No one likes to get pasted with the label "shallow." And I know you can't completely judge a book by its cover. But I have to admit, book covers do make a difference to me. A great cover might lead me to open a book that I might otherwise pass by in the universe of lots and lots of books. And, conversely, a cover can be off-putting enough that I might not open it unless I have other knowledge that leads me to believe it's worth checking out.
I read a book in hardcover last year that I really enjoyed. I've been eagerly awaiting its arrival in the store in paperback, because I think it's a book that will do well in paperback in our store. Well, this week it arrived. And the cover is dramatically different, and -- I have to just say it -- rather off-putting. I hope it doesn't end up putting people off the book, because it's an entertaining read. Certainly not top-notch Pulitzer-quality literature, but an entertaining comedy of manners, sort of higher-end reasonably well-written chick lit. A bit over-the-top romantic, perhaps, but darn it, I enjoyed it! The book is Beginner's Greek, a debut novel by James Collins. What do you think of the two covers? (FYI: The blue one is the hardback.)
Since you ask...the blue cover reminds me of the 1950's - 'father knows best' kind of look. The paperback cover with the two people facing each other is saying 21st century to me! Just may have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI can totally be swayed by a book cover. There are a number of books that I may never have purchased & devoured if not for their covers... Octavia Butler's KINDRED (paperback, Bluestreak) comes to mind. As for the above covers, I don't love either one. They wouldn't stop me in my tracks at the bookstore.
ReplyDeleteBook covers definitely make a difference to me. Especially with classic books, I'm willing to throw down a few extra bucks simply because the cover appeals to me. I recently found myself buying a second copy of "The Sound and the Fury" just because I saw a different printing with a nice cover.
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