Between the Covers (TV programme)
Book discussion TV programme
Between the Covers Genre Created by Sara Cox Presented by Sara Cox Theme music composer Mat Andasun Country of origin United Kingdom Original language English No. of series8 No. of episodes50 Executive producer Amanda Ross Producers Emma Cahusac Running time 29 minutes Production company Cactus TV Network BBC Release 9 October 2020 (2020-10-09 ) –
Between the Covers BBC talk show hosted by Sara Cox in which guest stars talk about their favourite books, alongside other book picks as well.[ 1]
In March 2024, a Between The Covers Live! Tour was announced.[ 2] [ 3] Jo Brand , Kacey Ainsworth , Stephen Mangan , Joseph O’Connor . The tour will be hosted by the TV series executive producer, Amanda Ross .
Sara Cox is the presenter of Between The Covers
Episodes
Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a book of the week pick from 2020 , and a book written by one of the guests. These books are:[ 4] [ 5]
Book of the Week Pick (From 2020)
Book Written By a Guest
No.
Guest Stars
Directed by
Original air date
1
Sara Pascoe , Tom Allen , Sophie Ellis-Bextor , and Phil Wang
Toby Baker
Jonathan Stow (videotape director)
9 October 2020
Books chosen by the guests are Americanah ( 2013 ) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Sara Pascoe ),Tales of the City 1978 ) by Armistead Maupin (Tom Allen ), Hangover Square 1941 ) by Patrick Hamilton (Sophie Ellis-Bextor ), and The Iliad Homer (Phil Wang ). The Book of the Week Pick from 2020 is The Midnight Library Matt Haig , and the book written by a guest is Sex Power Money 2019 ) by Sara Pascoe .[ 6] [ 7]
2
Richard Osman , Ricky Wilson , Ellie Taylor , and Lolly Adefope
Toby Baker
Jonathan Stow (videotape director)
16 October 2020
Books chosen by the guests are Life After Life ( 2013 ) by Kate Atkinson (Richard Osman ), Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life 2007 ) by Steve Martin (Ricky Wilson ), Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 1997 ) by J.K. Rowling (Ellie Taylor ), and The First Bad Man (2015 ) by Miranda July (Lolly Adefope ). The Book of the Week Pick from 2020 is Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud , and the book written by a guest is The Thursday Murder Club 2020 ) by Richard Osman .[ 8] [ 7]
3
Ade Adepitan , Rebecca Front , Bill Bailey , and Sophie Ward
Toby Baker
Jonathan Stow (videotape director)
23 October 2020
Books chosen by the guests are Half of a Yellow Sun 2006 ) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Ade Adepitan ), The Wind in the Willows 1908 ) by Kenneth Grahame (Rebecca Front ), A Confederacy of Dunces 1980 ) by John Kennedy Toole (Bill Bailey ), and Dusty Answer 1927 ) by Rosamond Lehmann (Sophie Ward ). The Book of the Week Pick from 2020 is Fifty-Fifty by Steve Cavanagh, and the book written by a guest is Love and Other Thought Experiments Club (2020 ) by Sophie Ward .[ 9] [ 7]
4
Andi Osho , Jo Brand , Will Young , and Ade Edmondson
Toby Baker
Jonathan Stow (videotape director)
30 October 2020
Books chosen by the guests are Red Dwarf 1989 ) by Grant Naylor (Andi Osho ), The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists 1914 ) by Robert Tressell (Jo Brand ), Lord of the Rings 1954 - 1955 ) by J. R. R. Tolkien (Will Young ), and War and Peace (1867 ) by Leo Tolstoy (Ade Edmondson ). The Book of the Week Pick from 2020 is This Lovely City by Louise Hare, and the book written by a guest is To Be a Gay Man (2020 ) by Will Young .[ 10] [ 7]
5
Anita Rani , Laura Whitmore , Alan Davies , and Russell Kane
Toby Baker
Jonathan Stow (videotape director)
6 November 2020
Books chosen by the guests are The Master and Margarita 1966 ) by Mikhail Bulgakov (Anita Rani ), Matilda 1988 ) by Roald Dahl (Laura Whitmore ), The Sellout 2015 ) by Paul Beatty (Alan Davies ), and Madame Bovary 1856 ) by Gustave Flaubert (Russell Kane ). The Book of the Week Pick from 2020 is Small Pleasures Clare Chambers , and the book written by a guest is Just Ignore Him 2020 ) by Alan Davies .[ 11] [ 7]
6
Meera Syal , Babita Sharma , Guvna B , and Dave Gorman
Toby Baker
Jonathan Stow (videotape director)
13 November 2020
Books chosen by the guests are Beloved 1987 ) by Toni Morrison (Meera Syal and Babita Sharma ), The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (2019 ) by John Mark Comer (Guvna B ), and Who on Earth is Tom Baker? An Autobiography (1997 ) by Tom Baker (Dave Gorman ). The Book of the Week Pick from 2020 is Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold by Bolu Babalola , and the book written by a guest is The Corner Shop (2020 ) by Babita Sharma .[ 12] [ 7]
7
Desiree Burch , Graham Norton , Grace Dent , and Ben Miller
Toby Baker
Jonathan Stow (videotape director)
20 November 2020
Books chosen by the guests are Dietland 2015 ) by Sarai Walker (Desiree Burch ), The Other Side of the Bridge 2006 ) by Mary Lawson (Graham Norton ), Fleishman is in Trouble 2019 ) by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (Grace Dent ), and The Three-Body Problem 2008 ) by Cixin Liu (Ben Miller ). The Book of the Week Pick from 2020 is The Devil and the Dark Water Stuart Turton , and the book written by a guest is Home Stretch 2020 ) by Graham Norton .[ 13] [ 7]
Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a book recently published in 2021 , and a popular book from 2020 . These books are:[ 14] [ 15] [ 16]
2021
2020
No.
