Between The Covers

Jay's entry on his 100 Most Lovable Books List this week is one of Stacey's most loved books ever. Join them for their discussion of 1870s New York and its moneyed high society as Wharton's Newland Archer navigates his own conflicting desires for social convention or social rebellion. And chaos reader picks up another favorite reread as well.

Jay and Stacey discuss the comedy-sci-fi twentieth-century classic The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, chatting about the first novel in the franchise, which is the gateway-drug to the international sales juggernaut of the six-novel franchise. And chaos reader weighs in with a novel that feels completely opposite of Hitchhiker, Jane Eyre.

Jay and Stacey discuss a novel dear to both of their hearts, George Eliot's Middlemarch, where marriage, aspiration, ambition and social class shape the lives of characters in a small English community in the 1800s. Eliot has written of England's past in her lovable novel, just as Edith Wharton has written of the Old New York of her childhood in Chaos Reader's pick this week, The Age of Innocence....

Even posh Brits have family problems, and Evelyn Waugh's exploration of the aristocratic Flyte family through the perspective of upwardly-mobile Charles Ryder touches on the allure of a bygone era, religion and the waning of privilege in 20th century Great Britain. Join us for a discussion of why this novel is lovable... and check in with Chaos Reader, too.

Sarah Waters' novel The Little Stranger is a surprise addition to the 100 Most Lovable Novels in the English Language list, but after this discussion of how this gothic novel illuminates 20th century Britain and the ghosts of past ways of life that may continue to haunt us all, you'll likely be adding it to your list. We introduce a new feature this week, a friend of the pod sharing her favorite b...

Jay and Stacey discuss Colson Whitehead's masterpiece, The Nickel Boys, and how the exploration of a great American tragedy can still produce a lovable novel. And chaos reader weighs in, too. 

Jay and Stacey explore Robert Penn Warren's ALL THE KING'S MEN in this week's entry in Jay's list of the 100 Most Lovable Novels in the English Language. This 80-year-old American political novel is as relevant now as it was in 1946 when Warren crafted the story of the charismatic and flawed governor Willie Stark and the moral journey of those around him.

Alice Walker's Pulitzer-Prize winning novel The Color Purple is one of those Big Deal books, but what makes this story of the degradation and the triumph of two sisters in the American South lovable to read? Jay talks about why it landed on his list and Chaos Reader chimes in with this week's pick.

Billy Pilgrim is unstuck in time. He survives the firebombing of Dresden and goes to the planet Tralfamador. But don't worry: Death is only in your imagination. #SlaughterhouseFive #KurtVonnegut #BookPodcast #Podcast #SciFiBooks #SoItGoes #Tralfamadore #ClassicBooks #BookTube #BetweenTheCovers #BookTok #BookLovers   https://linktr.ee/betweenthecoverspodcast

It’s the most read-able time of the year! In this festive episode of Between the Covers with Jay and Stacey, we’re diving into the books that have made our holidays brighter—whether they were wrapped under the tree, gifted in a pinch, or devoured by the fireplace. Tune in to hear stories of favorite books, favorite gifted books, and a whole lot of last minute gift ideas.  All the Links  https://li...

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 li...

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 #bestbookstor...

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/betw...

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 aga...

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 set...

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 escap...

🌟 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...

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       Amaz...

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...

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,...

  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 Gats...

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, an...

📚 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...

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 brillia...

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’l...