I’ll admit that I’ve used cover art as a deciding factor in purchasing or not purchasing a book. For instance, I do not buy books that have had their covers changed due to a movie tie-in.
This week’s lesson on being more open-minded comes from the New York Public Library: The Webster Branch created a display featuring books with their covers hidden by brown paper and a short description. The rules: if the book description was interesting and you unwrapped the book, you had to check it out. (via GalleyCat)
But if you are really in the mood to judge: When it comes to book covers, who designs them better? The U.S. or the U.K.? For the second year in a row, The Millions has side-by-side comparisons of covers from both countries. I liked the U.S. versions a bit more, though I’d probably end up buying the U.K. books (if I could) because they seem better marketed with the inclusion of reviews and/or accolades on each cover. Who do you think does it best?
2 responses
I try to avoid buying a book with a movie tie-in cover too. If I was honest I’d have to admit that it’s mainly because I don’t want people who see me to think I’m only reading it because there’s a movie out now. I worry too much about what people think.
Ray, I feel exactly the same way. I want people to believe that I’m in the know and that I don’t wait for Oprah’s Book Club or Hollywood to tell me what books I should read.
Click here to subscribe today and leave your comment.