Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life

by Hoda Kotb

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From #1 New York Times bestselling author and beloved former Today co-host Hoda Kotb comes her most personal, ambitious book yet—a guide to dealing with change and upheaval, even (and perhaps especially) when it’s unexpected.

Hoda Kotb didn’t expect to join the Today show at age forty-four. Or to become a mother at fifty-two. Or to leave Today and embark on a new adventure at sixty! Change doesn’t always arrive when we expect it, and its effects are anything but predictable. But Hoda believes that the benefits of change can be extraordinary...if we’re willing to listen to and learn from them.

In the tradition of books like Savannah Guthrie’s Mostly What God Does and Maria Shriver’s I’ve Been Thinking comes Hoda Kotb’s Jump and Find Joy—an intimate book that reveals for the first time what Hoda discovered as she started embracing change in every aspect of her life. In her quest to better understand change and how to work with (not against) it, Hoda relies on her reporting instincts to investigate HOW change works, WHO is approaching it with grace, and WHAT she can apply to her own life and share with others. Jump and Find Joy combines the wisdom of change experts, insights from the latest work on resilience, and deeply personal stories from celebrities and inspirational people in our own communities. From small shifts in daily routines to major leaps of faith, Hoda shows why change isn’t to be feared but celebrated...and how each of us can thrive in the midst of changes we’ll inevitably face ourselves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Memoir, Inspirational, Health, Essays

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Hoda Kotb is an American television news anchor. Both of Kotb's parents are from Egypt. Along with her parents, she has also lived in Nigeria.

Reviews

[LeAnna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a soft spot for Hoda. She’s one of those warm personalities that’s always seems to find the good in even the toughest situations. For this reason, perhaps there’s no one better to hear positivity advice from. Tidbits learned from celebrity friends was an interesting touch. There’s not anything particularly groundbreaking shared in this book - but it’s a light read that is positive, encouraging, and motivating.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. I definitely enjoyed it.

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"From #1 New York Times bestselling author and beloved former Today co-host Hoda Kotb comes her most personal, ambitious book yet—a guide to dealing with change and upheaval, even (and perhaps especially) when it’s unexpected."

I really enjoyed this memoir about embracing change and having courage to pursue what you want out of life. This is positive and motivating as narrated by the author. Hoda Kotb was a national news anchor for sixteen years. It's easy to think that life has always been easy for her but the truth is much different. We don't see the struggle others of through to get where they are. It is inspiring to hear her story and I highly recommend it.

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.

JUMP AND FIND JOY: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life, is Hoda Kotb’s autobiography for the time period when she left The Today Show, focused on her two daughters, and embraced the changes in her life.

Anchoring the book are short vignettes called “Jumpstarts”. These are brief, inspirational visits from well known friends of Hoda: Maria Shriver, Bette Midler, Anne Lamott, Thomas Rhett, Steve Harvey and many others. These are accompanied by a wide assortment of quotes from folks like: Walt Disney, Marilyn Monroe, Maya Angelou, Ram Dass and so many others.

As an investigative reporter for 30+ years, Hoda had extensive contacts and experiences that most people would only dream about. Her decision to simplify life and focus on her children and family was major; a complete about face from the 20 hour a day, NBC regimented existence.

I don’t know Hoda, other than the woman I would occasionally “see” in the 4th hour of The Today Show with Kathy Lee. She was effusive, inclusive, charismatic and looked amazing. Living her life with cancer for all the world to witness was an act of bravery that spoke volumes to millions.

This book, this offering to her friends is a bit of fluff, as the cover might suggest. The content is better than the artwork suggests - 3.5 stars rounded up, for a lifetime of remarkable achievements📚

Read and Reviewed from a GoodReads GiveAway, with thanks to the author and publisher.

[Colton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley as well as Hoda Kotb for the opportunity to read and review Jump and Find Joy in exchange for my honest feedback.

Hoda Kotb has once again delivered an exceptional work that is both inspiring and deeply resonant. Jump and Find Joy is beautifully written, blending heartfelt storytelling with practical wisdom in a way that only Kotb can. Her voice is warm yet authoritative, offering readers both encouragement and actionable insight.

This book came into my life at a time when I truly needed it, and its messages of resilience, hope, and courage resonated on a very personal level. Kotb’s reflections provide not only comfort but also a powerful reminder that joy is attainable, even in seasons of uncertainty and change.

Jump and Find Joy is a compelling, uplifting, and timely read that belongs on the shelf of anyone navigating transition or seeking renewed inspiration in their lives.

[Jenna T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know about Hoda Kotb because she is from the Northern Virginia area and I would watch the Today Show during the summer or on snow days. Kotb stood out because she is charming, funny, real and empathetic. Her new book, Jump and Find Joy did not disappoint. Centering around the theme of change, she touches upon it in all aspects of her life from when she moved to the Washington DC area growing up, relocated to a new place to be an anchor on a local news station (and eventually NYC for NBC & the Today Show), diagnosed with breast cancer, became a mother, and decided to step away from the Today Show. Rather than fearing change, Kotb embraced the changes. She is an example of how different life milestones are not always linear and how it is okay to switch things up.

