Between the Covers (TV programme)

Book discussion TV programme

Between the Covers is a 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] This initial run of shows would have show dates in London, Oxford, Nottingham, Birmingham, Reading and Brighton^[3] and will feature 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

Series One (2020)

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)

• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
• Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud
• Fifty-Fifty by Steve Cavanagh
• This Lovely City by Louise Hare
• Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
• Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold by Bolu Babalola
• The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton

Book Written By a Guest

• Sex Power Money (2019) by Sara Pascoe
• The Thursday Murder Club (2020) by Richard Osman
• Love and Other Thought Experiments (2020) by Sophie Ward
• To Be a Gay Man (2020) by Will Young
• Just Ignore Him (2020) by Alan Davies
• The Corner Shop (2019) by Babita Sharma
• Home Stretch (2020) by Graham Norton

Series Two (2021)

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

• The Fine Art of Invisible Detection by Robert Goddard
• Should We Fall Behind by Sharon Duggal
• Sixteen Horses by Greg Buchanan
• Another Life by Jodie Chapman
• The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
• The Frequency of Us by Keith Stuart

2020

• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
• The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante
• The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
• Agent Running in the Field by John le Carré
• Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
• Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

Series Three (2021)

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

• Sorrow And Bliss by Meg Mason
• The Coward by Jarred McGinnis
• Still Life by Sarah Winman
• Ascension by Oliver Harris
• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
• Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo

Booker Prize backlist gems

• Good Behaviour (1981) by Molly Keane
• The Bookshop (1978) by Penelope Fitzgerald
• Exit West (2017) by Mohsin Hamid
• The Garden of Evening Mists (2011) by Tan Twan Eng
• Fingersmith (2002) by Sarah Waters
• The Secret Scripture (2008) by Sebastian Barry

Series Four (2022)

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

• People Person by Candice Carty-Williams
• Two Storm Wood by Philip Gray
• Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
• Love Marriage by Monica Ali
• Metronome by Tom Watson
• Exactly What You Mean by Ben Hinshaw
• The Dictator's Wife by Freya Berry

Big Jubilee Read

• The English Patient (1992) by Michael Ondaatje
• The Lonely Londoners (1956) by Sam Selvon
• Arrow Of God (1964) by Chinua Achebe
• The Handmaid's Tale (1985) by Margaret Atwood
• The Secret River (2005) by Kate Grenville
• The Night Tiger (2019) by Yangsze Choo
• The Crow Eaters (1978) by Bapsi Sidhwa

Series Five (2022)

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

• The Perfect Golden Circle by Benjamin Myers
• The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley by Sean Lusk
• Sometimes People Die by Simon Stephenson
• The Night Ship by Jess Kidd
• Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
• The Dance Tree by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Booker Prize

• Cloud Atlas (2004) by David Mitchell
• Snap (2018) by Belinda Bauer
• The Long Song (2010) by Andrea Levy
• The Remains of the Day (1989) by Kazuo Ishiguro
• Moon Tiger (1987) by Penelope Lively
• Us (2014) by David Nicholls

Series Six (2023)

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

• In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan
• The Space Between Us by Doug Johnstone
• Weyward by Emilia Hart
• Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
• Hungry Ghosts by Kevin Jared Hosein
• Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry

Eurovision-inspired book

• Burial Rites (2013) by Hannah Kent
• Lullaby (2016) by Leïla Slimani
• Death and the Penguin (1996) by Andrey Kurkov
• The Summer Book (1972) by Tove Jansson
• I'm Not Scared (2001) by Niccolò Ammaniti
• My Family and Other Animals (1956) by Gerald Durrell

Series Seven (2023)

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-Robinson
• Remember, Mr Sharma by A. P. Firdaus
• Falling Animals by Sheila Armstrong
• Devil’s Breath by Jill Johnson
• The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriacou

Booker Prize

• The God of Small Things (1997) by Arundhati Roy
• Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha (1993) by Roddy Doyle
• The Light of Day (2003) by Graham Swift
• My Sister, the Serial Killer (2019) by Oyinkan Braithwaite
• Any Human Heart (2002) by William Boyd
• Redhead by the Side of the Road (2020) by Anne Tyler

References

1. "Between the Covers". BBC iPlayer.
2. "Jo Brand and Stephen Mangan to tour BBC Two TV book club Between The Covers". The Hunts Post. 21 March 2024.
3. "Between The Covers Live! Tour Dates". 21 March 2024.
4. "Between the Covers Series 1". BBC iPlayer.
5. "Fourteen brilliant books to brighten your autumn evenings". BBC. 23 September 2020.
6. "Between the Covers Series 1: Episode 1". BBC iPlayer. 9 October 2020. Archived from the original on 19 October 2020.
7. "Between the Covers: Our guests' favourite reads of all time". BBC. 20 November 2020. Archived from the original on 9 October 2020.
8. "Between the Covers Series 1: Episode 2". BBC iPlayer. 16 October 2020. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020.
9. "Between the Covers Series 1: Episode 3". BBC iPlayer. 23 October 2020. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020.
10. "Between the Covers Series 1: Episode 4". BBC iPlayer. 30 October 2020. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020.
11. "Between the Covers Series 1: Episode 5". BBC iPlayer. 6 November 2020. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020.
12. "Between the Covers Series 1: Episode 6". BBC iPlayer. 13 November 2020.
13. "Between the Covers Series 1: Episode 7". BBC iPlayer. 20 November 2020. Archived from the original on 21 November 2020.
14. "Between the Covers Series 2". BBC iPlayer.
15. "Twelve brilliant books to set you up for a summer of reading". BBC. 6 May 2021. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021.
16. "Between The Covers 2021 line up of guests and books featured in series 2". TellyMix. 15 June 2021. Archived from the original on 17 March 2021.
17. "Between the Covers Series 2: Episode 1". BBC iPlayer. 10 May 2021. Archived from the original on 11 May 2021.
18. "Between the Covers: Favourite reads from Mel Giedroyc, Griff Rhys Jones, Oti Mabuse and Rick Edwards". BBC. 10 May 2021. Archived from the original on 11 May 2021.
19. "Between the Covers Series 2: Episode 2". BBC iPlayer. 17 May 2021. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021.
20. "Between the Covers: Favourite reads from Vick Hope, Rob Delaney, Rick Stein and Rachel Parris". BBC. 17 May 2021. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021.
21. "Between the Covers Series 2: Episode 3". BBC iPlayer. 24 May 2021. Archived from the original on 25 May 2021.
22. "Between the Covers: Favourite reads from David Baddiel, Katherine Ryan, Adjoa Andoh and Phil Davis". BBC. 24 May 2021. Archived from the original on 25 May 2021.
23. "Between the Covers Series 2: Episode 4". BBC iPlayer. 31 May 2021.
24. "Between the Covers: Giovanna Fletcher, Zoe Lyons, Don Warrington and Hugh Dennis reveal their favourite books". BBC. 31 May 2021. Archived from the original on 1 June 2021.
25. "Between the Covers Series 2: Episode 5". BBC iPlayer. 7 June 2021.
26. "Between the Covers: Robert Webb, Stacey Dooley, Caitlin Moran and Nish Kumar reveal their favourite books". BBC. 7 June 2021.
27. "Between the Covers Series 2: Episode 6". BBC iPlayer. 15 June 2021.
28. "Between the Covers: Ranvir Singh, Micky Flanagan, Sophie Willan and Reginald D. Hunter reveal their favourite books". BBC. 15 June 2021.
