So, I have found that I can totally be judgemental about a book by its cover before I buy it.


So - here are some questions I pose to you:
- What are some of your favorite book covers?
- Did you ever love the cover, but hate the book?
- What about books where you hate the cover, but still liked the book?
- Have there ever been books you were reluctant to read because of their cover?
- Has there ever been a cover that you went "Huh!?!?!" to after reading the book (as in, it didn't match at all)?

Some of my favorite covers from recently:


Liked the book (hated the cover):


Loved the cover more than the book...


Covers that didn't match the book:

Covers that I thought didn't match the book but I still enjoy them are

Interesting question FlibBityFLooB!! Sometimes there are covers that grab my attention, but I've never put quite as much thought into it as you have ;) I do find that if I start a series with one style of cover and then that series gets another style cover, I have to stick with one style... for instance all the LKH Anita Blake books, I like this cover style:
, etc.....

I do like the original Charlaine Harris Sookie Stackhouse covers:


But in general I don't feel I pay that close attention to the covers... but of course now that you pointed it out I probably will LOL LOL

I love the Original Charlaine Harris covers too:


Love these Lora Leigh covers by Ellora's Cave publishing:


Hated the cover:


Hated the cover, but loved the book:

Love the covers and the books:

Mercy Thompson


Jazz Park


Love the covers, hate the books:

House of Night


Hate the covers, love the books:

Psy/Changling


Immortals After Dark



I almost didn't read both the Psy/Changling series and the Immortals after Dark series because their covers just look so awfully cheesy. After so many rave reviews for both I'm glad I gave in and read them.

Yeah, Flib--there have been books that I totally hated the covers after reading. And I've posted a few complaints on here about them. They describe the heroine as dark haired and dark eyed (or red-headed) and buxom and hippy--and the cover model is a blond bimbo who is about a size 0. NO relationship to the descriptions in the book at all.

Covers that I've LOVED (and loved the book too) are . They always show the quilt that the title of the book represents in ALL of this series. (ok, I admit it--I'm a quilter, and LOVE when they show the pictures of the quilts)

Now, a cover that totally did NOT match the contents (actually, neither did the title, but hey, I HAD to buy it just for that title) . It was a GREAT cover. It actually matched the title in a cartoon format. This was, believe it or not, a MYSTERY. :o)

Oh, check out THIS cover .

Now, these are the type of covers that I like and will ALWAYS pick up and and, while we are at it, THIS cover of Star GuardSigh, I have GOT to get some of these old covers photographed and sent in to the librarians. :o)

Love the books but thought the covers could have been different.


Hate the covers love the books
ETC>

Some of my fav covers

Some of my fav covers...

Ann --- oooooh my. I just burst out laughing at that cover for the B*MBOS OF THE DEATH SUN. hehehehehehe

Favorite covers:

hey--it was a GREAT book. At the time I bought it, I'd never read anything else by the author. and I admit--I really DID buy it only for the title and cover. Its a cozy mystery, but it reads kind of like a Monty Python or Pratchett would if they did mysteries.

I'm also a sci-fi con attender, and I kept giggling at her descriptions of the fans that were there. They were accurate to a remarkable degree. I remember discussing it at one of the cons I attend and several people going "Yeah, I think I'm several of the fans she described." The biggest gripe we had about it was that it was actually a "combo" con--sci-fi, gamers, etc. (Oh, and there were rumours that she'd based the victim on an actual famous author)

She's used "real life" in some of her other books. The Hangman's Beautiful DaughterThe PMS Outlaws An Elizabeth MacPherson Novel Of course, they were not exactly the way that things happened in real life (the REAL Ladies should have consulted McCrumb about how to handle getting kicked out of their home) I live in the area that she writes about, so I know the "truth" about some of the modern things she uses to fill out her stories.

I don't like ANY covers that come from the book being made into a movie. I much perfer the original artwork.

Kelly wrote: "I don't like ANY covers that come from the book being made into a movie. I much perfer the original artwork.

"


Ditto.

oh yeah, ain't that the truth Kelly.

I think the reason for that is--they always choose the scene in the movie that is the furtherest from anything in the book (or the person that looks the least like their book description) and that's what they choose to put onto the cover.

Altho the covers for LoTR weren't too bad--but that's mainly because the covers on the (very old) copies I have of it are plain white with just the title and Tolkein's name on it--nothing else. But those are the ugliest books I own.

Movie and TV show tie-in covers are irritating. When I bought the boxed Sookie set, DUD was the True Blood cover instead of the original. I was so irked, I went out and bought another copy and gave the True Blood one away. Don't mess with my covers! I want them consistent!

And speaking of consistent, I hate when they change cover styles mid-series. Queen Betsy, I'm looking at you.

My love/hate relationship with covers includes not wanting everyone I commute with thinking I'm reading smut. I mean, I AM reading it (and loving every second), but THEY don't need to know that!

