I was in a bookstore recently and saw
Wildwood by Colin Melot in the kids’ section. It was on the bottom shelf, nowhere near my line of sight, but it jumped out at me with its delectably gorgeous cover. I stopped, picked it up, turned it over several times, ran my hands over the cover, read the dust jacket copy, and called out to my friend to come and look at this beautiful book. Then I bought it, even though the stack of books on my “to-read” shelf is growing unwieldy.
All because of the cover.
Yes, it’s true, I judge books by their cover. I don’t know how many times I have bought a book based solely on the cover art (and a quick read of the dust jacket … sometimes). Usually in hardcover. Here are some of the titles I’ve purchased based on this questionable criteria (and, yes, some of them are still on my “to read” shelf – but they sure look pretty there).
What do you look for in a book cover? And which books have you bought as much for their outer beauty as for their inner goodness?
Jodi McIsaac is the author of Through the Door
, the first book in a new urban fantasy series inspired by Celtic mythology. Buy it here.
I buy different editions of books that I already have. I think it’s a sickness. I’m a sucker for small beautiful hardcover editions that they just don’t make anymore.
I read the first and last page too. It helps make my mind up.
Bledi, you read the last page??? Doesn’t that ruin the whole book for you?
Not really. There isn’t much of the plot one gets from the two pages, but a feeling I can’t explain. I always think about the author’s mindset when deciding to start with or end with something. It’s quite a big deal for me for some reaosn.
I’m a sucker for trade paperback. It’s a tactile disorder.
You’re in luck, Kim! Through the Door will just be available in Kindle format and trade paperback. =) No hardcover … yet.
I bought second copies of some of my Jasper Fforde books because I like the other covers best. I also bought a second copy of The Hobbit because they came out with beautiful hardcover pocket edition.
I kind of think a cover of a book is like the trailer for a movie…
The covers are what catches my eye and draws my attention, especially if it’s not an author I’m familiar with. It’s the cover that makes me want to pick up that book and turn it over to see what it’s about. And yes, I read the first page, a middle page and the last page too.
*gasp* All these people reading the last page! =) Well, if you still enjoy the book I suppose that’s all that matters.
Bought your book on Kindle yesterday and finished it this morning, fantastic read! Ummm…so when does the next one come out
I always read the last page, otherwise? I can’t settle into the story and enjoy…the suspense kills me!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I think I need to make the next one twice as long so people don’t finish it so quickly! =) It will hopefully be out within the year.
Thanks for the blog post Jodi! I’ve now found a new book to read, The Gargoyle! I’m picking it up at the libary tomorrow. Can’t wait. Sounds great.
Hi, just finished your book in 2 days… And was sorry that the story wasn’t longer. Enjoyed myself a lot. Thanks. Hope to read the next one soon.
I am a sucker for cover art as well. I’m the same way with music. I’ll buy a CD because I think the name of the band is witty, the cover art is pretty, etc. I’m a sucker for trade paperbacks as well. I read Through the Door on my kindle, then proceeded to order the paperback on Amazon today. I’ve been recommending it to lots of people and cant wait for the next one. Amazing book. Nice cover art, too. Although that doesnt really matter with the kindle version.
If I’m between books already on my ‘to read’ list and am looking for something that’s available right away, I too am drawn by interesting covers. I have quite a list that I’m looking for though, so rarely am I just browsing. I always read the dust cover to decide if it is a book that I want to read, unless it was recommended to me – but even then sometimes. Jodi, I too, would have like to have had more of Through the Door to read. I didn’t realise at the time, though, that it was the first of a trilogy — looking forward to the others now!!!