Between The Covers

Down the Rabbit Hole: Watership Down, The Most Epic Bunny Saga Ever Told!

Hold onto your carrots, folks! This week on Between the Covers, Jay and Stacey tumble down the rabbit hole into the wacky and wild world of Richard Adams’ Watership Down! We’re talking high-stakes bunny drama—think Game of Thrones but with more fur and fewer betrayals (well, maybe the same amount of betrayals). Join us as we discuss how a band of fluffy fugitives turned a quiet meadow into the setting for an epic adventure. If you’ve ever wanted to read rabbits as action heroes—this is the episode for you.

Escaping into Adventure: The Magic of Kavalier & Clay Revealed!

Ready to dive into a world where magic, art, and superheroes collide?
In this episode of Between the Covers with Jay and Stacey, we’re unmasking the brilliance of Michael Chabon’s The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. Join us as we explore the thrilling escapades of two Jewish cousins in 1930s New York City who create a comic book superhero that takes the world by storm. From daring escapes and hidden magic tricks to the golden age of comics and the shadows of World War II, this novel is a rollercoaster of adventure, creativity, and heart. We’ll share why this Pulitzer Prize-winning tale has leapt into our list of the 100 most lovable books and why it deserves a spot on your reading list. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this incredible journey!
 
 
https://linktr.ee/betweenthecoverspodcast

Epic Quests & Family Secrets – Inside Song of Solomon 🚀📚

🌟 An adventure packed with mystery, magic, and unforgettable characters. We unravel Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. Jay and Stacey take you on Milkman Dead’s epic journey—filled with family secrets, quests for identity, and the mystical allure of flight. We’ll break down why this novel is a must-read with its unforgettable characters and poetic prose that stay with you long after the final page. Plus Chaos Reader goes for the birds! 
 
Have a favorite book with a quest? Drop it in the comments!  
 
✨Rate, review, and share this episode with fellow book lovers ! 📚
 
All the links!
https://linktr.ee/betweenthecoverspodcast
 
 
 

Tales of Terror: The Genius of Edgar Allan Poe’s Short Stories

Just in time for Halloween, step into the dark, eerie world of Edgar Allan Poe! In this episode, Jay and Stacey crack open The Complete Short Stories of Edgar Allan Poe and dive into tales that blend horror, mystery, and the bizarre like only Poe can do. Why do these stories still have people sleeping with the lights on? Tune in to find out! 
Links 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
https://a.co/d/2MRNdd8
Mr. Catherine book
https://a.co/d/3bPVBMG
 
 
Publishers
Encircle Publications
https://encirclepub.com/encircle-author/jay-ruud/
Creators Publishing 
https://www.creators.com/books/mr-catherine
BIOS
Jay Ruud is a retired professor of English at the University of Central Arkansas, now devoting much of his time to fiction writing. He earned a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and taught college literature courses for 40 years. He chaired the English department at the University of Central Arkansas for 13 years, prior to which he was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern State University in South Dakota. He published scholarly books on Chaucer, Dante, and Tolkien, and has retold the traditional legend of King Arthur for modern readers as a series of Merlin Mysteries. He is currently in the midst of a series of Robin Hood mysteries, the most recent of which, Treasure of Sherwood, has just been published by Encircle Press. 
 
Stacey Margaret Jones is an Arkansas writer, whose novel MR. CATHERINE was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer New Horizons Debut Novel Award. She's also a Pushcart-Prize-nominated poet, essayist and literature and creative writing instructor. She lives with her husband author Jay Ruud and their four literarily named dogs, Gwenhyfar, Lavinia, Gareth and Sylvia. You can find her on Instagram at @sharkushka and TikTok at @normfluencers.   