I totally agree. I had such low expectations of the Nalini Singh books because of their covers. I'm grateful that didn't turn out to be the case.

Hey, fabric bookcovers hide what I'm reading, if I don't want anyone to know. I sew (a LOT) so I have a bunch. Paperback, trade, hardback sizes, whatever I need. :o)

LOL, talking about covers of books, look what I found on youtube:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxSwr130p...

Josie -- that was a funny youtube video! I laughed when it started with the REALLY BIG TATTOO theme.

Have you guys seen the new covers they're putting on the Twilight books? I hate them, even though I like the movie... :P



edited to add... maybe that's only the spanish edition. I hope so. I liked the simplistic covers on the twilight books.

FlibBityFLooB wrote: "Have you guys seen the new covers they're putting on the Twilight books? I hate them, even though I like the movie... :P



edited to add......"

I can understand putting movie covers on the books to make them more marketable, but hmmmm I prefer the old ones.

Josie wrote: "LOL, talking about covers of books, look what I found on youtube:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxSwr130p... "

LOL. It's all true. And I've seen so many of the posed heroine against a dark background, one leg out, hair flying, that they've begun to blend together. They're all pretty covers though.

Josie wrote: "LOL, talking about covers of books, look what I found on youtube:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxSwr130p... "

i loved the lil red arrow pointing to everything..

hey, ever wonder how the heck those models for the ones that look like photographs manage to STAND like that? I mean, come on, if a normal mortal tried standing in some of those poses (especially the ones with the hips thrust way out, poised on 1 leg, almost making a Vee at the hips, we'd throw something out of whack--or else we'd fall down. Then, add in those stilettos. . . .

Still, the covers DO make it easy to find the UF books. (Still grumbling about having to look all over the frigging store to find new books that might interest me.)

I like the Urban Fantasy covers more than the fabio-like covers on some of the paranormal romance books! I hate being embarassed by the book cover I'm reading :)

Have you ever seen this version of Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon? I have it, but I disposed of the dustjacket and made my own cover for it using one of the paperback covers :P

new_user wrote: "Josie wrote: "LOL, talking about covers of books, look what I found on youtube:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxSwr130p... "

LOL. It's all true. And I've seen so many of the posed heroine against..."



I just watched the video an it is so true and funny.... lol...

FlibBityFLooB wrote: "I like the Urban Fantasy covers more than the fabio-like covers on some of the paranormal romance books! I hate being embarassed by the book cover I'm reading :)

Have you ever seen this version..."

Where can you get a paperback book cover without having to buy it online?

So cool to see everybody's faves posted end to end. Ann, I ADORE the old skool SF&F covers. At UBS, my hand always drifts toward the Vallejo-style covers :)

One from that era:

Josie wrote: "FlibBityFLooB wrote: "Have you guys seen the new covers they're putting on the Twilight books? I hate them, even though I like the movie... :P

Im totally with you on that, there are just some things that they shouldn't mess with, but I guess they want to make it get in more crowds that dont already have the books. They shoud have at least left it the same colour scheme that would have been better maybe:D

Michelle wrote: "Where can you get a paperback book cover without having to buy it online?"

Ahhh! In the case mentioned, I had originally read the paperback version of FANTASY LOVER and upgraded to hardcover. So, I already had the paperback.

However, there have been cases where I printed a copy of the cover to make my own version of it. I didn't like the cover on the newer UNDEAD books by Maryjanice Davidson. They don't have a paperback version available, so I had purchased the hardcover. I printed the UK coverart for those books and made my own dust jacket.

Went from this: to this:

Michelle wrote: "Where can you get a paperback book cover without having to buy it online? ..."

You can buy them at B&N or make one. :)

FlibBityFLooB wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Where can you get a paperback book cover without having to buy it online?"

Ahhh! In the case mentioned, I had originally read the paperback version of FANTASY LOVER and upgrade..."

Good idea! I'll have to try that.

Michelle wrote: "FlibBityFLooB wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Where can you get a paperback book cover without having to buy it online?"

Ahhh! In the case mentioned, I had originally read the paperback version of FAN..."

Thanks! I'll check out B&N.

Of course, in my case its--make your own. I have a very nice embroidery machine (as well as doing hand embroidery) and I can put anything on the fabric that I want--reading a book on dragons, I have a couple of nice dragon designs that I can stitch up in 25 or so minutes (depending on how complex and how many thread changes determines the length of time it takes to stitch out.) If its fae, I have about 3 dozen different faeries (Animae, cartoon, serious art). I do love playing with my sewing machines. (Um, actually I have TWO embroidery sewing machines. Also have a 75 Brother sewing machine, a 65 Singer sewing machine, a light-weight for taking to clasess and a 35 Singer sewing machine. Um, can you all guess that I have a little bit of an addiction to sewing?) :oP

Ann wrote: "Of course, in my case its--make your own. I have a very nice embroidery machine (as well as doing hand embroidery) and I can put anything on the fabric that I want--reading a book on dragons, I ha..."

