Between the Covers is returning to BBC Two for a fourth series, starting on Wednesday 11 May, with Sara Cox hosting.
This seven-part series, designed to bring the nation together by sharing the enjoyment of reading, will take the same format as before. In each episode, Sara’s book group of four famous guests will bring along their own book of choice and also discuss a newly published book.
The additional book choices will be selected from the Big Jubilee Read, a reading for pleasure campaign spearheaded by BBC Arts and The Reading Agency that celebrates great reads from across the Commonwealth to coincide with Her Majesty The Queen’s Jubilee.
All books for Between The Covers have been carefully chosen to include something for everyone and are guaranteed to spark entertaining conversation.
Episode 1 – Wednesday 11 May
Sara is joined by author and presenter Richard Osman, comedian and Guilty Feminist Deborah Frances-White, actor David Morrissey, and DJ and presenter Vick Hope. They share their favourite books and review this week’s two book club choices: the new book pick, People Person by Candice Carty-Williams, and the first in a selection from the BBC’s Big Jubilee Read, celebrating authors from across the Commonwealth: The English Patient by Sri Lankan author Michael Ondaatje.
Episode 2 – Wednesday 18 May
Sara is joined by newsreader and journalist Sir Trevor McDonald, actors Sarah Hadland and Peter Davison, and comedian and podcaster Cariad Lloyd. They share their favourite books and review this week’s two book club choices: the new book pick, Two Storm Wood by Philip Gray, and the second in a selection from the BBC’s Big Jubilee Read, celebrating authors from across the Commonwealth: The Lonely Londoners by Trinidadian author Sam Selvon.
Episode 3 – Wednesday 25 May
Sara is joined by actor Richard E Grant, entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den investor Deborah Meaden, comedian Stephen Bailey and actor, comedian and author Sukh Ojla. They share their favourite books and review this week’s two book club choices: the new book pick, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, and the third in a selection from the BBC’s Big Jubilee Read, celebrating authors from across the Commonwealth: Arrow of God by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe.
Episode 4 – Wednesday 1 June
Sara is joined by comedians Jo Brand and Darren Harriott and actors Nina Wadia and Neil Morrissey. They share their favourite books and review this week’s two book club choices: the new book pick, Love Marriage by Monica Ali, and the fourth in a selection from the BBC’s Big Jubilee Read, celebrating authors from across the Commonwealth: The Handmaid’s Tale by Canadian author Margaret Atwood.
Episode 5 – Wednesday 8 June
Sara is joined by singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé, comedian and podcaster Pierre Novellie, TV and radio presenter Reverend Kate Bottley, and actor Adrian Scarborough. They share their favourite books and review this week’s two book club choices: the new book pick, Metronome by Tom Watson, and the fifth in a selection from the BBC’s Big Jubilee Read, celebrating authors from across the Commonwealth: The Secret River by Australian author Kate Grenville.
Episode 6 – Wednesday 15 June
Sara is joined by presenter and author Mel Giedroyc, Radio One DJ Jordan North, comedian Jen Brister and CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson. They share their favourite books and review this week’s two book club choices: the new book pick, Exactly What You Mean by Ben Hinshaw, and the sixth in a selection from the BBC’s Big Jubilee Read, celebrating authors from across the Commonwealth: The Night Tiger by Malaysian author Yangsze Choo.
Episode 7 – Tuesday 21 June
Sara is joined by Bastille frontman Dan Smith, comedian Catherine Bohart, and actors Colin Salmon and Katy Wix. They share their favourite books and review this week’s two book club choices: the new book pick, The Dictator’s Wife by Freya Berry, and the seventh in a selection from the BBC’s Big Jubilee Read, celebrating authors from across the Commonwealth: The Crow Eaters by Pakistani author Bapsi Sidwa.
Watch this space for information about further episodes.
Find out more about the Big Jubilee Read and discover resources for your reading group.