Guest Stars
Directed by
Original air date
1
Mel Giedroyc , Griff Rhys Jones , Oti Mabuse , and Rick Edwards
Toby Baker
10 May 2021
Books chosen by the guests are Les Misérables 1862 ) by Victor Hugo (Mel Giedroyc ), One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time 2020 ) by Craig Brown (Griff Rhys Jones ), Think Like A Monk (2020 ) by Jay Shetty (Oti Mabuse ), and Other Minds: The Octopus and the Evolution of Intelligent Life 2017 ) by Peter Godfrey-Smith (Rick Edwards ). The recently published book from 2021 is The Fine Art of Invisible Detection Robert Goddard , and the popular book from 2020 is The Vanishing Half Brit Bennett .[ 17] [ 18]
2
Vick Hope , Rob Delaney , Rick Stein and Rachel Parris
Toby Baker
17 May 2021
Books chosen by the guests are Swing Time 2016 ) by Zadie Smith (Vick Hope ), A Manual for Cleaning Women (2015 ) by Lucia Berlin (Rob Delaney ), The Leopard 1958 ) by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (Rick Stein ), and The Name of the Wind 2007 ) by Patrick Rothfuss (Rachel Parris ). The recently published book from 2021 is Should We Fall Behind by Sharon Duggal, and the popular book from 2020 is The Lying Life of Adults Elena Ferrante .[ 19] [ 20]
3
Phil Davis , Katherine Ryan , Adjoa Andoh and David Baddiel
Toby Baker
24 May 2021
Books chosen by the guests are Great Expectations 1861 ) by Charles Dickens (Phil Davis ), Everybody Died, So I Got a Dog (2019 ) by Emily Dean (Katherine Ryan ), Plainsong 1999 ) by Kent Haruf (Adjoa Andoh ), and Emma 1815 ) by Jane Austen (David Baddiel ). The recently published book from 2021 is Sixteen Horses by Greg Buchanan , and the popular book from 2020 is The Girl with the Louding Voice Abi Daré .[ 21] [ 22]
4
Hugh Dennis , Don Warrington , Zoe Lyons and Giovanna Fletcher
Toby Baker
31 May 2021
Books chosen by the guests are Jemima J 2000 ) by Jane Green (Giovanna Fletcher ), The Mandibles 2016 ) by Lionel Shriver (Zoe Lyons ), The Fire Next Time 1963 ) by James Baldwin (Don Warrington ), and One Hundred Years of Solitude 1967 ) by Gabriel García Márquez (Hugh Dennis ). The recently published book from 2021 is Another Life by Jodie Chapman, and the popular book from 2020 is Agent Running in the Field John le Carré .[ 23] [ 24]
5
Nish Kumar , Stacey Dooley , Caitlin Moran and Robert Webb
Toby Baker
7 June 2021
Books chosen by the guests are A Little Life 2015 ) by Hanya Yanagihara (Nish Kumar ), Home Body (2020 ) by Rupi Kaur (Stacey Dooley ), How to be a Medieval Woman (1438 ) by Margery Kempe (Caitlin Moran ) and Waterland 1983 ) by Graham Swift (Robert Webb ). The recently published book from 2021 is The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward , and the popular book from 2020 is Hamnet Maggie O'Farrell .[ 25] [ 26]
6
Ranvir Singh , Micky Flanagan , Reginald D. Hunter and Sophie Willan
Toby Baker
15 June 2021
Books chosen by the guests are The Moonstone 1868 ) by Wilkie Collins (Ranvir Singh ), Glue 2001 ) by Irvine Welsh (Micky Flanagan ), The Joke 1967 ) by Milan Kundera (Reginald D. Hunter ) and Planet Young (2009 ) by Gerry Potter (Sophie Willan ). The recently published book from 2021 is The Frequency of Us by Keith Stuart, and the popular book from 2020 is Shuggie Bain Douglas Stuart .[ 27] [ 28]
Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a new book from 2021 and a Booker Prize backlist gem. These books are:[ 29] [ 30]
2021
Booker Prize backlist gems
No.
