Under the Covers

You can't judge a book by its cover, so they say, but let's face it--we do it all the time. Why else would book publishers spend so much time and money on the "look" of a book? Catchy titles undoubtedly help as well, but the covers--their pictures, graphics, colors, mood--either get us to pick up the book and read the inside flap or not. They're the first impression potential readers get.

Let's take the covers of Romance books (I apologize in advance to fans of this genre). As soon as you read those words, I'm sure you had an instant picture in your mind. Handsome, shirtless guys holding beautiful women with heaving bosoms showing a little leg. Am I right? Sometimes, the guy might be wearing a kilt...bingo!--it must take place in Scotland or involve a Scottish man at the very least. Period dress? Period Romance. Modern dress? Modern Romance. You have a sense of these books already and I haven't even mentioned titles.

Cartoony covers tend to indicate lighter, feel good books. Photos on covers? More serious novels or non-fiction. Painted or airbrushed covers? Historical fiction. Lately, my pet peeve regarding book covers is World War II historical fiction. They tend to show the back of a woman in a 1940s hairdo and dress gazing at war planes in the distance. I realize the publishers want to create an ominous mood and imply war through planes against grey skies, but personally, I'm getting tired of seeing the same picture, slightly tweaked, on different covers. 

Although book covers may pique your interest, it's ultimately what's under the covers--the text itself--that really makes the book. However, don't underestimate the marketing pull of a well designed book cover. You may have an exciting page-turner on the shelf within reach, but if the cover doesn't attract your attention, you're not going to grab it.

What are some book covers you find particularly interesting? Share with us!

Wishing you good spring reads from the perch.