Speaking Volumes

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DECEMBER 12, 2008

Judging a book by it's cover...

You're not supposed to, but come on, we all do it. I have picked up many books JUST because I like the cover, and avoided books that have had glowing reviews just because I don't like the cover. You can't deny it, covers play a huge role in getting you to pick up a book, and in who the book will appeal to.

Here are some of my favorite book jacket designs, art that has inspired me to pick up a book when I otherwise might not have...

Stargirl, Jerry Spinelli Lullaby, Chuck Palahniuk

Looking at these all bunched together I guess I am attracted to book covers that have fairly simple designs and use bright colors. Oddly enough I guess I like upside-down animals too...

Chuck Palahniuk (top middle) seems to always put out books with covers that I love, or at least that intrigue me, although I haven't always loved his writing. And Bob Shea (New Socks on bottom right) has become one of my new favorites for children's picture books. I just love his bright, funky, pop-art like drawings.

Here are some that I haven't read yet, but want to...partly based on the covers.

Three different authors, but the first two have a really similar look that really make me want to read them.

Here's a few examples of how book covers can make a difference:

Same book, but I like the first cover (the one on the left) MUCH better. It's a great book too, one that I was initially attracted to by the jacket art.

Again, same book, different cover. Its a new Junior Fiction book that has gotten wonderful reviews, but the first cover (on the left) is really unappealing to me - I think it looks old. The paperback version just came out (the one on the right) and I think it looks MUCH better. I am curious if the book will get checked out more with this redesigned cover.

So, what do you think? Do you have favorite book covers? Have you picked up something just because of the cover art? Is there a book cover out there that you hate? Do you think I should stop judging a book by it's cover? Have I used the word cover enough in this paragraph? Let me know!

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Comments

ckubala said, on Dec. 15 at 9:05AM
The subject of book covers is a very interesting one. Publishers seem to think they know what's best when choosing a cover, what will make it sell. Authors usually have very little or no say about what goes on the covers of their books. I had to chuckle when looking at Megan's choices and which cover would "grab" her. We seem to have different tastes, as I like the left cover better for The Wild Girls. I'm very attracted to the cover for Its Kind of a Funny Story and neither of The Abundance of Katherine's attract me. Maybe those publishers do know something about different appeal factors and what will make a title sell! Take a moment to notice what about a book attracts you to pick it up. I'm certain the cover will often have something to do with your choice. I hope we visit this topic from time to time. It is fascinating.

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Mercedes said, on Dec. 16 at 7:28AM
I'll admit it - I'm guilty of being drawn by the cover of a book as well. I read the "The Wild Girls" and loved it but it wasn't the cover but the jacket description that got me to check it out. I would urge everyone to read this excellent book, and maybe that new cover will help. (Very 70s, the old cover.) We shouldn't judge by the cover but in our very visual culture the book cover is going to draw us or push us away, that's just how it is and I know it will keep affecting me and my choices.

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ckubala said, on Dec. 16 at 6:43PM
In a list that I follow, the author Mary Doria Russell recently commented about the hardcover vs. paperback cover of her book, Dreamers of the Day. "The publisher has changed the cover for the DREAMERS paperback. The hardcover has the photo of Lawrence of Arabia on the top; the paperback has softer, prettier artwork. Personally, I liked the hardcover jacket better, but what do I know?" You can see the covers by visiting Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Target. I have to say I agree with Ms. Russell that the original hardbound cover is more eye-catching.