Many, if not most time, for me at least… a book will start with its cover. When I walk into a store, or see it being recommended to me on Amazon or by a friend on Good Reads of even on another blog, it’s always the first thing that either catches my eye - or, well not. A cover can sometimes tell its own story of the characters within in the pages of the book, giving us a sneak peak to a world we are about to take a step into. The cover might be one of the first things we see, but it’s not the only thing. Authors name and title of the book can also speak volumes to me as a reader. Especially if it’s one in a series that’s my favorite or I’ve read something from the author before. However this time we're talking about covers. The thing is - whether I like a cover and you don’t or vice versa…. it’s all subjective. And since it’s a version of art, that’s not only understandable but a given.
I often talk about covers that call to me, or sometimes I even feel like they scream my name. It’s funny how a book can do that to a person. Most people who read have had this happen to them from time to time, if not often. I mean common guys! I know I’m not alone when I talk about a cover that I’m drawn to.
One book I’d like to talk about is Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, The cover is one of my favorites as is the story within its pages. It’s far from simple in its blue silhouette on a white background, making this cover hauntingly affective. The lone wolf hiding and the bold single drop of blood… the heart shaped leaves. It makes me think of many things and always leaves me wanting more. I’m amazed how a books cover art can make me feel. Sometimes after reading my feelings will change about a cover. Most often I’ll understand its cover more, rarely less. But for me that’s another thing that makes a cover great. If I feel more after reading, get more of an understanding for what the cover art is suppose to tell me as a reader, then I feel both author and artist or art department have all won. As mentioned, the cover art is the main thing we see besides an authors name and the title. It’s often what sells everyone the book. With the many new authors out there and more to come in the future were bound to pick up more books based on their covers then not. In the book blogging community there’s always word of mouth. Finding a great book isn’t far then just a couple clicks away. It’s walking into a book store or any store that sells books when the cover can be the main selling point. It’s what always makes me what to find out more. Now, I’m not one who ALWAYS judges a book by its cover. It’s just part of what gives you your first impression of what’s to come. So, making the cover not only fit the story, but call out to readers is always a double win. The amazing thing about a great cover is it’s only the wrapping for what hopes to be a equally great, if not beautiful, emotional, haunting, scary, romantic, etc, etc, etc read for each of us. The cover of a book is only the beginning of a journey for each reader. As mentioned it’s forever subjective as is what you think about the pages inside. The cover might be what we see and what sells books, however it’s far from the end of the story. It takes reading the pages behind the cover to get to the end. And with each end there’s always another book and its cover right around the corner for yet another beginning.
To find out more about Lisa, check her out at her blog, on Twitter, and on Goodreads:
A Life Bound By BooksTwitter:
BoundByBooksGoodreadsAnd just to whet your whistle, here's Lisa in her own words:
"I love to read just about anything that looks or sounds good. Right now, I tend to lean more to Paranormal, Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy in both YA and Adult titles. I’m far from limited to those genre’s and also enjoy reading – Fantasy, Sci-fi, Fiction - including Coming of Age and teen issues, Chick-Lit, Romance, Mysteries and some Romance. I haven’t been blogging for to long now, but I have fun doing it. That’s the main part of it all right, having fun. Besides reviewing books at my blog, I take part in a couple meme’s and host contests that I hope are fun for everyone from my amazing followers – new and old, to anyone who just happens to find me along the way. So stop by and say hello! 
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! Lisa's currently reading:
Morpheus Road – The Light by D.J. MacHale
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Lisa's Recently Read and Reviewed:
Sweethearts By: Sara ZarrShade By: Jeri Smith-ReadyClaire de Lune By: Christine JohnsonExit Strategy By: Ryan PotterNum8ers By: Rachel Ward****
Awesome, awesome, awesome. If you're interested in doing a guest post here on What Book is That?, drop me a line! Email me at whatbookisthat at gmail dot com or find me on Twitter @heynocupcake.
1 comment:
Thanks so much for having me! Sorry that I didn't drop in sooner, I've been sick the last couple days. About to head back to bed now. Couldn't not drop in and say thanks again! It was fun!
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