Between The Covers

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.

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

🌟 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

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

📚 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

"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.

"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

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/

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.