Guest Stars
Directed by
Original air date
1
Emilia Fox , Dane Baptiste , Andy Parsons and Evanna Lynch
Tim Van Someren
10 November 2021
Books chosen by the guests are Three Women 2019 ) by Lisa Taddeo (Emilia Fox ), The Autobiography of Malcolm X 1965 ) by Malcolm X (Dane Baptiste ), Oh, The Places You'll Go! 1990 ) by Dr. Seuss (Andy Parsons ) and Loving Sabotage 1993 ) by Amélie Nothomb (Evanna Lynch ). The new book from 2021 is Sorrow And Bliss by Meg Mason, and the Booker Prize backlist gem is Good Behaviour 1981 ) by Molly Keane .[ 31] [ 32]
2
John Thomson , Fern Brady , Lou Sanders and Olly Smith
Tim Van Someren
17 November 2021
Books chosen by the guests are Carte Blanche 2011 ) by Jeffery Deaver (John Thomson ), Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit 1985 ) by Jeanette Winterson (Fern Brady ), Delicacy (2021 ) by Katy Wix (Lou Sanders ) and The Spy and the Traitor (2018 ) by Ben MacIntyre (Olly Smith ). The new book from 2021 is The Coward by Jarred McGinnis , and the Booker Prize backlist gem is The Bookshop 1978 ) by Penelope Fitzgerald .[ 33] [ 34]
3
Ben Miller , Kacey Ainsworth , Rob Rinder and Sindhu Vee
Tim Van Someren
24 November 2021
Books chosen by the guests are The Fight 1975 ) by Norman Mailer (Ben Miller ), The Unbearable Lightness of Being 1984 ) by Milan Kundera (Kacey Ainsworth ), To Kill a Mockingbird 1960 ) by Harper Lee (Rob Rinder ) and She Left Me the Gun (2013 ) by Emma Brockes (Sindhu Vee ). The new book from 2021 is Still Life by Sarah Winman , and the Booker Prize backlist gem is Exit West 2017 ) by Mohsin Hamid .[ 35] [ 36]
4
Alan Davies , Sarah Kendall , Iain Stirling and Suzi Ruffell
Tim Van Someren
1 December 2021
Books chosen by the guests are May We Be Forgiven 2012 ) by A. M. Homes (Alan Davies ), Slaughterhouse-Five 1969 ) by Kurt Vonnegut (Sarah Kendall ), The Acid House 1994 ) by Irvine Welsh (Iain Stirling ) and Little Women 1868 ) by Louisa May Alcott (Suzi Ruffell ). The new book from 2021 is Ascension by Oliver Harris, and the Booker Prize backlist gem is The Garden of Evening Mists 2011 ) by Tan Twan Eng .[ 37] [ 38]
5
Sharleen Spiteri , Prue Leith , Jason Forbes and Ben Willbond
Tim Van Someren
8 December 2021
Books chosen by the guests are Perfume: The Story of a Murderer 1985 ) by Patrick Süskind (Sharleen Spiteri ), The Lightning Thread (2021 ) by David Profumo (Prue Leith ), The Canterbury Tales 1440 ) by Geoffrey Chaucer (Jason Forbes ) and Any Human Heart 2002 ) by William Boyd (Ben Willbond ). The new book from 2021 is Small Things Like These Claire Keegan , and the Booker Prize backlist gem is Fingersmith 2002 ) by Sarah Waters .[ 39] [ 40]
6
Greg James , Imogen Stubbs , Fleur East and Lloyd Griffith
Tim Van Someren
15 December 2021
Books chosen by the guests are Right Ho, Jeeves 1934 ) by P.G. Wodehouse (Greg James ), A Fine Balance 1995 ) by Rohinton Mistry (Imogen Stubbs ), Enduring Love 1997 ) by Ian McEwan (Fleur East ) and How to Stop Time 2017 ) by Matt Haig (Lloyd Griffith ). The new book from 2021 is Sankofa Chibundu Onuzo , and the Booker Prize backlist gem is The Secret Scripture 2008 ) by Sebastian Barry .[ 41] [ 42]
Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a new book from 2022 and a book from the Big Jubilee Read . These books are:[ 43] [ 44]
2022
Big Jubilee Read
No.
