Let's Talk: Book Covers

Hello my fellow chums,

How are you all? I hope you're living your lives productively and not cooped up inside the house with piles of books to read and letting no vitamin D refresh your skin like I know I want to be. All book lovers can relate, right?

I know this is a bit strange. I don't normally write posts out of the routine (review, Waiting on Wednesday, Book Hauls, and the occasional blog tour), but I thought it would be good to, you know, do something a bit different from the usual. Since exams haven't kicked in yet, and I seem to have way too much time on my hands to aimlessly browse Facebook and relax on the sofa wondering what the hell I'm doing with my life. 

So what I've decided (just right now) is that I'm going to have random posts (possibly posted weekly) to just talk about new books, new movies, a random bookish topic, or whatever else I feel is interesting to write about at that certain time. It's good to share opinions and give recommendations so feel free to do so in the comments.

If you're like me and would rather stay in the house than make the effort to go out, then these posts are definitely for you. What's better than having one big massive discussion with people who share your passion? Hmm, exactly.

As I'm sitting here, in this extremely comfy arm chair with my laptop warming my lap, I think it'd be interesting to firstly discuss: 

Do you judge a book by its cover?

I can't lie, guys. If I see two book in a bookshop, side-by-side on the shelf in front of me, looking like this:

I think you can kinda guess which one I may pick-up. Well, aside from the fact that the second one (the one to the right) is a quick copy I did on paint, it proves that the more enticing and eye-catching the cover, the more attention it will get. I mean, who would pick up my version of the book? Well, maybe those people who want to see what kind of silly publishing company would let such an amateur cover get printed, but aside from that no one really.

There is also the problem of absolutely INCREDIBLE books doomed with horrendous or disgusting covers. Not disgusting, just really ugly. For instance, the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead. If I hadn't read Vampire Academy and known that this was a tie-in, there's a chance that I may not have picked it up. Actually, I think I would have because I don't mind the first few covers and I think they look quite pretty/interesting.

Though, recently the cover for the fourth book in the series, The Fiery Heart, was released and I can't say I like it. And from what I've heard, not many others like it either...

I'm sorry, I love this series but I can not stand this cover! It's just the girl... I mean why is she in such a weird pose? The cover models have been great on the previous books but WHY IS THIS COVER SO STRANGE?! Is it just me? Am I the only one who wants this changed? It looks like one of those teaser covers they post before the real one. Any how, if I didn't know this was a part of my series, I probably wouldn't pick it up.

However, there are covers out there that are SIMPLE and not stunning with gorgeous cover models, they just make a good point. Covers don't always need extravagant colours and complicated designs to pull a crowd.

For instance, Speechless by Hannah Harrington (The US cover). It was the only book that I could think of off of the top of my head that had a simple yet striking cover. I know some of you probably think, "Whhhaaat?! It's so basic!" Well, that is the point, my friend. The cover reflects on the title and that's what I absolutely adore. Some books have covers that have nothing to do with the story and you sit there looking at the cover, after reading the book, thinking, "Where is the link?"

I think we've all seen a book on the bookshop shelf and thought, "Haha! Like I'm going to ever read that! It looks crap!", but eventually coming round to reading it because of all the good things you've heard about it. Maybe, you've never done that, but I know a few have (including me!).

I remember seeing Alyxander Harvey's My Love Lies Bleeding, the first book in the Drake Chronicles, on Goodreads and thought, "Woah! Looks like too-much of a Twilight cliche for me", but six months later, I give into reading the blurb and discover that it does actually sounds pretty cool. This ended up being one of my favourite paranormal series.


So I gotta admit it, guys! I judge books by their covers but end up reading the blurb a few months later and realising that it sounds awesome. I am trying to change... believe me! After putting The Fault in Our Stars by John Green off for over a year because of the simple cover but ending up loving it (Damn, Augustus, I love you) made me realise that my judging-book habit has to stop!

Please feel free to post any comments below sharing your opinion on the topic and maybe even what you want me to talk about next? Up to you! I love hearing your thoughts so don't be scared to let them words flow. ;)

Thank you for reading and I shall see you all soon!
Sam :)