Can you judge a book by its cover?

Yes, I am guilty of judging books by their cover.

But on the other hand, I had such a hard time convincing my friend that 'Prep' was a worthwhile read because she assumed it was chic-lit from the embossed pink and green grosgrain belt on the cover.

I've read that. I agree, the cover would not have drawn me in, but it was a loan.

That's one I haven't read - partly because of the cover. Hmmm ... I'll have to reconsider.

I really enjoyed it. And that reminds me, my friend never returned my book!

Unfortunately, I didn't find her second novel, 'The Man of My Dreams,' very good at all.

I really enjoyed it. And that reminds me, my friend never returned my book!

Unfortunately, I didn't find her second novel, 'The Man of My Dreams,' very good at all.

I have to agree, I didn't like it as much at all.  In fact the main character seemed a lot like the one in Prep, but not as good.

The book cover and size can also draw me in or repel me. I prefer the larger paperback sizes because some times the font in the smaller ones is just too itty bitty. I check out the cover and then read the blurb.

I can't stand when they put pictures of the actors and actresses of a movie version on the cover of books either, or when they put the pictures in the middle of the book. It's also annoying when they change the title of the books to match the movie (like when they changed Nurse Matilda to be Nanny McPhee).

I bought Jodi Picuolt's Nineteen Minutes the last time I was in England (even with the exchange rate it ended up being cheaper than to buy it in the US). I preferred the UK cover. I read it when back in the US and I got a lot of comments on the cover art and some people who were disappointed that theirs didn't look like mine.

I've haven't read past the third one and they were borrowed from a friend, but if I *were* going to buy any of the Harry Potter books, I much prefer the US book cover art to the UK cover art for some reason.

I'm bad. I always judge books by their covers. Can't help it, I've always been that way. I've probably missed out on some pretty good reads. But, most of the time, I get it right, and enjoy the book.


This cover grabbed my attention last time I was at the library, it's a good read, but has editing issues, which drive me CRAZY.

When I go around the bookstore, I browse for pretty covers, not so much for tittles.  I only look at the title after the cover has caught my eye (unless I'm looking for a specific book).  As for cookbooks, well, I'm a sucker for pretty ones!  Recently, there have been 3 books that I totally had to have bacause the covers were just so beautiful.  They turned out to be good books too!

June

As an editor who's worked with designers on book covers, I always go for content rather than what the book looks like.

Oh, are you an editor Suzanne?  I didn't realize.

As an editor who's worked with designers on book covers, I always go for content rather than what the book looks like.

But that's what this thread is about, Suzanne. If you don't know the content of the book, how does the cover art affect your opinion before reading it.

The cover art alone shouldn't tell you whether a book is good or bad, chary. Some organizations (such as nonprofits) can't afford an expensive, glossy look. But if you read the introduction or foreword to a book, that should tell you whether it's worth buying or not.

The cover art alone shouldn't tell you whether a book is good or bad, chary. Some organizations (such as nonprofits) can't afford an expensive, glossy look. But if you read the introduction or foreword to a book, that should tell you whether it's worth buying or not.

I don't think you understand the question posed by this thread, Suzanne.

It was asked whether to judge a book by its cover. I said no. I don't see what point I'm missing.