the friend she turns to when she needs a gentle push and words of wisdom. In fact, it was Shriver who convinced Kotb to take a chance and simply trust that she was ready for the next chapter of her life, even as the beloved TV personality contemplated leaving the "TODAY" show. 

Kotb's trust in her friend runs deep, and it's likely why the award-winning journalist's memoir made it onto her list of favorite books. The memoir obviously resonated so much with Kotb. The themes of identity, independence, and starting over, explored in the book, mirror the very guidance Kotb received from Shriver.