Thank you G.P. Putnam's Sons for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Kotb's book will come out September 23, 2025!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know exactly what to expect with this book, but it’s a wonderful combination of Hoda’s journeys later in life alongside small inspiring stories of various people she’s encountered. The stories were interesting as was Hoda’s story. I do admire her bravery and determination in her career path but ultimately what I admire is her decision to focus on her family. 🫶

[Mary Nolan-Fesmire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. inspiring!

[Wynne Elder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Hoda, so much. and I loved the peaks Into her life. but this was not a memoir. there were great little nuggets & I enjoyed hearing from the celebs she's Interviewed over the years. I just mostly listened to this in the "background" .... but j did enjoy it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy, Hoda-Style: Little Leaps, Big Heart 💫☀️ 📖💛

Listening to Jump and Find Joy felt just like tuning into Hoda on the Today show — warm, uplifting, and full of sunshine. ☕💛 Each chapter or vignette feels about the length of a TV segment — quick, conversational bursts of encouragement. Within those moments, Hoda weaves in steps to finding joy through heartfelt stories from the people she’s met along the way. Those “friend stories,” fittingly called jump starts, add her signature sparkle. ✨

The book is light, positive, and easy to digest — enjoyable enough to read (or in my case, listen 🎧). But in the end, I didn’t walk away with many takeaways beyond the big-picture message: take the leap, trust the process, and know you’ll be okay. 🌈 Growth, after all, comes from those jumps. 🦋

One thing I wish Hoda had done was define joy. I kept thinking back to Arthur C. Brooks’s Build the Life You Want, which she references in the book. Brooks outlines three “macronutrients” of happiness — enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose — and offers a clear definition of what happiness means. Hoda, by contrast, seems to use happiness and joy interchangeably. I would’ve loved to hear her own definition — what joy truly means to her. 💭

Unlike Brooks’s research-based approach, Hoda’s book doesn’t rely on data or science. Instead, it’s a collection of bite-sized vignettes, blending motivational advice with stories from her inspiring circle of friends. 🌺

If you loved Hoda’s “Morning Boost” segment on Today, this book feels like one long, feel-good version of that. ☀️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Because everyone loves a good boost! 💕📚

[Wendy G Nye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hoda is full of joy. I enjoyed the collection of quotes and stores from friends over the years. I’m very happy for her to be living the suburban mom life she was ready to live. I will say I’m really sad she didn’t talk about her experience as a mom of a T1D. I picked up her book hoping I could relate to her experience. Especially since she talked about how her friend inspired her to share her personal journey with cancer because her experience didn’t belong just to her. But the absence of talking about the experience or being the mom to a T1D was absent. I hope she’s ready to share at some point about her experience as a mom.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5
I love listening to all of Hoda’s life stories and the stories that have resonated most from others’ lives that have impacted her own. Realistically, I don’t know that any of the stories will remain fully etched in my memory but while listening to this book I think it’s hard to not feel inspired and uplifted! A positive note to start 2026 with for sure and great comfort in learning to embrace change just as so many people have done and will continue to do.

[C · Rating 1 out of 5]

“God gave her the job to carry you, so that she could give you to me.”

In Hoda’s own press for this book, she refers to the mother(s) of the children she adopted as no more than human vessels who carried them for her — all as a part of God’s plan for Hoda.

That alone is disqualifying.

[Farrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

(listened via audiobook)

[Taylor Pifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a cozy audio book, inspiring change and leaps of faith. Listening to Hoda is like listening to a friend.

[Henry Flesch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book at the perfect time for me. Needed this. As Hoda says in her book, “right on time.”

[Cindy Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read this book, its beautiful and inspiring just like the author.
.

[Megan Schottler · Rating 4 out of 5]

It re-energized me as a great inspirational book does.

[Bernadette Chappell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was narrated by hoda but it should of mentioned he interviewed her friends maybe to many alot of name dropping.

[Whitney Clark]

I would listen to Hoda talk about anything. I just adore her and her attitude in life. This book felt like a hug.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this for anyone who is unexpectedly met with change in their lives. Hoda is a doll. She pulls on experts she's met over the years and pulls from her own life.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Mrs. Rossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook on drive to and from work. Enjoyable and inspiring.

[Allison Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loveeeee my girl Hoda (book is prob better for women 10-30+ years older than me lol but I love her and it was a great bedtime read)

[Claire Talbot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being from Virginia Tech, I have a fondness for Hoda - she is a Hokie that we are all proud of. I enjoyed her book - it is on the lighter side, and filled with stories of her own life journey and resilience. She also features brief segments called "jump starts" from famous people like Thomas Rhett, Mel Robbins, Maria Shriver and many more. The jump is encouraging and definitely a positive reinforcement about making changes in your life to find more joy. Nothing groundbreaking - but a nice positive reminforcement.