Guest Stars
Directed by
Original air date
1
Richard Osman , Deborah Frances-White , David Morrissey and Vick Hope
Tim Van Someren
11 May 2022
Books chosen by the guests are The Talented Mr. Ripley 1955 ) by Patricia Highsmith (Richard Osman ), Rainbow Milk 2020 ) by Paul Mendez (Deborah Frances-White ), Giovanni's Room 1956 ) by James Baldwin (David Morrissey ) and Noughts & Crosses 2001 ) by Malorie Blackman (Vick Hope ). The new book from 2022 is People Person by Candice Carty-Williams , and the Big Jubilee Read book is The English Patient 1992 ) by Michael Ondaatje .[ 45] [ 46]
2
Sir Trevor McDonald , Sarah Hadland , Peter Davison and Cariad Lloyd
Tim Van Someren
18 May 2022
Books chosen by the guests are The Fatal Shore 1986 ) by Robert Hughes (Sir Trevor McDonald ), My Name Is Lucy Barton 2016 ) by Elizabeth Strout (Sarah Hadland ), Polar (2002 ) by T.R. Pearson (Peter Davison ) and H is for Hawk 2014 ) by Helen Macdonald (Cariad Lloyd ). The new book from 2022 is Two Storm Wood by Philip Gray, and the Big Jubilee Read book is The Lonely Londoners 1956 ) by Sam Selvon .[ 47] [ 48]
3
Richard E Grant , Deborah Meaden , Stephen Bailey and Sukh Ojla
Tim Van Someren
25 May 2022
Books chosen by the guests are Alice's Adventures In Wonderland 1865 ) by Lewis Carroll (Richard E Grant ), Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness (2011 ) by Alexandra Fuller (Deborah Meaden ), Where the Crawdads Sing 2018 ) by Delia Owens (Stephen Bailey ) and The Gargoyle 2008 ) by Andrew Davidson (Sukh Ojla ). The new book from 2022 is Lessons In Chemistry Bonnie Garmus , and the Big Jubilee Read book is Arrow of God 1964 ) by Chinua Achebe .[ 49] [ 50]
4
Jo Brand , Darren Harriott , Nina Wadia and Neil Morrissey
Tim Van Someren
1 Jun 2022
Books chosen by the guests are The Faber Book of Reportage (1987 ) edited by John Carey (Jo Brand ), The Road to Character 2015 ) by David Brooks (Darren Harriott ), The Return of Faraz Ali (2022 ) by Aamina Ahmad (Nina Wadia ) and Disgrace 1999 ) by J. M. Coetzee (Neil Morrissey ). The new book from 2022 is Love Marriage by Monica Ali , and the Big Jubilee Read book is The Handmaid's Tale 1985 ) by Margaret Atwood .[ 51] [ 52]
5
Emeli Sandé , Pierre Novellie , Rev Kate Bottley and Adrian Scarborough
Tim Van Someren
8 Jun 2022
Books chosen by the guests are Maria Callas: The Woman Behind the Legend (1981 ) by Arianna Huffington (Emeli Sandé ), No One Is Talking About This 2021 ) by Patricia Lockwood (Pierre Novellie ), The Five 2019 ) by Hallie Rubenhold (Rev Kate Bottley ) and Offshore 1979 ) by Penelope Fitzgerald (Adrian Scarborough ). The new book from 2022 is Metronome by Tom Watson, and the Big Jubilee Read book is The Secret River 2005 ) by Kate Grenville .[ 53] [ 54]
6
Mel Giedroyc , Jordan North , Jen Brister and Rhys Stephenson
Tim Van Someren
15 Jun 2022
Books chosen by the guests are The Way We Live Now 1875 ) by Anthony Trollope (Mel Giedroyc ), The Heart's Invisible Furies 2017 ) by John Boyne (Jordan North ), A Prayer for Owen Meany 1989 ) by John Irving (Jen Brister ) and The Old Man and the Sea 1951 ) by Ernest Hemingway (Rhys Stephenson ). The new book from 2022 is Exactly What You Mean by Ben Hinshaw, and the Big Jubilee Read book is The Night Tiger 2019 ) by Yangsze Choo .[ 55] [ 56]
7
Dan Smith , Catherine Bohart , Colin Salmon and Katy Wix
Tim Van Someren
21 Jun 2022
Books chosen by the guests are The Overstory 2018 ) by Richard Powers (Dan Smith ), The Topeka School 2019 ) by Ben Lerner (Catherine Bohart ), The Count of Monte Cristo 1844 ) by Alexandre Dumas (Colin Salmon ) and Bluets 2009 ) by Maggie Nelson (Katy Wix ). The new book from 2022 is The Dictator's Wife by Freya Berry, and the Big Jubilee Read book is The Crow Eaters 1978 ) by Bapsi Sidhwa .[ 57] [ 58]
Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a new book from 2022 and one from the Booker Prize back catalogue. These books are:[ 59] [ 60]
2022
Booker Prize
No.
