Jenna Bush Hager is taking her love for books to the next level by bringing her latest Read With Jenna book club pick to the small screen. The former First Daughter announced that her July book club selection, All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker, will be adapted into a television series—a project she is particularly excited about.
A Genre-Bending Masterpiece
On the June 20, 2024 episode of Today, Bush Hager shared the exciting news that her production company, Thousand Voices, is teaming up with NBCUniversal Studio Group and Dinner Party Productions to adapt the novel into a TV show. Describing the book as a “genre-bending masterpiece” with “something for everybody,” Bush Hager expressed that this may be her “most favorite book” chosen for the book club so far. While acknowledging that might be a tough claim given her past picks, she couldn’t hide her enthusiasm for the novel.
Set in 1975 Missouri, All the Colors of the Dark follows two young girls, Patch and Saint, whose small town is shaken by a series of disappearances. As Patch goes missing, Saint embarks on a years-long journey to uncover the mystery behind the disappearances. Bush Hager described the story as one of “obsession, deep dedication to friendship, and the blinding light of hope,” a tale she believes will resonate with many.
The Book’s Impact on Bush Hager and Her Family
Bush Hager’s love for the book isn’t just personal—her husband, Henry Hager, was equally captivated. She shared that Henry, typically not a fast reader, devoured the book in just a week. “We know Henry Hager can’t read anything in a week!” she laughed during the Today interview, showcasing the gripping nature of the novel.
She also compared All the Colors of the Dark to other literary greats like Room, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Goldfinch, highlighting its gripping narrative. “It looks thick, but I read it over one weekend. It’s so propulsive. You will start and be done before you know it,” she encouraged her audience, urging them to read the novel ahead of the TV adaptation.
Virtual Book Club Discussion and Aspen Ideas Festival
For fans eager to dive deeper into the book, Bush Hager will host a virtual discussion with author Chris Whitaker on July 23, 2024, which fans can join through the Read With Jenna website. Additionally, both Bush Hager and Whitaker will appear at the Aspen Ideas Festival starting on June 23 to further discuss the book.
A Successful Book Club and TV Adaptation Partnership
Since launching her book club in 2019, Bush Hager has shared a range of her favorite books with her audience. Now, she’s expanding that influence by turning her picks into TV shows and movies. In 2022, she signed a deal with Universal Studio Group to adapt her book club selections for television and film, with All the Colors of the Dark being another major step in this journey.
Her first adaptation under the deal was The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century by Kirk W. Johnson, which was announced in August 2022. While a premiere date for the Feather Thief adaptation has yet to be set, Bush Hager is thrilled about these projects and the chance to bring her beloved books to a wider audience.
Looking Ahead
As Jenna Bush Hager continues to champion authors and bring their stories to the small screen, her readers can look forward to the upcoming All the Colors of the Dark TV series. With her commitment to adapting books and building her production portfolio, Bush Hager’s impact on the literary world is expanding, making her book club a vital resource for readers and TV fans alike.
