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?
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)
6 Comments
Perks of Being a Wallflower is amazing! It will definitely live up to the cover. :) And I am going to write my book covers post right now — I've missed this link-up!
ReplyDeleteNot gonna lie it was the book cover that first attracted me to twilight as well haha - and Perks of Being a Wallflower is a MUST read! You have, have, have to read it!
ReplyDeleteI loved the 'Twilight' covers as well. but what annoys me now is when I look in the YA section and see a bunch of what I call the 'Twilight Rip Offs' vampire stories with covers made to look like the Twilight books. I know Stephanie Meyer didn't invent vampire novels but at least she did something a little original with them, to the point I actually forget they ARE vampires at times. But these other authors just cashing in on her popularity annoys me.
ReplyDeleteRe-relasing classic novels with new covers doesn't though. Like you, I applaud publishers for trying to market those works to a new audience and the fresh covers help them seem relevant.
I actually love the Jodi Picoult covers, well the Aussie ones anyway ( actually, why do authors change covers depending on where the book is published? Especially when the changes are so subtle it can't be to reflect cultural differences etc?? but I like that all my JP books match like a set on my bookshelf.
You have a discerning eye! Although I tend to go for the flashier those a simple but beautiful in their simplicity.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with The Book Thief. I was wondering about the dominoes the entire time I read that and then it was such a small part! I kept thinking it would make a show, but apparently not. I hadn't seen the second cover, now that one I love!
I read the Book Thief a while ago now but I do distinctly remember there being a scene with Rudy and dominoes. To be fair, I entirely agree that the cover didn't make me want to read the book, but I remember understanding it once I read it!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover for Cinder & Unbecoming of Mara Dyer as well. Hunger Games was easily one cover that made me feel like I would dislike the book!
Oiii I miss the Book Chat! I can't wait to get back at it when I'm home. Miss you reading ladies! :)
I judge books by their covers quite often actually. Sometimes I think the cover is so cool then I read the back and I'm like eh. Lol. Other times it ends up being a book I can't put down. I also judge by the title too, there was this book called "The Sugar Queen" I was drawn to it because I too, am a Sugar Queen, love candy, it ended up being one of my favorite books ever. PS the Perks of Being a Wallflower is a great book, I want to re-read it before the movie comes out!
ReplyDeleteComments are my favorite...