Guest Stars
Directed by
Original air date
1
Graham Norton , Alex Jones , Amanda Abbington and JJ Chalmers
Tim Van Someren
8 Nov 2022
Books chosen by the guests are Kindred 1979 ) by Octavia E. Butler (Graham Norton ), Educated 2018 ) by Tara Westover (Alex Jones ), Deep (2014 ) by James Nestor (Amanda Abbington ) and Forrest Gump 1986 ) by Winston Groom (JJ Chalmers ). The new book from 2022 is The Perfect Golden Circle by Benjamin Myers , and the Booker Prize book is Cloud Atlas 2004 ) by David Mitchell .[ 61] [ 62]
2
Ruth Jones , Kae Kurd , Jessie Cave and Samuel West
Tim Van Someren
15 Nov 2022
Books chosen by the guests are The Island of Missing Trees 2021 ) by Elif Shafak (Ruth Jones ), Scary Smart (2021 ) by Mo Gawdat (Kae Kurd ), The School for Good Mothers 2022 ) by Jessamine Chan (Jessie Cave ) and Howards End 1910 ) by E. M. Forster (Samuel West ). The new book from 2022 is The Second Sight Of Zachary Cloudesley by Sean Lusk, and the Booker Prize book is Snap (2018 ) by Belinda Bauer .[ 63] [ 64]
3
Paterson Joseph , Sophie Raworth , Al Murray and Jenny Eclair
Tim Van Someren
22 Nov 2022
Books chosen by the guests are The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy 1979 ) by Douglas Adams (Paterson Joseph ), The Salt Path 2018 ) by Raynor Winn (Sophie Raworth ), Catch-22 1961 ) by Joseph Heller (Al Murray ) and I'm Glad My Mom Died 2022 ) by Jennette McCurdy (Jenny Eclair ). The new book from 2022 is Sometimes People Die by Simon Stephenson , and the Booker Prize book is The Long Song 2010 ) by Andrea Levy .[ 65] [ 66]
4
Tom Allen , Pam Ferris , Rakhee Thakrar and Stephen Mangan
Tim Van Someren
6 Dec 2022
Books chosen by the guests are The Song of Achilles 2011 ) by Madeline Miller (Tom Allen ), All the Light We Cannot See 2014 ) by Anthony Doerr (Pam Ferris ), A Man Called Ove 2012 ) by Fredrik Backman (Rakhee Thakrar ) and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾ 1982 ) by Sue Townsend (Stephen Mangan ). The new book from 2022 is The Night Ship by Jess Kidd, and the Booker Prize book is The Remains of the Day 1989 ) by Kazuo Ishiguro .[ 67] [ 68]
5
Gabby Logan , Ade Adepitan , Kerry Godliman and Tom Read Wilson
Tim Van Someren
13 Dec 2022
Books chosen by the guests are The Echo Chamber (2021 ) by John Boyne (Gabby Logan ), Guns, Germs and Steel 1997 ) by Jared Diamond (Ade Adepitan ), Free Love (2022 ) by Tessa Hadley (Kerry Godliman ) and The Moon's a Balloon 1971 ) by David Niven (Tom Read Wilson ). The new book from 2022 is Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez , and the Booker Prize book is Moon Tiger 1987 ) by Penelope Lively .[ 69] [ 70]
6
Ugo Monye , Sarah Keyworth , Clara Amfo and Rick Edwards
Tim Van Someren
20 Dec 2022
Books chosen by the guests are The Purpose Driven Life 2002 ) by Rick Warren (Ugo Monye ), Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow 2022 ) by Gabrielle Zevin (Sarah Keyworth ), White Teeth 2000 ) by Zadie Smith (Clara Amfo ) and The Scout Mindset 2021 ) by Julia Galef (Rick Edwards ). The new book from 2022 is The Dance Tree by Kiran Millwood Hargrave , and the Booker Prize book is Us 2014 ) by David Nicholls .[ 71] [ 72]
Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a new book from 2023 and a book set in Europe to celebrate Eurovision.[ 73] [ 74] [ 75]
2023
Eurovision-inspired book
No.
Guest Stars
Directed by
Original air date
1
Angela Scanlon , DJ Spoony , Rob Rinder , and Cerys Matthews
Tim Van Someren
13 Mar 2023
Books chosen by the guests are Untamed 2020 ) by Glennon Doyle (Angela Scanlon ), Natives 2019 ) by Akala (DJ Spoony ), Utz 1988 ) by Bruce Chatwin (Rob Rinder ) and Under Milk Wood 1954 ) by Dylan Thomas (Cerys Matthews ). The new book from 2023 is Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan, and the Eurovision-inspired book is Burial Rites 2013 ) by Hannah Kent , which is set in Iceland .[ 76] [ 77]
2
Alan Davies , Ivo Graham , Samantha Bond , and Sunetra Sarker
Tim Van Someren
20 Mar 2023
Books chosen by the guests are Bad Blood 2000 ) by Lorna Sage (Alan Davies ), High Fidelity 1995 ) by Nick Hornby (Ivo Graham ), Bel Canto 2001 ) by Ann Patchett (Samantha Bond ) and How To Kill Your Family (2021 ) by Bella Mackie (Sunetra Sarker ). The new book from 2023 is The Space Between Us by Doug Johnstone , and the Eurovision-inspired book is Lullaby 2016 ) by Leïla Slimani , which is set in France .[ 78] [ 79]
3
Mel Giedroyc , Sophie Duker , Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall , and Nigel Havers
Tim Van Someren
27 Mar 2023
Books chosen by the guests are The Magic Mountain 1924 ) by Thomas Mann (Mel Giedroyc ), Send Nudes (2022 ) by Saba Sams (Sophie Duker ), How to Read Water (2017 ) by Tristan Gooley (Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall ) and The Darling Buds of May 1958 ) by H.E. Bates (Nigel Havers ). The new book from 2023 is Weyward Emilia Hart , and the Eurovision-inspired book is Death and the Penguin 1996 ) by Andrey Kurkov , which is set in Ukraine .[ 80] [ 81]
4
Sara Pascoe , Charlie Higson , Katie Melua , Adam Garcia
Tim Van Someren
3 Apr 2023
