Between The Covers

Is the American Dream a lie? Or is Babbitt having a midlife crisis? - “Babbitt” by Sinclair Lewis

In this episode of Between The Covers, Jay and Stacey dive into the world of Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis, a sharp, witty satire of American middle-class life. Set in the 1920s, Babbitt follows George F. Babbitt, a real estate agent stuck in a life of conformity, who begins to question everything around him. Is the American Dream all it’s cracked up to be, or is Babbitt just in a midlife crisis? We’ll break down why this novel still resonates today, from its hilarious social commentary to its critique of materialism. Tune in to find out why Babbitt has earned its place on the list of 100 most lovable books—and why you need to read it!
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.   

Your Heart Will Break & You’ll Love Every Minute! - “Never Let Me Go” 💔📚

In Episode 8 of Between The Covers, Jay and Stacey dive into Kazuo Ishiguro’s haunting and unforgettable novel, Never Let Me Go. What makes this dystopian story so lovable, despite its emotional intensity? We unravel the mysteries, explore the powerful themes of memory, identity, and loss, and explain why this book has captured the hearts of so many. If you’re a fan of stories that stay with you long after the last page, you won’t want to miss this one! 📖✨
Links 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
Mr. Catherine book
 
Publishers
Encircle Publications
Creators Publishing 
 
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.  

Obsession and Revenge on the High Seas in Moby Dick

Dive into the depths with Jay and Stacey on this episode of Between The Covers as they explore the polarizing classic, Moby Dick! 🐋 Some think the book is boring, but Jay explains why he believes this captivating tale of obsession, revenge, and humanity’s battle with nature deserves a place on the list of 100 most lovable books.
Links 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
Mr. Catherine book
 
 
Publishers
Encircle Publications
Creators Publishing 
 
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 Redemption in “Atonement”

In this episode of Between the Covers, Jay and Stacey dive into Ian McEwan’s novel, Atonement. They explore the complex themes of guilt, love, and redemption that permeate the story, discussing why it deserves a spot on the “100 Lovable Books” list. Join Jay and Stacey as they uncover the emotional depth of McEwan’s characters, and reflect on the lasting impact of a single lie. Share this episode with your fellow book lovers and please give us a rating.
 
Links 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
Mr. Catherine book
 
Publishers
Encircle Publications
Creators Publishing 
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.  

History Meets Drama in “Wolf Hall"

Jay and Stacey travel back in time to discuss Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. From the cunning charm of Thomas Cromwell to the intricate politics of Henry VIII’s court, they reveal why this historical fiction masterpiece is a must-read and why it belongs on the 100 most lovable books list. Plus, CHAOS READER returns with another random read! Please give us a rating and share this episode with your fellow book lovers.
 
 
Links 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
Mr. Catherine book
 
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.  

"To Kill a Mockingbird" Between The Covers Ep 4

“Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy… That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
 
Coming up next on Between The Covers, racism, prejudice, and the loss of innocence take center stage in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Join Jay and Stacey as they dive deep into this beloved novel and discuss where it ranks on the 100 Loveable Book list. This week’s CHAOS READER takes us near Stacey’s childhood home. If you’re enjoying our show, please give us a rating and tell your friends.
 
Links
JayRuud.com
StaceyMargaretJones.com
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
Mr. Catherine book
 
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.

"Brave New World" Between The Covers Ep3

"Impudent strumpet!" 
Up next on Between The Covers is Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. Listen in as Jay and Stacey delve into why this beloved yet controversial book deserves a spot on the 100 Lovable Books list and where it ranks. Plus, don’t miss the CHAOS READER segment! Please like, share, and subscribe!
 
 
Poem mentioned in the episode
Dover Beach by Mathew Arnold
 
Links 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
Mr. Catherine book
 
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.

"Catch 22" Between The Covers Ep 2

"That's some catch, that CATCH-22"
Episode 2 of Between the Covers finds married authors Jay Ruud and Stacey Margaret Jones breaking down Joseph Heller's Catch 22 and why in belongs on the 100 Lovable Books list. Plus Chaos reader returns and it's not a Presidential biography. Like and subscribe to never miss an episode. Also, leave a review which helps other listeners find the show! 
 
Links 
Dover Beach by Mathew Arnold
 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book
Mr. Catherine book
 
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. Website http://jayruud.com
 
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 on TikTok at @normfluencers or via her Website staceymargaretjones.com

Pride and Prejudice Between The Covers

It is a truth universally acknowledged that any list of lovable books must include Jane Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, and married authors Jay Ruud and Stacey Margaret Jones break down why they love the book, what's not to love and where it ranks on the master list of 100 Lovable Books so far.
 
Links 
JayRuud.com 
StaceyMargaretJones.com 
 
Amazon 
Treasure of Sherwood book 
Mr. Catherine book
 
Encircle Publications
https://encirclepub.com/encircle-author/jay-ruud/

Trailer Between The Covers

There are hundreds of 100 Best Books list but none of them are curated by author Jay Ruud...until now. Get ready to dive into a world of delightful reads with Jay’s “100 Lovable Books” list! Each week, he and his wife, Author Stacey Margaret Jones, introduce and explore one lovable book per episode.