Jenna Bush Hager announced her September 2026 Read With Jenna book club selection today. The chosen title is The Witches of Cambridge, the latest novel by veteran author Alice Hoffman. This selection arrives just as fall begins, a time of year often associated with the specific brand of magic found in Hoffman's writing. Jenna described the book as a narrative focused on love, friendship, and the discovery of personal power.
The Origins of the Narrative
Hoffman did not conceive of this story in a traditional writer’s studio. The concept took root while she was attending the Harvard Divinity School. She participated in a course titled Theories and Methods and received an assignment to write about a historical figure with whom she held strong disagreements. Hoffman selected the Mather family. Both Increase and Cotton Mather were instrumental in the Salem Witch Trials, a historical reality that weighed heavily on her research.
She decided to pivot from a standard academic paper to fiction. The setting of 1950s Cambridge emerged as she observed her fellow students at the divinity school. She noted their drive to restart their lives, describing the environment as a hidden world most people never see. This blend of historical antagonism and contemporary academic life provided the framework for the novel's central conflict.
Characters and Themes
The plot centers on two students at Radcliffe College who receive an invitation to join a secret society for witches known as the Lilith Society. The two protagonists occupy different ends of the spectrum regarding their internal capabilities. Lauren understands her heritage and bloodline from the outset. Conversely, Ava arrives at the society with no knowledge of her powers and only a pervasive sense of displacement.
The characters quickly discover that the witch trials of the past remain a tangible force in their present. Hoffman notes that while her previous work often focuses on family dynamics, this book highlights the necessity of female friendship. She identifies this bond as deep and occasionally more significant than romantic partnerships. She describes this connection among women as a coven, providing both shelter and strength for her characters as they navigate their growth.
The Wider Context of Hoffman’s Career
Alice Hoffman is a prolific writer with more than 30 books to her credit. Her reputation remains firmly tied to the Practical Magic series, which gained cult status after the release of the film adaptation featuring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock. A sequel to that film is currently scheduled for release on September 10, 2026. This connection likely adds interest for readers already familiar with the author’s magical universe.
Readers should note that The Witches of Cambridge is not a rehash of her earlier work. It is a distinct exploration of friendship and the specific power associated with women who are unafraid of their own potential. Hoffman confirmed that she is already at work on a sequel, suggesting she has more stories to tell regarding this specific coven. The book is currently available at major retailers and is positioned as a primary title for the autumn reading season.