I don't think anyone can say they don't judge a book by its cover.  It's the first thing we see of a book.  When looking down an aisle of book spines, we don't only look at the title, but also the style and font in which it is portrayed.  The outside design of a book is incredibly important.

I have to say, I'm a fan of the more simple, easy-on-the-eyes design such as...
I'm not ashamed to admit it.  It was this series' cover design that instantly intrigued me.  I love how simple, symbolic and confident it is.  There are no cheesy characters or elaborate designs.  It says, "this story is so good, we don't need anything else".  I'm not going to lie...just looking at it here, I think I want to read it again. 
On that note, I'm a huge fan of them re-releasing the classics in the same design to intrigue young readers.  They even shelved them in the YA section by the Twilight series, and even though it was a ploy to make money, I say "bravo" publishers. 

I also love a cover that grabs my attention.  One that peaks my interest and makes me want to know more about the book.  This is the first one that comes to mind...
This cover is bold and artistic.  It is so confident and immediately grabs you and makes you feel like you have to read it.  Much like the story, the cover of this book is vivid and demanding, and I love it. 

Sometimes, a cover is too elaborate.  It tries to tell the story right there, and it becomes overwhelming for the reader, and in many cases, it loses them before they even start reading. One example...
 This cover is so unfair to this book.  Before I say anything bad, let me say, I absolutely adore this book.  I gave it 5 stars.  It is an incredible story, and I cannot wait for the final installment this fall.  But seriously.  What is going on on this cover?  I don't even know that it goes well with the story.  There is just too much and none of it really makes sense.  I only read it because of another reviewer raving about it, but sadly, if I passed this on the shelves, I probably wouldn't even have picked it up.  (But you should, because it's amazing)

Then, there are those covers when I wonder if the designer even read the book...
I'm sure there is some in-depth literary response as to why this cover is appropriate to the story, but I feel like it doesn't fit.  The only thing on this cover that made me want to read it is the award and the NYT caption at the bottom.  Again, this book in amazing.  This cover is not. 

This cover, on the other hand, is pretty awesome. 

And just a few of my favorites...
For the record, I have not read the last four, but their covers alone have made me want to.  I just hope they live up to them.

What are your thoughts on book covers?  Do you have any favorites?  Which ones do you think did/did not live up to the story?  
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Next week: 2012 is half over.  So what have been your favorite books of the year so far.  Or just share what you've read so far this year. 

And please link up below if you joined in the book chat this week.  (sorry for the late link-up)