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.