Romance Under Fire: Why You’ll Fall for A Farewell to Arms

Romance, war, and heartbreak, all set against the chaotic backdrop of World War I. We’re talking A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway on Between The Covers. Jay and Stacey break down why this book deserves its spot on our list of the 100 most lovable books. We’ll explore how Hemingway’s sparse, yet powerful writing style pulls you into the doomed love affair between an American ambulance driver and a British nurse.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Links 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
https://a.co/d/2MRNdd8
Mr. Catherine book
https://a.co/d/3bPVBMG
 
Publishers
Encircle Publications
https://encirclepub.com/encircle-author/jay-ruud/
Creators Publishing 
https://www.creators.com/books/mr-catherine
BIOS
Jay Ruud is a retired professor of English at the University of Central Arkansas, now devoting much of his time to fiction writing. He earned a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and taught college literature courses for 40 years. He chaired the English department at the University of Central Arkansas for 13 years, prior to which he was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern State University in South Dakota. He published scholarly books on Chaucer, Dante, and Tolkien, and has retold the traditional legend of King Arthur for modern readers as a series of Merlin Mysteries. He is currently in the midst of a series of Robin Hood mysteries, the most recent of which, Treasure of Sherwood, has just been published by Encircle Press. 
 
Stacey Margaret Jones is an Arkansas writer, whose novel MR. CATHERINE was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer New Horizons Debut Novel Award. She's also a Pushcart-Prize-nominated poet, essayist and literature and creative writing instructor. She lives with her husband author Jay Ruud and their four literarily named dogs, Gwenhyfar, Lavinia, Gareth and Sylvia. You can find her on Instagram at @sharkushka and TikTok at @normfluencers.   

Fake News, Surveillance, and Control: What 1984 Teaches Us About Today

Get ready to dive deep into the chilling and thought-provoking world of George Orwell’s 1984! In this episode of Between The Covers, Jay and Stacey peel back the layers of one of the most iconic dystopian novels of all time. From the oppressive government of Big Brother to the eerie surveillance state, we’ll explore why 1984 feels as relevant today as ever. With its intense exploration of freedom, control, and the truth, this novel will have you questioning the world around you. Tune in for a fun, lively discussion where we unpack Orwell’s prophetic vision, and discover why 1984 is a must-read for anyone who loves books that make you think, gasp, and even rebel a little.
 
 
 
Links 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
https://a.co/d/2MRNdd8
Mr. Catherine book
https://a.co/d/3bPVBMG
 
Publishers
Encircle Publications
https://encirclepub.com/encircle-author/jay-ruud/
Creators Publishing 
https://www.creators.com/books/mr-catherine
BIOS
Jay Ruud is a retired professor of English at the University of Central Arkansas, now devoting much of his time to fiction writing. He earned a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and taught college literature courses for 40 years. He chaired the English department at the University of Central Arkansas for 13 years, prior to which he was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern State University in South Dakota. He published scholarly books on Chaucer, Dante, and Tolkien, and has retold the traditional legend of King Arthur for modern readers as a series of Merlin Mysteries. He is currently in the midst of a series of Robin Hood mysteries, the most recent of which, Treasure of Sherwood, has just been published by Encircle Press. 
 
Stacey Margaret Jones is an Arkansas writer, whose novel MR. CATHERINE was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer New Horizons Debut Novel Award. She's also a Pushcart-Prize-nominated poet, essayist and literature and creative writing instructor. She lives with her husband author Jay Ruud and their four literarily named dogs, Gwenhyfar, Lavinia, Gareth and Sylvia. You can find her on Instagram at @sharkushka and TikTok at @normfluencers.   

Love, Lies, and Champagne! The Great Gatsby is Still a Vibe!

