Why I Love to Read: Cover Art

Why I love to Read

Cover Art

OK, I’ll admit it. I judge a book by its cover. I know I shouldn't  but I do. If I see a cover that looks absolutely horrible I won’t pick it up; even if it is highly recommended. Book cover art is like window shopping. If something doesn't catch your eye, you’re not going to give it a second glance. Luckily, for me, there are so many books with amazing cover art right now.  But at the same time, there are some really bad ones as well.

Lately, I found some amazing book covers. For example, Danielle Trussoni’s Angelopolis is amazing! When I posted it for one of my Waiting on Wednesdays I received so many comments from readers who loved the cover. It really catches your eye. If I saw this book on the shelf, I would pick it up; my curiosity is piqued. Another book cover, I liked is Relish by Lucy Knisley. Lucy is a graphic artist and did the cover herself plus all the illustrations inside. It’s a really fun and clever cover.

On the flip-side  back covers can be indicative of a bad book. I've read several where the cover was just plain silly and the book was too. I should have known better. But I wanted to give it a chance. As I think about it, I’m not sure if I have liked a book where the cover is just plain awful. However, I know I've read books that have wonderful covers that I hated. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan comes to mind; beautiful cover but very tedious book.

Of course, book cover art preference is purely subjective. Someone may love one cover while another person may hate it. I've seen that a lot. I know a lot of readers LOVE the smexy covers. I really don’t. I get tired and a little bored of seeing the same ole smexy art on books. I prefer more of a unique art work kind of cover.

When I’m approached for a blog tour, I read the synopsis and then look at the cover. Truth be told, I really don’t want to promote a book that has an ugly cover. I want something that compliments my blog and that will attract readers. These two covers, Seduction and Cascade, I totally fell in love with when I saw them. The covers were the main reason I chose to participate in the blog tours.

A book cover is a very important aspect of the packaging of any given book. It is a part of the whole reading experience. I know I have looked at the cover repeatedly while I’m reading. It puts me in the mood for the story and gives me anticipation as well.

That’s why I love to read this week? How do you view cover art?