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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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! 💕📚
First, I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
As a longtime admirer of Hoda Kotb, this book was an absolute joy to read. Jump and Find Joy feels like sitting down with an old friend who reminds you that life’s greatest adventures often begin with a little leap of faith.
I loved the insight Hoda shared about her own journey—how she’s learned to intentionally create a life that truly excites her. Her reflections on saying “no” with the same conviction as her resounding “yeses,” and embracing the inevitable changes life brings, were both inspiring and grounding.
The interviews woven throughout were another highlight. Each conversation offered a fresh perspective, and I often found myself just as intrigued by the people she spoke with as I was by Hoda’s takeaways.
Her practical yet heartfelt guidance on how to “jump and find joy” serves as the perfect nudge to welcome change instead of fearing it. It’s a reminder that joy isn’t something we stumble upon—it’s something we choose, again and again.
I’m so proud of Hoda for embracing her next chapter in the suburbs with her two beautiful daughters, and for inviting readers to do the same in their own lives.
This book feels like a warm hug straight from Hoda herself—comforting, encouraging, and full of light. I would absolutely gift it to a friend navigating change or seeking inspiration.
I have loved Hoda for so long! She feels like an old friend - she kept me company every day while on maternity leave 3 times! My best friend in real life is a Hoda superfan and we were lucky to meet her in person several years ago. Hoda is EXACTLY how she seems on television - warm, personable, and so genuine. I am always drawn to anything having to do with her! So I was thrilled to receive an advanced digital copy from Putnam Books and NetGalley of her latest book, “Jump and Find Joy”.
This is an inspirational little book about having the courage to make a big life change even when it seems scary. I am not really in a position in life to make any drastic changes, but I really appreciated the sentiment anyway. There were lots of little wellness tidbits throughout the book I can incorporate into my daily life. I enjoyed Hoda’s own personal narrative and anecdotes the most, especially the insight into her deciding to leave her long-time job at NBC. The celebrity tidbits/insights as inspiration examples weren’t really fleshed out or detailed enough for me. But this was overall a good, lighthearted read (for Hoda fans especially!) but definitely also for those who need a little extra push or encouragement to make a big leap in their personal lives! Jump and Find Joy will be released later this month on September 23rd.
Review of Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life by Hoda Kotb 4*
The author's writing is so warm and genuine that reading this book feels like having good conversations with an old friend. In Jump and Find Joy, Kotb explores change, one of the things guaranteed to be an ongoing part of anyone's life, whether you initiate it or it is thrust upon you.
Through personal stories, stories about others, and information from experts, she skillfully imparts the message that change isn't something to be feared. Trust your resilience, keep an open mindset, prepare for it as best you can, and make the most of it. In doing so, you minimize stress associated with change, and might find that the change has actually improved the quality of your life and increased your joy.
I really enjoyed the carefully selected quotes between chapters. This well-written book is an easy and enjoyable read. It doesn't contain groundbreaking new information, but it is well-worth your time for the reminders it brings. Very well done.
My thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons for allowing me to access a DRC via NetGalley. Publication is 9/23/25. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.
I received a copy of "Jump and Find Joy" by Hoda Kotb from NetGalley. This is a great feel good book. Hoda writes of the "jumps" she has made in her life. She shares her own jump moments along with many people who have made jumps in their own lives. To "jump" in this book is the different life choices a person has to make. Like starting new job, or moving to another town. Dealing with health issues and so many other Jumps a person may make in their lives. She writes about how attitude and how you approach each situation in life. For Hoda she writes of career changes and moving around the country. Having to deal with breast cancer. Adopting two girls later in her life. I enjoyed this heart felt book. Glad i got the chance to read this well done book.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC
Let me start by saying I LOVE Hoda. Her personality reminds me so much of my mom, which probably explains why we enjoyed watching her segment at the end of the Today show whenever we could.
I loved the inspirational message behind the book, to accept the changes that come our way joyously and courageously. I struggle with change and staying positive so a lot of the quotes in this book resonated with me.
I really enjoyed the format of the book. Interspersed amongst Hoda’s writing and stories about her parents, her childhood, and her journalism career are quotes and anecdotes from celebrities she has interviewed over the years.
I always enjoyed watching Hoda Kotb on the Today Show. Reading her book is almost as good as watching her. Her personality is infused in every page. She has written this book about jumping and finding joy, using a mixture of her personal stories, stories about people she admires, and quotes from a myriad of people.