I'm impressed. I was actually going to get some other craft supplies for another project I'll be doing with my mom, and was wondering just how hard it would be to make a book cover by hand. Mind you, I can hardly sew, but she does really well, so I'd at least like to try.

Wow, that's really cool, Ann! I would love to have that talent. I bet you have some really pretty covers.

Michelle, if it helps, there are some guides online too.

Michelle--there are ways to make cloth covers that don't really require any sewing abilities. Just use Steam a Seam.

1) measure your book--remember to measure it OPEN. Add in 1/4 inch seam and cut that rectangle out

2) take half of the measurement of the front cover and cut that out 2 times, adding the 1/4 inch seam on both pieces. This will be where you tuck your paperback.

3) Using the Steam a seam (there are also several other products of the same type, just visit a sewing store and explain to a clerk that you want "The stuff to fix hems and things with that you don't have to sew." They will know what you mean. :o)

Ok, as a side note--if your steam a seam (sas) is more than 1/8 inch, then you will want to increase your seam measurements accordingly.

Lay your largest piece down, right side facing up. Put your sas along the the edges. Place the 2 smaller pieces you cut out on top of the biggest piece, right sides DOWN (this way you have the right sides together.) using your iron, steam carefully--DO NOT IRON (that means just plop the iron down without moving it.) Lift the iron up when you need to move it. Turn right side out.

Now comes the fun part. Embellish it as you wish. If you want to stick gems on it, there are special glues that will stick anything under the sun to cloth. Add a nice ribbon to it for a book mark.

While this will not hold together as well as if you'd stitched it, it WILL hold together long enough for you to carry it around for a while. You can also add handles (ribbon again) so you can carry the book around like a little purse.

Ann wrote: "Michelle--there are ways to make cloth covers that don't really require any sewing abilities. Just use Steam a Seam.

1) measure your book--remember to measure it OPEN. Add in 1/4 inch seam and..."

Thanks Ann! I'll be printing this post out, and I'll give it a try :)

I hated this cover, Loved the book though

Loved this cover, thought is was cool. Good book too



I also love these Gena Showalter covers:

As was mentioned in another group that I frequent, I really don't like the new Sookie Stackhouse covers. I'm glad that my books have the old-style :)

There's something really weird to me about the writing over her face in some of those covers. I don't like it :P It also looks like she has a white circle growing out of her chin. hEhe :)



Also, I'm not crazy for this dragon series, but I do love the t-shirt on this cover with the dragon patterns on a muscular man *grin*

LOL. Those dragon covers are very clever and understated. Too bad the books are mediocre.

Uck, I agree Flib--the cover makes poor Sookie look like she's wearing one of those ceremonial beards like the Egyptian Pharaoh's wore.

I love these covers and I loved the books!

I loved the book but the cover kept me from buying it for about a month or two:



Looks like a screen cap from WOW.

Im totally a 'judge-a-book-by-its-cover' person.
I guess it comes with my choice of career. im a graphic designer - so if the cover doesnt attract the customer, i totally failed at my job!

Im totally liking most of the covers posted above which is bad, since i dont own some of those and will most likely want to purchase em. Which makes sites/groups like this much more appreciated! So then i can actually get a thorough review on the storyline!

Another thing i truly appreciate is when they change the cover when the novel is reprinted!
As an example - KMM's Highlander Series.

If the first cover is still the current cover, i wouldn't even have considered looking at the reviews yet alone purchase the book.

I really like the Gena Showalter covers, but havent read/purchased the novels...YET. I chose Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series as my next series over Showalter, since the reviews for it were much better.

Christy--um, actually no it doesn't--it looks more like a screen capture from EQ than WoW. Which I always thought was a lot more "cartoon" appearing. EQ the characters look more "human" type and at least the elves don't look like Puck (hum, or possibly the Blue Fairy) has been running around sticking Donkey ears on them.

..........What is EQ?

Everquest

Gaming geeks unite =)

I'm only half nerdy...My other half is oblivious...

lol Dark. Yeah, we gaming geeks should stick together. :o)

Christy--the "Gods", mob bosses (i.e. head bad guys) sub-bosses etc that are supposed to be humanoid actually LOOK human. Some of those Gods (which, in some of the expansions you are expected to KILL, btw) are really human looking--except that they shoot fire, throw nasty spells and, of course are a LOT taller than humans. :o) Well, I was going to see if I could find you some screen shots, but got sidetracked, and have to go take care of a few things first. Maybe when I get back from my Mum's (in 10 days or so) I'll be able to find the movie that I was looking for. :o)