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How big of an influence do book covers have on your reading choices?

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I’m not going to lie, and I think I speak for many when I say this: I often buy a book based on its cover.

It’s not the ultimate selling point for me – a catchy or unusual title and synopsis are part of the deciding factor as well -  but it does go a long way when deciding whether or not I even want to pick the book up and look at the synopsis.

The thing about book covers is that I am aware that it’s a matter of subjectivity. One person’s idea of a beautiful aesthetic and design is another person’s “wouldn’t touch that with a wooden spoon.”

But what exactly makes a good cover? Do I prefer certain colours? Do I find the font appealing? Would I buy a cover based on the model or background settings used?

I’ve asked myself these questions a number of times and each time I come up with a different answer. I think the root of my answer lies in the fact that as my love of reading evolves, so too does my choice in book covers.

I tend to look at anything that can convey something about the book in terms of atmosphere, tone and creativity.

Given that there’s also been an outpouring of cries for more diversity in fiction and in cover designs, so too have my choices in book covers changed.

Silhouette figures and beautiful calligraphy on covers are a treat for me and often convey a sense of whimsy that I’m pretty partial to. I also love a good cover model on a book, but I am wary of them, because I’ve often seen that what’s pictured on the book jacket is not always an accurate reflection of what’s inside the novel.

READ MORE: Should authors use their platforms to be outspoken about political issues?

I remember the controversy that was caused when a publisher used a white model on the cover of a book where the character was clearly described as being black. This same publisher had previously gotten into trouble for white washing another cover for a book called Liar, in which the female is black.

Thankfully, we’ve made some progress since then, although we do still have a long way to go.

I’ve asked Twitter what they find appealing in a book cover, and their responses are as interesting and diverse as I expected them to be:

I should add here that while I adore pretty book covers, some of the best books I’ve read have had some of the worst book covers I’ve ever seen. Think squiggly sketches and skulls (The Call by Peader O’Guilin), and black and white photography (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – the movie tie-in edition is perfectly lovely though).

The opposite is also true – I’ve been suckered into reading a book with a gorgeous book jacket, only to discover that the book lacks plot, depth and character development. Those are particularly devastating because the promise that’s inherent in the cover design fails to deliver the expectations you have for the book.

So when it boils down to it, it’s all really just a gamble. You’ll never really know until you read the book.

Here are this month’s best reads

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy
Perfect by Cecelia Ahern
The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld
Girl in Snow by Danya Kukafka
The State of Grace By Rachael Lucas
Difficult Women by Roxane Gay
The Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne
Temporary People by Deepak Unnikrishnan
Queen of Fire by Anthony Ryan
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

WATCH: Ugly book covers vs pretty book covers

What are some of your favourite ugly book covers hiding good books? Share your recommendations and we’ll feature it in a future article.

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