 
Alright, book lovers, it’s time to party like it’s the Roaring Twenties! 🎉 In this episode of Between the Covers, Jay and Stacey are breaking down one of the most iconic stories ever: The Great Gatsby! What’s the deal with those crazy parties, that mysterious green light, and a guy who’s obsessed with winning over Daisy Buchanan? We’re diving into the glitz, the glam, and the drama—because Gatsby’s world is full of secrets, heartbreak, and champagne! 🍾 If you haven’t read this book yet, you’ll want to after this episode! Trust us, it’s more than just high school homework—it’s a wild ride of love, lies, and the chase for the American Dream.
Links 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
https://a.co/d/2MRNdd8
Mr. Catherine book
https://a.co/d/3bPVBMG
 
Publishers
Encircle Publications
https://encirclepub.com/encircle-author/jay-ruud/
Creators Publishing 
https://www.creators.com/books/mr-catherine
BIOS
Jay Ruud is a retired professor of English at the University of Central Arkansas, now devoting much of his time to fiction writing. He earned a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and taught college literature courses for 40 years. He chaired the English department at the University of Central Arkansas for 13 years, prior to which he was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern State University in South Dakota. He published scholarly books on Chaucer, Dante, and Tolkien, and has retold the traditional legend of King Arthur for modern readers as a series of Merlin Mysteries. He is currently in the midst of a series of Robin Hood mysteries, the most recent of which, Treasure of Sherwood, has just been published by Encircle Press. 
 
Stacey Margaret Jones is an Arkansas writer, whose novel MR. CATHERINE was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer New Horizons Debut Novel Award. She's also a Pushcart-Prize-nominated poet, essayist and literature and creative writing instructor. She lives with her husband author Jay Ruud and their four literarily named dogs, Gwenhyfar, Lavinia, Gareth and Sylvia. You can find her on Instagram at @sharkushka and TikTok at @normfluencers.   

Why Tim O’Brien’s "The Things They Carried" Will Change How You See War Forever

Get ready for a heart-wrenching, thought-provoking journey with "The Things They Carried" by Tim O’Brien. In this episode of Between the Covers, Jay and Stacey unpack the emotional weight and physical burdens carried by a group of soldiers during the Vietnam War. But it’s not just a war story—this book blends truth and fiction in ways that’ll keep you turning pages. It’s about memory, survival, and the things that stay with us long after the battle is over. Join us as we dig into why this novel made the list of the 100 most lovable books and why it’s an unforgettable must-read.
 
Links
JayRuud.com
StaceyMargaretJones.com
 
 
Amazon
https://a.co/d/2MRNdd8
https://a.co/d/3bPVBMG
 
 
Encircle Publications
https://encirclepub.com/encircle-author/jay-ruud/
 
 
Creators Publishing
https://www.creators.com/books/mr-catherine
 
 
BIOS
Jay Ruud is a retired professor of English at the University of Central Arkansas, now devoting much of his time to fiction writing. He earned a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and taught college literature courses for 40 years. He chaired the English department at the University of Central Arkansas for 13 years, prior to which he was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern State University in South Dakota. He published scholarly books on Chaucer, Dante, and Tolkien, and has retold the traditional legend of King Arthur for modern readers as a series of Merlin Mysteries. He is currently in the midst of a series of Robin Hood mysteries, the most recent of which, Treasure of Sherwood, has just been published by Encircle Press.
 
Stacey Margaret Jones is an Arkansas writer, whose novel MR. CATHERINE was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer New Horizons Debut Novel Award. She's also a Pushcart-Prize-nominated poet, essayist and literature and creative writing instructor. She lives with her husband author Jay Ruud and their four literarily named dogs, Gwenhyfar, Lavinia, Gareth and Sylvia. You can find her on Instagram at @sharkushka and TikTok at @normfluencers.

