Between The Covers

From Rags to Riches: The Charm of David Copperfield

Pack your bags because we’re heading to Victorian England with David Copperfield—no, not the magician, the original hero of Charles Dickens’s masterpiece! This isn’t just another coming-of-age story; it’s a rollercoaster of life’s highs, lows, and all the colorful characters in between. In this episode of Between the Covers, we spill the tea on Dickens’s most personal novel, from slimy villains like Uriah Heep, to the ever-lovable Aunt Betsey. Dickens called this book his “favorite child.” Spoiler: It’s packed with drama, heart, and life lessons that still hit hard today. Don’t miss it!
 
All the Links 
https://linktr.ee/betweenthecoverspodcast
 
#ilovebooks #betweenthecovers #bestbooks #bestbookstoread #catcherintherye #jdsalinger #podcast #classicliterature #booktok #booklover #books #booktube #bookreview #bookrecommendations #dickens #davidcopperfield #charlesdickens 

Decoding the Mystique of The Catcher in the Rye

Holden Caulfield is calling—and we’re answering! This week, we’re diving into J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. Why does this angsty teenager’s story still resonate? Join us as Between The Covers looks at what makes this book unforgettable and where it belongs on the 100 most loveable books! 
 
 
https://linktr.ee/betweenthecoverspodcast
#ilovebooks #betweenthecovers #bestbooks #bestbookstoread #catcherintherye #jdsalinger #podcast #classicliterature #booktok #booklover #books #booktube #bookreview #bookrecommendations 

The Midnight Miracle: How Rushdie Captured a Nation’s Soul

In this episode, we journey into the heart of Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children,” a novel that masterfully blends history with magical realism. We explore Rushdie’s rich prose, the novel’s profound themes, and its enduring impact on literature. Join us for an engaging discussion that will inspire you to experience this Booker Prize-winning masterpiece firsthand.
Links 
 
https://linktr.ee/betweenthecoverspodcast

How A Single Lie Changed Everything: A Deep Dive into “Atonement”

Get ready to relive the emotional rollercoaster of Ian McEwan’s “Atonement”! In this special rerun, Jay and Stacey dive deep into this unforgettable story of love, betrayal, and the power of forgiveness. We’ll explore the twists and turns that make this novel a must-read and why it has secured a spot on our list of the 100 most lovable books. Whether it’s your first listen or you’re joining us again, this episode will reignite your passion for one of literature’s modern masterpieces. Don’t miss out—tune in and discover (or rediscover) why “Atonement” is a book that stays with you long after the final page!
 
 
 
Link 
 
https://linktr.ee/betweenthecoverspodcast

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.