Books chosen by the guests are My Phantoms 2021 ) by Gwendoline Riley (Sara Pascoe ), Pop. 1280 1964 ) by Jim Thompson (Charlie Higson ), Born to Run 2009 ) by Christopher McDougall (Katie Melua ) and Oryx and Crake 2003 ) by Margaret Atwood (Adam Garcia ). The new book from 2023 is Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent , and the Eurovision-inspired book is The Summer Book 1972 ) by Tove Jansson , which is set in Finland .[ 82] [ 83]
5
Nick Knowles , Sara Barron , Ore Oduba , and Helen McGinn
Tim Van Someren
10 Apr 2023
Books chosen by the guests are Smoke and Mirrors 1998 ) by Neil Gaiman (Nick Knowles ), I'll Show Myself Out (2022 ) by Jessi Klein (Sara Barron ), A Clockwork Orange 1962 ) by Anthony Burgess (Ore Oduba ) and Hollywood Wives 1983 ) by Jackie Collins (Helen McGinn). The new book from 2023 is Hungry Ghosts by Kevin Jared Hosein , and the Eurovision-inspired book is I'm Not Scared 2003 ) by Niccolò Ammaniti , which is set in Italy .[ 84] [ 85]
6
Laura Whitmore , Meera Syal , Gethin Jones , and Joe Thomas
Tim Van Someren
17 Apr 2023
Books chosen by the guests are After The Silence (2020 ) by Louise O'Neill (Laura Whitmore ), Sophia (2015 ) by Anita Anand (Meera Syal ), War Doctor (2019 ) by David Nott (Gethin Jones ) and The Secret History 1992 ) by Donna Tartt (Joe Thomas ). The new book from 2023 is Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry , and the Eurovision-inspired book is My Family and Other Animals 1956 ) by Gerald Durrell , which is set in Corfu , Greece .[ 86] [ 87]
Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a new book from 2023 and a classic from the Booker back catalogue.[ 88] [ 89] [ 90]
2023
The Seventh Son by Sebastian Faulks The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-RobinsonRemember, Mr Sharma by A. P. FirdausFalling Animals by Sheila ArmstrongDevil’s Breath by Jill JohnsonThe Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou by Eleni KyriacouBooker Prize
No.
Guest Stars
Directed by
Original air date
1
Rob Delaney , Anita Rani , Richard Armitage , and Jo Brand
Tim Van Someren
6 November 2023
Books chosen by the guests are Pessimism is for Lightweights (2023 ) by Salena Godden (Anita Rani ), My Father's House (2023 ) by Joseph O'Connor (Jo Brand ), North and South 1854 ) by Elizabeth Gaskell (Richard Armitage ) and Runaway 2004 ) by Alice Munro (Rob Delaney ). The new book from 2023 is The Seventh Son by Sebastian Faulks , and the Booker Prize book is The God of Small Things 1997 ) by Arundhati Roy .[ 91] [ 92]
2
Adrian Edmondson , Angela Barnes , Annie Macmanus , and Chris McCausland
Tim Van Someren
13 November 2023
Books chosen by the guests are The History Man 1975 ) by Malcolm Bradbury (Adrian Edmondson ), Stasiland 2002 ) by Anna Funder (Angela Barnes ), How To Build A Boat (2023 ) by Elaine Feeney (Annie Macmanus ) and The Cleaner (2013 ) by Mark Dawson (Chris McCausland ). The new book from 2023 is The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson, and the Booker Prize book is Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha 1993 ) by Roddy Doyle .[ 93] [ 94]
3
Adam Kay , Alex Jones , Omari Douglas , and Sandi Toksvig
Tim Van Someren
20 November 2023
Books chosen by the guests are The Last Romeo (2018 ) by Justin Myers (Adam Kay ), The Other Boleyn Girl 2001 ) by Philippa Gregory (Alex Jones ), Convenience Store Woman 2016 ) by Sayaka Murata (Omari Douglas ) and The Black Angels (2023 ) by Maria Smilios (Sandi Toksvig ). The new book from 2023 is Remember, Mr Sharma by A. P. Firdaus, and the Booker Prize book is The Light of Day 2003 ) by Graham Swift .[ 95] [ 96]
4
Ahir Shah , Andi Osho , Ed Byrne , and Suzi Ruffell
Tim Van Someren
27 November 2023
Books chosen by the guests are Leviathan 1651 ) by Thomas Hobbes (Ahir Shah ), Will (2021 ) by Will Smith and Mark Manson (Andi Osho ), Captain Corelli's Mandolin 1994 ) by Louis de Bernières (Ed Byrne ) and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo 2017 ) by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Suzi Ruffell ). The new book from 2023 is Falling Animals by Sheila Armstrong, and the Booker Prize book is My Sister, the Serial Killer 2019 ) by Oyinkan Braithwaite .[ 97] [ 98]
5
Ben Miller , Kerry Godliman , Laura Smyth, and Nish Kumar
Tim Van Someren
4 December 2023
Books chosen by the guests are Animals 2014 ) by Emma Jane Unsworth (Ben Miller ), I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings 1969 ) by Maya Angelou (Kerry Godliman ), Out of Love (2020 ) by Hazel Hayes (Laura Smyth) and Between the World and Me 2015 ) by Ta-Nehisi Coates (Nish Kumar ). The new book from 2023 is Devil’s Breath by Jill Johnson, and the Booker Prize book is Any Human Heart 2002 ) by William Boyd .[ 99] [ 100]
6
Bill Paterson , Ellie Taylor , Geri Halliwell-Horner , and Miles Jupp
Tim Van Someren
11 December 2023
Books chosen by the guests are Cannery Row 1945 ) by John Steinbeck (Bill Paterson ), The Stranding (2021 ) by Kate Sawyer (Ellie Taylor ), The Book Thief 2006 ) by Markus Zusak (Geri Halliwell-Horner ) and The Marriage Portrait (2022 ) by Maggie O'Farrell (Miles Jupp ). The new book from 2023 is The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriacou, and the Booker Prize book is Redhead by the Side of the Road (2020 ) by Anne Tyler .[ 101] [ 102]
Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a book of the week pick from 2024 .[ 103] [ 104]
2024
No.