BONUS EPISODE - “Special Banned Books Week Edition: Revisiting To Kill a Mockingbird”

📚 Special Banned Books Week Episode! 🚨
We’re diving back into one of our most iconic episodes: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee! This beloved classic is also one of the most banned books of all time—yet its lessons about justice, empathy, and courage are more important than ever. Join Jay and Stacey as we break down why this book remains a must-read. 🎙️
Want to fight against book bans? Here’s how:
•Support your local library! 📚
•Join or create a book club.
•Share your favorite banned books with others!
Watch the episode and discover why To Kill a Mockingbird is still a story for our times. #BannedBooksWeek #ReadWithUs #FightBookBans
 
Links 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
https://a.co/d/2MRNdd8
Mr. Catherine book
https://a.co/d/3bPVBMG
 
Publishers
Encircle Publications
https://encirclepub.com/encircle-author/jay-ruud/
Creators Publishing 
https://www.creators.com/books/mr-catherine
BIOS
Jay Ruud is a retired professor of English at the University of Central Arkansas, now devoting much of his time to fiction writing. He earned a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and taught college literature courses for 40 years. He chaired the English department at the University of Central Arkansas for 13 years, prior to which he was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern State University in South Dakota. He published scholarly books on Chaucer, Dante, and Tolkien, and has retold the traditional legend of King Arthur for modern readers as a series of Merlin Mysteries. He is currently in the midst of a series of Robin Hood mysteries, the most recent of which, Treasure of Sherwood, has just been published by Encircle Press. 
 
Stacey Margaret Jones is an Arkansas writer, whose novel MR. CATHERINE was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer New Horizons Debut Novel Award. She's also a Pushcart-Prize-nominated poet, essayist and literature and creative writing instructor. She lives with her husband author Jay Ruud and their four literarily named dogs, Gwenhyfar, Lavinia, Gareth and Sylvia. You can find her on Instagram at @sharkushka and TikTok at @normfluencers.   

A Wild Literary Ride You Never Saw Coming! - “Pale Fire” by Vladimir Nabokov

Our TENTH Episode! We're celebrating with signed book giveaways!
Rate our podcast and leave a review, commenting on what YOUR favorite book is and we'll choose a winner at random to receive signed copies of "Treasure of Sherwood" by Jay Ruud and "Mr. Catherine" by Stacey Margaret Jones.
Thanks for sticking around! 
In this episode of Between the Covers with Jay and Stacey, we dive into the brilliantly bizarre world of Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov. Imagine a 999-line poem written by a fictional poet, followed by an even stranger commentary by a man who might be completely off his rocker. Sound wild? It is! Pale Fire is one of those books that flips the script on storytelling, blending wit, mystery, and literary genius. We’re here to convince you why this book is not just clever but also a ton of fun to puzzle through. Is the narrator a genius or a madman? What’s real and what’s imagined? If you love books that make you think, laugh, and go, “Wait, WHAT just happened?” then stick around and hear why Pale Fire is a must-read 
Remember to rate, share, and leave a review for a chance to win free signed books! 
Links 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
https://a.co/d/2MRNdd8
Mr. Catherine book
https://a.co/d/3bPVBMG
 
Publishers
Encircle Publications
https://encirclepub.com/encircle-author/jay-ruud/
Creators Publishing 
https://www.creators.com/books/mr-catherine
BIOS
Jay Ruud is a retired professor of English at the University of Central Arkansas, now devoting much of his time to fiction writing. He earned a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and taught college literature courses for 40 years. He chaired the English department at the University of Central Arkansas for 13 years, prior to which he was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern State University in South Dakota. He published scholarly books on Chaucer, Dante, and Tolkien, and has retold the traditional legend of King Arthur for modern readers as a series of Merlin Mysteries. He is currently in the midst of a series of Robin Hood mysteries, the most recent of which, Treasure of Sherwood, has just been published by Encircle Press. 
 
Stacey Margaret Jones is an Arkansas writer, whose novel MR. CATHERINE was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer New Horizons Debut Novel Award. She's also a Pushcart-Prize-nominated poet, essayist and literature and creative writing instructor. She lives with her husband author Jay Ruud and their four literarily named dogs, Gwenhyfar, Lavinia, Gareth and Sylvia. You can find her on Instagram at @sharkushka and TikTok at @normfluencers.