I’m a firm believer in judging a book by its cover. Covers set the precedent for the book and its content. Covers create a bias from the second you lay eyes on the book: a good cover is intriguing, even if the book is the literary equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. So I welcome you, fellow book-judger. While you’re here, let’s talk about some book covers and why they’re my favorites.
Also, I tried my hand at photography here and I’m kind of digging it. What do you think?
Here are some of my favorite book covers:
- The Heir and The Crown by Kiera Cass: Don’t get me wrong: I love the entire Selection series, but these books in particular have a special place in my heart because they look so regal and…princessy. I love it. Eadlyn, the fierce protagonist and princess of Illea, looks so commanding and regal but young and girlish at the same time, which sums up the little duology well. You can buy The Heir here and The Crown here.
- A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro: The gorgeous graphic covers on these books are a direct reflection of the fantastic book itself. The print appears proper and classic at first glance, but shows integral parts of the story once you look closer. This cover is equal parts preppy and mischievous, just like the book’s protagonists. You can get a copy of this lovely book here.
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: What makes this cover so interesting is its striking simplicity: is the design hair or shattered glass or…? The cover is a mystery, just like the book itself, and leaves you questioning just how many different meanings are hidden among its page. If you love the cover as much as I do, you can get a copy here.
- Me Before You and After You by Jojo Moyes: I loaned my copy of Me Before You to my grandma (hi Grandma!) so I only have After You at the moment, but it’s just as gorgeous as a standalone. The design, like Gone Girl, is simple, but simplicity has many forms. With these books, simplicity is homey and heartwarming, reminding you of gabled houses in the English countryside, the quirky people who live there, and the joys and tragedies of their lives. You can read my full review of Me Before You here and pick up a boxed set of these books for yourself here.
- Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon: What isn’t there to love about this cover? The design is explosive, featuring just a small sampling of the things that trigger protagonist Madeline’s lethal allergic reactions. The contrast between frenzied color and empty negative space is striking and intriguing, just like the book itself. You can read my full review here and purchase a copy of Everything, Everything here.
- Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter by Marissa Meyer: These covers are beautiful, plain and simple. They all uniquely feature their respective story, but they tie together seamlessly and look gorgeous sitting together on the shelf. They’re the classic fairytales we’ve grown up reading with some slight modifications for the better. And they’re just really pretty. You can buy a box set of these books here.
What are your favorite books covers? Do you judge a book by its cover?
Don’t forget that Iโve a Q&A post coming up, so give me some questions in the comments or on my Twitter and Iโll give you some answers!
Also, I’m revitalizing my bookstagram, so check me out at @annielikeswordsblog to get a sneak peek at what I’m posting on Wednesday!
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I know I’m not supposed to, but yeah…i tend to make my initial book judgements based on the cover. An eye-catching cover can even convince me to buy a book I’m not so sure about.
I tend to prefer more pictorial covers. I like striking photographs or paintings. I read a a lot of fantasy, science fiction and romance so I like to see spaceships, dragons, and half-naked men (๐).
Good photographs. I like the backdrop fabric.
It’s like marketing–products with a nice wrapper or box get picked up more often than those with plain designs, right? Thanks about the photos!!
Exactly! Having a good cover is critical to successful marketing of your book! It’s hard to get noticed by readers otherwise.
Good cover art definitely is important. I was very pleased with the art my publishers came up with for my novel.
That’s great!!
Thank you. I revealed it on my blog earlier this month if you want to see it.
Totally!! I’ll go take a look ๐
I hope you like it.
I TOTALLY judge books by their pretty book covers…sometimes it works out well for me and sometimes it does not xD Love this post! My favorite would have to be Of Triton by Anna Banks.
Ooh I need to check that one out!!
i always judge books by their covers! ๐
these look amazing! i love the “everything, everything” cover and the covers for the lunar chronicles! <3
They’re so gorgeous!!
I do as well!! I always assume that something so beautiful on the outside must be even better on the inside. I think the Nordic publishers have some of the best covers.
Yes theirs are so gorgeous!!
I generally go with the thought that if no one put any effort into the cover of the book then likely no one put any effort into the contents on the inside! I love pretty covers!
That is an awesome point–I’m going to use that next time I get into a “don’t judge a book by its cover” debate!
Do it!!! ๐
I actually wasn’t a big fan of the Lunar Chronicles covers when I first saw them but now I love them so much! They’re beautiful!
They’re the kind that grow on you, I guess ๐
I love the Lunar Chronicles covers, especially when I was reading Cress I would like to just…close the book and look at it. I love the Rapunzel imagery.
I feel like this one especially was done so well–the hair and ribbons are so intricate. I had to stop reading and just admire it too!!
This is such a cute blog post idea!! And girl, I judge books by their cover ALL THE TIME. It’s probably not the best habit, but I can’t help it. Aesthetic book covers are just personally part of what makes a fabulous book.
Also, I totally agree with you about the Gone Girl one– it’s so mysterious, yet so captivating at the same time?? I haven’t read it yet (I got majorly spoiled and ended up just watching the movie, oops), but the cover’s SO NICE TO LOOK AT.
Totally!! I love when books have an aesthetic (let’s be real: I love when anything has an aesthetic). You should totally read Gone Girl even if it was spoiled–the cover doesn’t disappoint!
Same!! aesthetics are everything <3
I also found the Gone Girl movie to be super chilling and well done, but I'm not sure how exactly it sticks to the books, so we'll see!! XD
I don’t think I have the stomach for the movie, which doesn’t really make sense because I loved to book. Maybe I’ll summon the courage one of these days!
HAHA, maybe someday!! I would definitely recommend it. It was prettyyy bloody though in an artistic sort of way, if that makes sense?? Lots of super twisty, screwed-up things were going on, so I think that the way it was filmed really fit the mood.
Sounds like more of a psychological thriller–okay, you may have just convinced me ๐