Between the Covers - bookclub on iplayer

[Chamomileteaplease]

I would love to hear what other people think of this programme. I enjoyed it but thought it could have been so much better!

It felt very rushed - we could have heard a lot more from each guest and still been interested.

Sara Cox - I didn't know her before and I think it is a shame that her delivery is so scripted and harsh on the ear because she actually seems really funny when she makes off the cuff remarks during the chat.

Sara said in an interview that she wanted a warm show about books which it is, but why the industrial type set?!

What did you all think?

Sara Cox’s voice has always grated on me, which is a shame as she has presented some great shows. I specifically chose to watch Between the Covers on iPlayer, rather than live, so I could skip through too much of her talking!

Overall it’s a good show, but I agree that it often feels a bit rushed. Too many books for the time, or not enough time for the number of books. It also seems to focus a lot on bestsellers and quite well known books, which I suppose makes sense, but I prefer finding out about books that aren’t already being talked about everywhere else.

@TheAnswerIsCake thank you I am glad you are in agreement.

I never understand theses things - why didn't they tweak it a bit for series two - just to make it a bit better?

I wasn't keeping count but I actually thought that they had a good mix of well known stuff and not so well known . I did wonder why they were advertising best sellers but I guess it is still interesting to hear others' thoughts about them which is part of what a bookclub is I suppose.

I hope others come on and give us their views .

I enjoy it but agree that it's too short so they rush through the books a bit. There used to be a programme a few years back called "My Life in Books." I think Anne Robinson presented it. That what much better.

I've watched both series and thought the first one was slightly better, maybe that was down to the guests but both would have benefited from being 45 minutes instead of 30 minutes long. Especially liked the wide variety of choices from guests who were asked to bring their favourite books.
There were some good choices for the book of the week. Really enjoyed Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers.

I really like the programme and am sad the second series has finished. I think the second series was better without having celebs promoting their own book! Have picked up a couple of recommendations when they bring their own book.

I'd like it to be an hour but in these modern times it glad for even a 30 min tv programme on books! A Good Read on Radio 4 is much better though.

Thank you for replying everyone - I thought there would be more people ready to comment as this is the Books board.

@Winniewonka yes I wondered about Small Pleasures - it is easy to be swayed by them all saying how wonderful a book is . However, I was really disappointed with Another Life by Jodie Chapman. Though I listened to it on Audible so I don't know if that makes a difference. I would love to hear from anyone who has read it!