Do you ever find yourself judging a book by its cover?

Question

I know I do; if a book doesn't have a good cover, most of the time it isn't good.

Answer 1

An intriguing cover might motivate me to pick up a book and glance over it, but that alone won't convince me to buy it.

I depend more strongly on title, back cover synopsis, author recognition, and review by other authors. If I glance through the book and see reviews in the first couple pages and notice that the book has been well-reviewed by authors I have previously enjoyed, it goes up a few notches in my estimation.

I usually sit and read the first few pages. If they capture me, I'll usually buy the book. If the opening isn't immensely intriguing, but I think it's a slow starter and might have the potential to get better, I'll sometimes buy it. Covers are like first impressions...they might garner a few minutes of my attention, but I don't build lasting relationships based on them.

Answer 2

Not usually, but I stumbled upon a great author just because I recognized the cover artist, Michael Whelan.

I've also been know to buy a book from a new author because of the blurbs written by author's I love. I've found some wonderful books that way. In the Fantasy genre, it works. I haven't seen a book I disliked endorsed by an author I love (yet, knock on wood).

The Publisher makes a difference too, I've noticed I have similar taste to the editors of 2 major publishers.

I've read some wonderful books that have terrible covers. I usually go by authors, the hook on the back cover, and a quick scan of the first part of the book (looking at writing style). Those three things have rarely failed me in over 1000 books.

Answer 3

I usually check out a book in the store if the author is popular or an author of classic literature. I try to find out ahead of time what's supposed to be good or not, but sometimes a dull cover hides an enjoyable story. An attractive cover is just a means to an end -- to attract someone who doesn't know about the book yet, and that's okay. Since I read magazines that feature articles about new books in the genres I like, I usually have a good starting place, and it never hurts that my wife loves to read the same kinds of books that I do (for the most part). Turning her on to good manga series has been a tad more difficult.

Answer 4

I did that once. I wanted to find a book that many people liked and have read over time. I searched in the library. Rather than looked for flashy cover pictures or unusual titles, I looked for a book that looked well-worn. I found one that lost the plastic protection cover so there was no description on the story, but the pages were yellowed and well-worn.
It turned out to be one of the best reads I have read in years.
It was "The Other" by Thomas Tyron.

Answer 5

I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes I get a book just for the snappy cover design. Sometimes it works out, sometimes not so much. If all else fails, I like for there to be nothing on the cover but the author's name and the title. There's less to judge it on then and more left to the imagination.

Answer 6

i do sometime sbut i try to refrain..some of the best books i ever read had the worst cover or no cover at all..your best bet is to give it a shot..if it is a book on a topic you think you may like open up your mind and you never know what you may find..if after a few chapters you dont like it then you can at least give an honest answer about that book to someone else...but it is the same with judging people....if you dont be their friend becasue of how they look or where they live you are the only missing out

Answer 7

I have done this before. When I am having some difficulty choosing a new book (meaning an author that I have not read before) and if the cover captures my attention, and I mean that it really has to rope me in....I don't do this all the time, but when I feel a little adventurous, I will.

Answer 8

I wont pick up a book if the cover is totally wierd. But even if it doesn't look like something I'd like, I'll read the jacket to find out what it is about.

Answer 9

No. Author and the short version on the cover help me decide. Covers are deceptive.

Answer 10

All the time.
The cover is the first thing that grabs me, then I read the title, then I read the flip to the back cover to read the summary.
And then I decided if I want to read it or not.