Books by the Cover

Do you ever buy books by their covers? As I’ve said before, it’s very rare for me to buy books on impulse, but some books just have gorgeous covers that beg you to pick them up and read them. The first book that I ever bought because of its cover became my all-time favorite romance.

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The colors were beautiful. You have the castle in the background. You have a red-headed hero. (Yes, this was important, and it was before I read Outlander.) I loved loved loved that book, but never would have bought it, never would have discovered that writer if the cover hadn’t caught my eye.

This is another one I bought for the cover. The title was a bit misleading, though.

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This was another one that attracted me by the cover. Love the intertwined dogtags and stethoscope.

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More recently, this cover called to me. I couldn’t get it out of my mind until I had it.

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Every color so gorgeous, tantalizing, summer-y. I bought it, loved it.

I just ordered this book because the cover attracted me. Yes, I like jungle books.

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I do the same with titles. I have to have Carpe Demon. That is the greatest title. Even if I wasn’t a Buffy fan, I’d have to have it. I bought Warrior Without Rules because of the title. And Pride and Prescience.

What books have you bought on impulse?

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I base most of my buys on word of mouth, but a bad cover will make me think twice, re-considering if it's worth the investment or not. Not something an author wants to have happen!

Speaking of this, I just sent in the author imput sheet for my cover...gads, I hope I get a lovely one!

Mar, I'm trying to think of a book I bought solely on cover...and I can't think of one. But I know I have changed my mind on books, based on lousy, unattractive covers! A great cover makes the book an invitation to pick up and keep reading it. That's why they're so important, imho.

JoAnn

MJFredrick said...

I'm the opposite of Peggy, maybe only buy 5% on impulse, the rest by word of mouth.

Good luck with the cover, JoAnn!

Mary

Marianne Arkins said...

I hate clinch covers.... won't buy 'em, won't even read them at the library.... hate 'em!

(NO, really, tell me how you feel)

My preference is, oddly, covers that don't feature people. Couldn't tell you why, I just tend to gravitate toward them. Do I buy based on covers? Well, yes and no. I'm attracted to certain covers, but the blurb and first couple pages have to live up to my expectations. I guess it would be more appropriate to say that I DON'T buy based on covers (we're back to that whole clinch thing).

Just my .02!

Amie Stuart said...

Don't even get me started LOL

MJFredrick said...

Interesting twist, Allaina and JoAnn, NOT buying books because of a cover. I have to think if that's ever happened to me.

Allaina, too bad about the clinch covers. My buddy Robyn DeHart just showed me her new cover, and it's a clinch. Great story, though!

Anonymous said...

I bought Carpe Demon on impulse and loved it. :)

MJFredrick said...

Michelle, I can't wait to read that book! Talk about buzz!

Colleen Gleason said...

Wayyy too many of my purchases are impulse buys...and word of mouth buys!

One book I bought recently that attracted me because of its cover was Anne Stuart's HIDDEN HONOR. I love medievals (English ones, not so much Scottish ones) and this one has a gorgeous sunset that takes over half the front cover, with a castle in the background and the hero and heroine riding on a horse down in the right hand corner--a distant picture. Her gown is brilliant green, and it looks so gorgeous with the orange and yellow sunset.

And I loved the book too! So, double cool!

Colleen

Trish Milburn said...

I know I've loved many covers over the years and they've definitely made me pick them up, but darned if I can remember any now. I do really like the covers on the NAL Accent trade size books. And I love the feel and texture of them too. Truly lovely.

MJFredrick said...

Sounds like a great book, Colleen!

Trish, I like the new Next covers, too! I'm glad HQ is changing their covers. The Americans and Supers were so old fashioned.

Unknown said...

I've bought books by their covers but not often. OK, Actually I've only bought one book because of it's cover. But the guy was soo drool worthy.

MJFredrick said...

Teresa, you bought a book because of a guy????

JUST kidding! What book was it?

And CONGRATULATIONS on your sale to Triskelion! JoAnn is a Triskelion author, too!

Amie Stuart said...

one book i bought based on cover alone, had one of hte most gorgeous covers I've ever seen and was one of the worst books I've never finished. =(

MJFredrick said...

Well, that blows that, Cece! Have you bought a book for a cover since?

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I'm a mom, a wife, a teacher and a writer. I have five cats and a dog to keep me company. I love bookstores and libraries and Netflix - movies are my greatest weakness.
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