Musing Monday July 13
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about book covers…
We all know the old adage about not judging a book by it’s cover, but just how much sway does a book cover have when it comes to your choice of book – whether buying or borrowing? Are there any books you’ve bought based on the cover alone?
I know they say never to judge a book by its cover but I am a total book cover sucker. If it’s not by an author I know if I’m browsing in the book store I will only pick up a book if I heard about it on a blog or if the cover looks interesting. I know this is bad because a book’s cover doesn’t always indicate what a book is really about. I can’t remember how many times I passed over Vampire Academy because I was not really drawn in by its cover but I did pick it up due to some book blog reviews and now it’s one of my favorite series.
I would not say there are any books that I have bought solely based on the cover though. Usually the cover will draw me to pick up a book and then I read the blurb on the back. If the blurb is good then I will buy the book.
One other thing I have noticed is that young adult books seem to have better covers than adult books. I’m curious why. Maybe it’s just the topics covered in them? Some of the books I picked up or really want because of the covers:
Posted in Books
July 12th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Wow, I love the look of that Hush, Hush one!
July 13th, 2009 at 1:15 am
I too like the Hush, Hush cover!
Mondays: Musings/Whereabouts
July 13th, 2009 at 3:29 am
I have to admit a beautiful cover grabs my attention too! City of Bones is gorgeous! Eyes Like Stars is a beautiful cover too! Although that has gotten a lot of positive buzz, so picked it up for more than the cover! ;D
Nice post! Thanks!
Suzanne
July 13th, 2009 at 6:10 am
I think you’re totally right about the YA versus adult fiction chasm in covers. I wonder if its because young adults are thought to be more visual? Or more reticent to reading so they want to attract their attention?
My post did show that most of my cover art obsessions are YA books.
July 13th, 2009 at 8:36 am
I’m a lot like you… if I know the author, I’ll grab a book, or if recommended. Then I look because of the cover. I like the look of “City of Bones” — must be the nice looking chest, I’m a sucker for a nice looking man’s chest – call me shallow, sorry!
July 13th, 2009 at 9:22 am
The Eyes Like Stars cover looks great too!
Lorie-it was the nice looking chest that first caught my eye too
July 13th, 2009 at 9:30 am
City of Bones looks – WOW
July 13th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Speaking to you question on why YA book covers may be more visually appealing….
It may be because younger readers may be more concerned with image. That and they may also have a better memory for covers than titles and content when referring something to a friend. While I imagine for some walking through the halls of school with a book is tabu if you’re going to do it it better be with a cool looking book!
July 13th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
I’m also drawn to books because of their covers, but I’ve never bought a book just because of the cover. Hush Hush is on my i-want list – looking forward to hearing what you think of it!
July 13th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
I like the three covers you have up. The Hush, Hush one would really catch my eye, though. I, too, check out covers. I think they make you stop and look, if they’re good.
The pull of the cover is one of the reasons why, when I’m in a bookstore, I check the shelves for books by friends. When I find them, I turn at least one face out.
Helen
Straight From Hel
July 13th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Michelle-that’s true. LOL. I guess for girls who see someone with the City of Bones book will think that guy looks hot instead of book nerd
July 13th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Helen-that’s a good idea to turn the covers out. I wonder how many good books I’ve passed up because the covers have been boring, the cover is not displayed and they haven’t been recommended to me by someone.
July 15th, 2009 at 12:46 am
I have also noticed that young adult covers tend to attract me more than adult fiction books. I really wonder why that happens to happen.