Booklr Questions – Do you judge books by their covers?
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Do you judge books by their covers?
While I would love to say that I never judge a book by it’s cover, I have to admit that I actually do it a lot. When I’m browsing books at the local bookstore, I’m not even going to pick up a book to see what it’s about unless it’s got a cover that looks interesting. Perhaps that’s the designer in me.
I do a better job when I’m looking for books online, because places like Goodreads recommend books based on others that I’ve liked, I can focus more on content than design.
For example, Margaret Atwood’s The Heart Goes Last, which I am reading for review has a cover that I absolutely hate, but the content of the book is lovely. Look for on this book soon.
Not often, no–I can get hooked by a title, but as a long-time translator I know that the cover art is not chosen by the author (who often dislikes it) and often has very little to do with what’s inside. Besides, I don’t like judging on externals 99% of the time. Even clothes–it can look good on the hangar in the store, but if the fabric isn’t pleasant to the touch, or it’s uncomfortable when I try it on, I won’t buy–even if someone says “you look good in that.” I guess I’m all about quality and comfort–in everything from books to sofas.
Oh, I like quality. I’m just admitting to being guilty about putting more emphasis on pretty than I really should. It’s the reason I have 2 British edition books being shipped to my house as we speak. There’s just something about having gorgeous covers on books that I intend to read many times.