Does a books cover influence you?

[Cee-Jay Aurinko]

Almost always. I say always because sometimes, I do take a chance on a book with a "boring" cover. But most of the books I choose depend on the cover. And even so, I don't always look for a flashy cover, but just an overall good one that somehow fits the title of the book, draws my attention to the book, the description, and finally, to buying it. To me though, my personal specifications to a good cover changes with every book. Sometimes I'm looking for books with good artsy covers; sometimes it can be for a book with a simple cover like a sigul with nothing but black behind it.

[Candace_dj]

Absolutlely! If it looks cheap I usually pass.

[maroki13]

Yes, although the cover itself doesn't make the final decision about whether I read it or not. More often, it is the cover that draws my attention (as I'm scanning shelves) and then as I flip through the book, that helps me decide whether or not to read it.

[ashleeworsham]

for sure. I will always buy a book that looks appealing.

[missbookworm]

It definitely does influence me, though the title is what made me pick it up in the first place. If the cover looks fun, I tend to think it will be a fun read. Even if the cover doesn't have the greatest picture, I'll still read the back or inside cover to see what it's about. However, I will say that I usually turn the book over already forming an opinion based on the cover.

[Fran]

Probably but as it's subliminal so I wouldn't really know

[bluemel4]

Yes it does. I usually stay away from books with half naked men on the covers. I started noticing that some of my favorite guilty pleasure reading has some questionable covers. I probably would never have picked the books up if I decided on the cover alone. I guess I need to rethink how much a book cover has power over my decision making.

[stacihunsinger]

Totally!!! If it looks interesting I am more likely to give it a try!!!

[inlovewithbooks]

I’ve overlooked too many good books by judging their covers. Now I’m making a conscientious decision to read the back covers or descriptions of online books before deciding a book for me.

[aduckgirl]

Absolutely. I am very drawn to modern, classy covers, and I'll shy away from anything that looks "cheap". Like uninteresting graphics, or even a basic, boring font for the title. I won't even read the description if the cover doesn't draw me in. Which sounds horrible, because I must truly judge a book by its cover!

[Ericaflowers6238]

They say that you should never judge a book by its cover, but it is often difficult to remain neutral when it comes to choosing the book based solely on the description if it has a silly cover. Since the cover is suppose to reflect the book, choosing one that has unappealing artwork is difficult sometimes.
When looking for older books, sometimes the best ones I have ever read were the simple hardback books, where the only thing on the cover was the title. So in a way, the cover gave you no chance to judge the book without having to actually read it.

Recently I've noticed than many new books that have come out in the young adult fiction category have a drawing of some girl looking angry or sad. I have seen at least 8 separate series that have covers featuring angsty looking girls with long hair, and in my opinion, that does not convey the theme of the book well. I always give the books a chance and read through the description before deciding, but when all of the books look similar it is a turn off. Has anyone else noticed the increasingly similar cover designs lately?

[RuthRoseRed]

Yes a lot in fact, they say not to judge a book by it's cover when in fact its the first thing you see. No matter how much we love words lets be honest we all love a pretty picture "so to speak".

[ASLmoon]

It does, but I try to overcome it. Shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. Am I right?

[malutka]

Who doesn't love awesome cover art??? I read and love books even with boring covers but when they have cool covers that's just bonus!!

[kitsune1997]

Sometimes. If the summary is well written and the reviews are positive i dont care but i have found many books that have great covers but bad summary and they are amazing!