29. "Between the Covers Series 3". BBC iPlayer.
30. "Winter warmers: 12 must-read books as the nights draw in". BBC. 5 November 2021.
31. "Between the Covers Series 3: Episode 1". BBC iPlayer. 10 November 2021.
32. "Favourite reads from Evanna Lynch, Dane Baptiste, Emilia Fox and Andy Parsons". BBC. 10 November 2021.
33. "Between the Covers Series 3: Episode 2". BBC iPlayer. 17 November 2021.
34. "From Bond to a real-life spy thriller: Inside stories for your book shelves from Between the Covers". BBC. 17 November 2021.
35. "Between the Covers Series 3: Episode 3". BBC iPlayer. 24 November 2021.
36. "Which classic books are recommended by Ben Miller, Kacey Ainsworth, Rob Rinder and Sindhu Vee?". BBC. 24 November 2021.
37. "Between the Covers Series 3: Episode 4". BBC iPlayer. 1 December 2021.
38. "Comedians Alan Davies, Sarah Kendall, Suzi Ruffell and Iain Stirling get serious about fiction". BBC. 1 December 2021.
39. "Between the Covers Series 3: Episode 5". BBC iPlayer. 8 December 2021.
40. "Jason Forbes, Prue Leith, Sharleen Spiteri and Ben Willbond share their favourite books". BBC. 8 December 2021.
41. "Between the Covers Series 3: Episode 6". BBC iPlayer. 15 December 2021.
42. "What books would brighten your Christmas holidays? Greg James suggests a bit of PG Wodehouse". BBC. 15 December 2021.
43. "Between the Covers Series 4". BBC iPlayer.
44. "Platinum picks: 14 splendid reads for a Jubilee summer". BBC. 6 May 2022.
45. "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 1". BBC iPlayer. 11 May 2022.
46. "Love, life and longing with Deborah Frances-White, Vick Hope, David Morrissey and Richard Osman". BBC. 11 May 2022.
47. "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 2". BBC iPlayer. 18 May 2022.
48. "Bittersweet tales of heartache and healing recommended by Peter Davison, Sarah Hadland, Cariad Lloyd and Sir Trevor McDonald". BBC. 18 May 2022.
49. "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 3". BBC iPlayer. 25 May 2022.
50. "Here be dragons: Brilliant books and exotic creatures from Between the Covers". BBC. 25 May 2022.
51. "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 4". BBC iPlayer. 1 June 2022.
52. "Page-turners from Jo Brand, Darren Harriott, Neil Morrissey and Nina Wadia". BBC. 1 June 2022.
53. "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 5". BBC iPlayer. 8 June 2022.
54. "Bring your own book with Kate Bottley, Pierre Novellie, Emeli Sandé and Adrian Scarborough". BBC. 8 June 2022.
55. "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 6". BBC iPlayer. 15 June 2022.
56. "Brilliant books from Jen Brister, Mel Giedroyc, Jordan North and Rhys Stephenson". BBC. 15 June 2022.
57. "Between the Covers Series 4: Episode 7". BBC iPlayer. 21 June 2022.
58. "Books that break the rules from Catherine Bohart, Colin Salmon, Dan Smith and Katy Wix". BBC. 21 June 2022.
59. "Between the Covers Series 5". BBC iPlayer.
60. "*Escape into books with 16 winter reads from Between the Covers". BBC. 22 December 2022.
61. "Between the Covers Series 5: Episode 1". BBC iPlayer. 8 November 2022.
62. "Cathartic biography and visceral fiction chosen by Alex Jones, Amanda Abbington, Graham Norton and JJ Chalmers". BBC. 8 November 2022.
63. "Between the Covers Series 5: Episode 2". BBC iPlayer. 15 November 2022.
64. "From Edwardian etiquette to artificial intelligence: Books chosen by Jessie Cave, Kae Kurd, Ruth Jones and Samuel West". BBC. 15 November 2022.
65. "Between the Covers Series 5: Episode 3". BBC iPlayer. 22 November 2022.