[Katy Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found some of this very relatable, but just an okay book.

[Heather Goldsberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Hoda!!

[Elizabeth Gallucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

positive perspectives to kick off the new year !! great an an audio book to play in the background too

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life – A Heartfelt Guide to Transformation
Rating: 4.5/5

Hoda Kotb’s Jump and Find Joy is a radiant exploration of life’s unpredictable transitions, blending memoir, research, and practical wisdom into a guide that feels like a warm conversation with a wise friend. As someone who has both resisted and reveled in change, this book struck a chord—offering comfort without sugarcoating the challenges of upheaval.

Why This Book Resonates
Kotb’s signature warmth and journalistic curiosity shine as she reframes change as an opportunity rather than a threat. Her personal anecdotes—from joining Today in her 40s to becoming a mother later in life—are disarming in their vulnerability, making lofty concepts like “resilience” feel accessible. The book’s strength lies in its balance: Kotb weaves expert insights (psychologists, life coaches) with grassroots stories of everyday people navigating job losses, relocations, or grief. The chapter on micro-changes (small, intentional pivots) is particularly empowering, challenging the myth that transformation requires seismic shifts.

Emotional Impact & Revelations
Reading this felt like a pep talk from someone who’s been in the trenches. Kotb’s admission of her own fears—leaving a stable career, parenting amid uncertainty—dissolved my defensiveness about my own resistance to change. Her interview with a widow who rebuilt her life through volunteer work moved me to tears, while the science-backed section on neuroplasticity (change rewires your brain) sparked excitement. The recurring theme of joy as a practice, not just an outcome, lingered with me long after reading.

Constructive Criticism
While Kotb’s narrative is deeply relatable, the celebrity anecdotes (though inspiring) occasionally overshadow quieter, more universal struggles. A deeper critique of systemic barriers to change (e.g., financial instability, healthcare access) could have added nuance. The structure, though conversational, meanders at times—tightening the focus on actionable steps would elevate its utility as a reference.

Final Verdict
A luminous addition to the resilience canon, perfect for readers of The Gift of Imperfection or Option B. Kotb doesn’t just cheerlead; she equips you with tools to reframe your own story.

Thank you to Edelweiss and Penguin Random House for the gifted copy. This book is a beacon for anyone standing at life’s crossroads.

Pair with: Mindset by Carol Dweck for the science of growth, or Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser for spiritual depth.

For fans of: Brené Brown’s empathy, Glennon Doyle’s candor, and Maria Shriver’s reflective wisdom.

[Jennifer Roehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audio which I highly recommend because Hoda herself is the reader, which I feel really adds to the experience. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed this. It’s part memoir, part self help, but even though I’m not at a place where I am looking to make big changes, the advice was solid and not at all preachy. I’ve liked and respected Hoda for many years on the Today show and hearing her back story and how she got to her current place only made me like her more!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Jump and Find Joy, Hoda Kotb explored the path on dealing with the changes in life and embracing joy thru it. She begins by sharing a story of standing on the edge of the water and wondering if you should stay or jump. She explained how change takes courage but it’s essential to our wellbeing. In the book, she shared how she left Peacock after 26 years and gave up journalism. She used to be a host on Dateline and a Today show cohost. Part of her choosing to leave was she adopted her kids at age 52. They were seven and five at the time and she wanted to become a more hands on parent. She also went over her cancer journey and her healing. In the book, she covered some helpful tips and tools in order to handle the different changes. She begun doing medication exercises at age 50 and focusing more on her breathing. She has even tried doing mantra phrases during it. She keeps a journal to help her refocus her life and to write everything down. She also uses visualization and she admits to feel the joy and to imagine the day.


In the book, she also used the jumpstart section to showcase different people such as Steve Harvey, Thomas Rhett, Chip Conley, Anne Lamott, Mel Robbins, Sheryl Crow, Lainey Wilson, just to name a few. Steve Harvey is an entertainer, author, radio personability, and host. She shared how she got to interview him. He stated that when he first was on TV, they complained that he was too country and that if he didn’t fix it, he wouldn’t last on TV. They offered him a linguistics coach and he turned them down. He instead chose to ride on his leap of faith. He didn’t want to fail since he already flunked out of college and he messed up his marriage. When he transferred to comedy there was a time, he was homeless. He heard God telling him that if he would get up God would take him places, he hasn’t been to. He indicated how God has create within us a soul and has provide each of us a gift that only we can do.




I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is ready to experience joy again no matter what changes may come. I liked the suggestions she included such as breathing, journaling, finding your spark, and much more that you will learn about. I liked how enclosed a few different celebrities and how they discovered their joy and how they jumpstarted their life. I liked the story of Thomas Rhett and appreciated how he put his wife and kids first before music and how he lives out die a happy man. It was interesting to read about her take on that. I also enjoyed the story of Lainey Wilson and Sheryl Crow two of my favorite artists. All of these stories will inspire you on dealing with the changes in your life.