Guest Stars
Directed by
Original air date
1
Alan Davies , Taj Atwal , Sara Pascoe , and Adrian Edmondson
Tim Van Someren
29 October 2024
Books chosen by the guests are Will and Testament 2016 ) by Vigdis Hjorth (Alan Davies ), Demon Copperhead 2022 ) by Barbara Kingsolver (Taj Atwal ), All Fours 2024 ) by Miranda July (Sara Pascoe ) and You Are Here 2024 ) by David Nicholls (Adrian Edmondson ). The new book from 2024 is All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker .[ 105] [ 106]
2
Stephen Mangan , Maisie Adam , Richard Ayoade , and Elizabeth Day
Tim Van Someren
5 November 2024
Books chosen by the guests are A Goat's Song 1994 ) by Dermot Healy (Stephen Mangan ), In Cold Blood 1966 ) by Truman Capote (Maisie Adam ), Tenth of December 2013 ) by George Saunders (Richard Ayoade ) and The Light Years (1990 ) by Elizabeth Jane Howard (Elizabeth Day ). The new book from 2024 is Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon.[ 107] [ 108]
3
Neneh Cherry , Tom Allen , Olly Smith , and Sophie Raworth
Tim Van Someren
12 November 2024
Books chosen by the guests are Homegoing 2016 ) by Yaa Gyasi (Neneh Cherry ), The Time Traveler's Wife 2003 ) by Audrey Niffenegger (Tom Allen ), The Book Thief Nina Simone's Gum: A Memoir of Things Lost and Found (2021 ) by Warren Ellis (Olly Smith ) and Trails and Tribulations: The Running Adventures of Susie Chan (2024 ) by Susie Chan (Sophie Raworth ). The new book from 2024 is There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak .[ 109] [ 110]
4
Graham Norton , Cariad Lloyd , Jack Edwards , and Meera Syal
Tim Van Someren
19 November 2024
Books chosen by the guests are So Long, See You Tomorrow 1979 ) by William Maxwell (Graham Norton ), Persuasion 1817 ) by Jane Austen (Cariad Lloyd ), Evenings and Weekends (2024 ) by Oisin McKenna (Jack Edwards ) and Somebody I Used to Know (2018 ) by Wendy Mitchell (Meera Syal ). The new book from 2024 is Butter by Asako Yuzuki .[ 111]
5
Sir Trevor McDonald , Gemma Whelan , Neil Delamere , and Jo Brand
Tim Van Someren
26 November 2024
Books chosen by the guests are A Promised Land 2020 ) by Barack Obama (Sir Trevor McDonald ), Engleby 2007 ) by Sebastian Faulks (Gemma Whelan ), Leonard and Hungry Paul (2019 ) by Rónán Hession (Neil Delamere ) and Big Sky 2019 ) by Kate Atkinson (Jo Brand ). The new book from 2024 is Whale Fall by Elizabeth O’Connor.[ 112] [ 113]
6
Richard Osman , Ranvir Singh , Ben Miller , and Alex Jones
Tim Van Someren
03 December 2024
Books chosen by the guests are Trustee from the Toolroom 1960 ) by Nevil Shute (Richard Osman ), Ghosted (2021 ) by Jenn Ashworth (Ranvir Singh ), The Wager 2023 ) by David Grann (Ben Miller ) and A Court of Thorns and Roses 2015 ) by Sarah J. Maas (Alex Jones ). The new book from 2024 is The Kellerby Code by Jonny Sweet .[ 114] [ 115]
References
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BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 3: Episode 1" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Favourite reads from Evanna Lynch, Dane Baptiste, Emilia Fox and Andy Parsons" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 3: Episode 2" . BBC iPlayer ^ "From Bond to a real-life spy thriller: Inside stories for your book shelves from Between the Covers" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 3: Episode 3" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Which classic books are recommended by Ben Miller, Kacey Ainsworth, Rob Rinder and Sindhu Vee?" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 3: Episode 4" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Comedians Alan Davies, Sarah Kendall, Suzi Ruffell and Iain Stirling get serious about fiction" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 3: Episode 5" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Jason Forbes, Prue Leith, Sharleen Spiteri and Ben Willbond share their favourite books" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 3: Episode 6" . BBC iPlayer ^ "What books would brighten your Christmas holidays? Greg James suggests a bit of PG Wodehouse" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 4" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Platinum picks: 14 splendid reads for a Jubilee summer" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 1" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Love, life and longing with Deborah Frances-White, Vick Hope, David Morrissey and Richard Osman" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 2" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Bittersweet tales of heartache and healing recommended by Peter Davison, Sarah Hadland, Cariad Lloyd and Sir Trevor McDonald" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 3" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Here be dragons: Brilliant books and exotic creatures from Between the Covers" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 4" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Page-turners from Jo Brand, Darren Harriott, Neil Morrissey and Nina Wadia" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 5" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Bring your own book with Kate Bottley, Pierre Novellie, Emeli Sandé and Adrian Scarborough" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 6" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Brilliant books from Jen Brister, Mel Giedroyc, Jordan North and Rhys Stephenson" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 7" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Books that break the rules from Catherine Bohart, Colin Salmon, Dan Smith and Katy Wix" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 5" . BBC iPlayer ^ "*Escape into books with 16 winter reads from Between the Covers" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 5: Episode 1" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Cathartic biography and visceral fiction chosen by Alex Jones, Amanda Abbington, Graham Norton and JJ Chalmers" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 5: Episode 2" . BBC iPlayer ^ "From Edwardian etiquette to artificial intelligence: Books chosen by Jessie Cave, Kae Kurd, Ruth Jones and Samuel West" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 5: Episode 3" . BBC iPlayer ^ "From Cornwall to the cosmos: Great reads chosen by Al Murray, Jenny Eclair, Paterson Joseph and Sophie Raworth" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 5: Episode 4" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Reading conflict: Pam Ferris, Rakhee Thakrar, Stephen Mangan and Tom Allen bring the books" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 5: Episode 5" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Domestic drama to human history: Gripping reads chosen by Ade Adepitan, Gabby Logan, Kerry Godliman and Tom Read Wilson" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 5: Episode 6" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Life lessons and life-affirming fiction, chosen by Clara Amfo, Rick Edwards, Sarah Keyworth and Ugo Monye" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 6" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Six thrilling new book releases for your springtime reading list from Between the Covers" . BBC ^ "From song to story: Top picks for a Eurovision-inspired book club" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 6: Episode 1" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Books to show us who we are, chosen by Angela Scanlon, Cerys Matthews, DJ Spoony and Rob Rinder" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 6: Episode 2" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Tales of family and friendship, chosen by Alan Davies, Ivo Graham, Samantha Bond and Sunetra Sarker" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 6: Episode 3" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Books to return to time and again, chosen by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Mel Giedroyc, Nigel Havers and Sophie Duker" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 6: Episode 4" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Dystopia, dark comedy and distance running: books chosen by Adam Garcia, Charlie Higson, Katie Melua and Sara Pascoe" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 6: Episode 5" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Lawless lads and ladies who lunch: Books chosen by Helen McGinn, Nick Knowles, Ore Oduba and Sara Barron" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 6: Episode 6" . BBC iPlayer ^ "From thrillers to real-life struggles: Great reads chosen by Gethin Jones, Laura Whitmore, Joe Thomas and Meera Syal" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 7" . BBC iPlayer ^ "What book should you read next? Between the Covers spotlights the best new fiction..." BBC ^ "How many classics from the Booker back catalogue have you read?" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 7: Episode 1" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Stories for unsettling times, chosen by Anita Rani, Jo Brand, Richard Armitage and Rob Delaney" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 7: Episode 2" . BBC iPlayer ^ "From a classic campus novel to a brand-new Booker contender: Great reads chosen by Adrian Edmondson, Angela Barnes, Annie Macmanus and Chris McCausland" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 7: Episode 3" . BBC iPlayer ^ "The Tudor court, a New York hospital and a Tokyo mini-market: Settings for great reads chosen by Adam Kay, Alex Jones, Omari Douglas and Sandi Toksvig" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 7: Episode 4" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Books to make you think: Chosen by Ahir Shah, Andi Osho, Ed Byrne and Suzi Ruffell" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 7: Episode 5" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Relationships stories chosen by Ben Miller, Kerry Godliman, Laura Smyth and Nish Kumar" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 7: Episode 6" . BBC iPlayer ^ "An American classic and an apocalyptic tale set in New Zealand: Great reads chosen by Bill Paterson, Ellie Taylor, Geri Halliwell-Horner and Miles Jupp" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 8" . BBC iPlayer ^ "BBC's 'Between the Covers' reveals books and guests for new series" . The Bookseller ^ "Between the Covers Series 8: Episode 1" . BBC iPlayer ^ "BYOB Recommendations - Episode 1" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 8: Episode 2" . BBC iPlayer ^ "BYOB Recommendations - Episode 2" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 8: Episode 3" . BBC iPlayer ^ "BYOB Recommendations - Episode 3" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 8: Episode 4" . BBC iPlayer ^ "Between the Covers Series 8: Episode 5" . BBC iPlayer ^ "BYOB Recommendations - Episode 5" . BBC ^ "Between the Covers Series 8: Episode 6" . BBC iPlayer ^ "BYOB Recommendations - Episode 6" . BBC
