Jenny Jackson has carved out a unique place in the literary world—not only as the New York Times bestselling author of Pineapple Street and The Shampoo Effect, but also as the vice president and editorial director of fiction at the prestigious publishing house Alfred A. Knopf. While she spends her days editing some of today’s biggest novels, Jackson writes her own bestselling women’s fiction after hours, bringing wit and emotional depth to stories about family, friendship and the messy realities of adulthood.
Jackson’s 2023 breakout debut, Pineapple Street, became an instant hit and a Good Morning America Book Club pick, winning readers over with its sharp yet heartfelt take on privilege and family dynamics in Brooklyn Heights. She then returned with her highly anticipated sophomore novel, The Shampoo Effect, a Read with Jenna pick that follows Caroline Lash, a short story writer who moves to the coastal town of Greenhead, Massachusetts, where she falls for Van Whittaker, a local man with a close-knit group of lifelong friends. “Soon she is swept up into their antics, their late nights, their partying, until she discovers that Van’s ex-girlfriend is pregnant with his baby,” says Jackson. “In a potent mix of rage and sorrow, she does something really terrible.”
Despite balancing two demanding careers, Jackson says one thing remains constant in her writing: “I really like to think about infusing my books with joy.” That sense of humor and hope shines through even as her novels tackle complicated emotions and imperfect characters.
For this episode of The Reader’s Digest’s Escalator Interview, Leigh Belz Ray caught up with Jackson at Barnes & Noble in New York City to discuss The Shampoo Effect, the books currently on her reading list, her preferred underrated genre and much more.
Watch the exclusive interview below, and then scroll down to shop her books and reading recommendations!
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