How do you pick your books? Do you read the back? Read reviews? Buy on a friend’s recommendation? Well if that’s how you do it, your a chump. Books, much like friends should be chosen based on how cool they make you look when your around them (or holding them-if it’s a book). Abebooks.com agrees with me, check out their list of 30 Novels Worth Buying for the Cover Alone, and then (since 30 books isn’t really enough) check out my very own list of 5 super awesome books I bought (and didn’t regret it after reading them) based on the cover design alone. (Which really is just a list of five books I really liked since I buy all my books based on the cover alone.)
1. Persepolis-Marjane Satrapi
- The cover from the first book (there are two)
2. Blindness-Jose Saramago
- I saw this cover on the publisher’s website while I was searching for a portuguese textbook for school. I was jazzed, not only was it by one of my people, it was also really cool. (the book is amazing btw, definitely one of my favourites)
3. The House of Spirits-Isabelle Allende
- Made me want to name my future child a variation of the word white, Alba, Clara, Blanca, there are so many options.
4. The Catcher in the Rye
- I’m not going to lie. I don’t get this cover. But it’s cool. So’s the one with the rainbow on the side.
5. White Oleander-Janet Fitch
- If you’ve read the book you understand just how creepy this cover can be. Loves it.
Check out http://covers.fwis.com/
I use it all the time at work to inspire me when I’m working on covers for upcoming titles. They update the website quite frequently.
Here is an interesting blog post about some vintage erotic book covers from the 50s. Makes you wonder why Harlequin novels aren’t as risque.
Here is the url, forgot to post it:
http://bookkake.com/2009/02/17/under-dirty-covers-hang-fire-pulp/
I liked your article, but I would differ on the whole cover thing….it’s ’cause I’m one of those chumps. I actually don’t like that Catcher in the Rye cover (I like the one with the rainbow on the side) but the other covers I definitely agree with. Maybe it’s because I’m not as artistically inclined as you are….sorry I don’t make you look cool enough.
I used to choose books based only on the cover… If the cover intrigued me I would proceed to read the book synopsis… But then I realized I was missing out on many great pieces, so now even if I don’t necessarily like the cover I read the book synopsis so I don’t end up missing out on a great work of art…
I’m definitely a chump. I mostly read what friends recommend but I must admit that I HAVE bought books just on looks alone. Sometimes I get great books othertimes… not so much. I’m also one that buys books because of the TITLE. I love books and I’m currently reading the Kite Runner. Cover not so much, but I must admit my friend did recommend it.
Your not allowed to regret reading The Kite Runner. Never ever regret that. It’s amazing. period.