The book is somewhat autobiographical and mainly self-help. Ms. Kotb lays out how to change your life and find joy by explaining each step. Every step has real life stories about how she and others took these steps. It's a very upbeat book on embracing change. It's a great read for anyone exploring making a major change. It will possibly help you jump in with both feet. #GoodreadsGiveaways
If anyone knows joy, it’s Hoda Kotb. A light, easy read where Hoda shares how she brought joy to her life and in her career. She reflects on both her personal and professional lives, and I did enjoy reading more about her career. The chapters are very short which makes it easy to read a few minutes at a time, and I enjoyed reading the short “profiles” about the people Hoda has met who have focused on joy despite changes or setbacks in life.
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for the eARC in exchange for my honest reviews.
Hoda has written a book that both shares more insights into the background of her latest large career change, and also inspires the reader to gain the courage to really lean in to the sources of joy in their life. This book can be very helpful for anyone who is currently debating a life change. The book is easy to read and digest. There are short digestible chapters from Hoda, inspiring quotes, and snippets from others that Hoda has interacted with, including Mel Robbins, Sheryl Crow and more.
Part Self help book, part biographical, part autobiographical Hoda Kotb shares stories and advice on how to really put yourself out there to live the life you were meant to enjoy. She shares tips, but also stories from her life as well as snippets from the lives of people she has interviewed throughout the years and what she has learned from there. It is authentically Hoda that we saw on the Today Show, which is positive and affirming. Glad she is enjoying this chapter of her life and finding out what that means! Thanks to #NetGalley and #Putnam for the ARC.
I found this book to be an uplifting, heartfelt book that delivers exactly what the title promises: a reminder to pause, appreciate the everyday blessings, and lean into the joy that’s already present in our lives. Her warm, conversational style makes it feel like she’s sitting across the table, offering encouragement and perspective just when you need it. Some parts repeat what she’s shared in her earlier books, but overall it’s a feel-good read that leaves you smiling.
Thank you NetGalley & Putnam for sending this book for review consideration.
If a book could give you a hug- this is how it would feel. The book is exactly what you would expect from the one and only, Hoda. Simple goodness in perfectly sized nuggets to jumpstart your day or ease you into peaceful slumber. Imagine you snag the chance to sip coffee at a quaint cafe and listen to a dear friend share her favorites quotes and wisdom gleaned from decades of interviewing extraordinary people.
I listened on Audible (yes, she read it herself!!!) but plan to order a few paper copies to share with friends.
I love Hoda! I miss seeing her huge smile and great laugh every morning! I was so excited when I saw she was releasing a new book….right before a major change in my life! This book helped to calm me before surgery and helped to make me smile during my recovery! Hoda is one of those people who just draws people to her. It’s no wonder she was with NBC for 26 years! This is a great book to help you feel better, make that jump, and smile!
This is up there with one of my favorite books of all time, disregard the four-star rating; I didn't want to disrupt my 5-star shelf. I love Hoda's positive and extremely helpful life advice. This book is so contagious that you want to keep reading it, and then suddenly you read over 100 pages a day. I read this on Libby, so my page count is different. Today Show fans, do yourself a favor and read this!
Outstanding book. Hoda clearly outlines the big leap in her life she wanted to take, and then strategically and succinctly defined each of the little leaps it takes before that visible big leap appears. Excellent resources and suggestions, along with anecdotes from her mentors, friends and colleagues. Looking forward to rereading and identifying additional actions and resources to incorporate into my own pending personal change.
From the colorful color of the book, through to the end, it’s a very happy book filled with thoughts, stories, challenges, and help to get you motivated to pull out of your funk, or just simply find ‘JOY’ in your life.
I love self-help books because they are portable and available counseling to support you through your journey to improving your life and loving yourself!
What a beautiful book. I was lucky enough to get to hear her speak about this book at The Bookmarks Festival. I cried listening to her speak and I cried reading the book. The concept of jumping and finding joy can be a powerful one. I read this book in one sitting and took lots of notes as I read!
This book is great! I recommend buying a physical copy as it doesn’t read like a novel. It’s a great book you can go back to for a boost of joy and happiness. I felt like Hoda was reading it to me and that was such a great added bonus. Her personality really shines through.
I love Hoda and enjoyed hearing more about her life and career in this book, as well as thoughts from various public figures. While it was a little repetitive, it was a good light, encouraging read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Loved hearing Hoda read this book. Great wellness book. Excellent motivational ideas. LOTS of quotes from famous people. Highly recommend especially if you enjoyed watching Hilda when she was on the Today show.
I enjoy Hoda's stories and her enthusiasm for life. I do not have this same enthusiasm and I marvel at those who do. I appreciate her honesty and yet I can't say I would ever trade places with her. What different lives we have led.