Between The Covers

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.  

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.