66. "From Cornwall to the cosmos: Great reads chosen by Al Murray, Jenny Eclair, Paterson Joseph and Sophie Raworth". BBC. 22 November 2022.
67. "Between the Covers Series 5: Episode 4". BBC iPlayer. 6 December 2022.
68. "Reading conflict: Pam Ferris, Rakhee Thakrar, Stephen Mangan and Tom Allen bring the books". BBC. 6 December 2022.
69. "Between the Covers Series 5: Episode 5". BBC iPlayer. 13 December 2022.
70. "Domestic drama to human history: Gripping reads chosen by Ade Adepitan, Gabby Logan, Kerry Godliman and Tom Read Wilson". BBC. 13 December 2022.
71. "Between the Covers Series 5: Episode 6". BBC iPlayer. 20 December 2022.
72. "Life lessons and life-affirming fiction, chosen by Clara Amfo, Rick Edwards, Sarah Keyworth and Ugo Monye". BBC. 20 December 2022.
73. "Between the Covers Series 6". BBC iPlayer.
74. "Six thrilling new book releases for your springtime reading list from Between the Covers". BBC. 10 March 2023.
75. "From song to story: Top picks for a Eurovision-inspired book club". BBC. 15 March 2023.
76. "Between the Covers Series 6: Episode 1". BBC iPlayer. 13 March 2023.
77. "Books to show us who we are, chosen by Angela Scanlon, Cerys Matthews, DJ Spoony and Rob Rinder". BBC. 13 March 2023.
78. "Between the Covers Series 6: Episode 2". BBC iPlayer. 20 March 2023.
79. "Tales of family and friendship, chosen by Alan Davies, Ivo Graham, Samantha Bond and Sunetra Sarker". BBC. 20 March 2023.
80. "Between the Covers Series 6: Episode 3". BBC iPlayer. 27 March 2023.
81. "Books to return to time and again, chosen by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Mel Giedroyc, Nigel Havers and Sophie Duker". BBC. 27 March 2023.
82. "Between the Covers Series 6: Episode 4". BBC iPlayer. 3 April 2023.
83. "Dystopia, dark comedy and distance running: books chosen by Adam Garcia, Charlie Higson, Katie Melua and Sara Pascoe". BBC. 3 April 2023.
84. "Between the Covers Series 6: Episode 5". BBC iPlayer. 10 April 2023.
85. "Lawless lads and ladies who lunch: Books chosen by Helen McGinn, Nick Knowles, Ore Oduba and Sara Barron". BBC. 10 April 2023.
86. "Between the Covers Series 6: Episode 6". BBC iPlayer. 17 April 2023.
87. "From thrillers to real-life struggles: Great reads chosen by Gethin Jones, Laura Whitmore, Joe Thomas and Meera Syal". BBC. 17 April 2023.
88. "Between the Covers Series 7". BBC iPlayer.
89. "What book should you read next? Between the Covers spotlights the best new fiction..." BBC. 3 November 2023.
90. "How many classics from the Booker back catalogue have you read?". BBC. 3 November 2023.
91. "Between the Covers Series 7: Episode 1". BBC iPlayer. 6 November 2023.
92. "Stories for unsettling times, chosen by Anita Rani, Jo Brand, Richard Armitage and Rob Delaney". BBC. 6 November 2023.
93. "Between the Covers Series 7: Episode 2". BBC iPlayer. 13 November 2023.
94. "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. 13 November 2023.
95. "Between the Covers Series 7: Episode 3". BBC iPlayer. 20 November 2023.
96. "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. 20 November 2023.
97. "Between the Covers Series 7: Episode 4". BBC iPlayer. 27 November 2023.
98. "Books to make you think: Chosen by Ahir Shah, Andi Osho, Ed Byrne and Suzi Ruffell". BBC. 27 November 2023.
99. "Between the Covers Series 7: Episode 5". BBC iPlayer. 4 December 2023.
100. "Relationships stories chosen by Ben Miller, Kerry Godliman, Laura Smyth and Nish Kumar". BBC. 4 December 2023.
101. "Between the Covers Series 7: Episode 6". BBC iPlayer. 11 December 2023.
102. "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. 11 December 2023.