I don't like the cover page picture

Use this forum to discuss the May 2018 Book of the Month, "The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson
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Cristal2408
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Re: I don't like the cover page picture

Post by Cristal2408 »

The cover is OK. It is not the most beautiful or story oriented I have seen, but it gives a glimpse of what the story will try to convey.
It's no use to go back to yesterday... I was a different person then.---Lewis Carrol from Alice in Wonderland
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Cecilia_L
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Post by Cecilia_L »

It's not just you. I had the same reaction and similar concerns.
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Post by joshfee77 »

It is definitely a confronting cover picture. It didn't bother me as such but that's probably because I read a lot of horror and crime thrillers. However, it certainly made me sit up and take notice, which I'm guessing was the point. Capturing the attention of your audience is a vital goal of any book cover if you want to sell.
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Post by Amy+++ »

The cover art does not appeal to me. When I first saw it, it was out of the corner of my eye. The art did not capture me as I found the cover to be boring. The colors of the artwork were dull in my opinion.
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Post by Sarah_Khan »

I actually like the sword-swallowing cover page better than the pervious one. I think it automatically catches your eye and makes you want to find out more. And as some people mentioned it does look more professional. Whether people like the cover or not, it did get us talking!
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Post by ADMoran »

Yeah it is a bit much, especially if some people aren't comfortable with those kinds of images. But it also works with the book, kind of like a warning for what to expect. Either people are curious or scared off. I personally think it catches the eye and attention like a real circus act would.
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Post by Surakshita-11 »

The cover may bother some people but one should not judge a book by its cover.
Moreover if cover picture disturbs you onee can read review to get better insight of story.
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Post by samical6 »

The cover of this book made me not want to engage in it. I always have been judgemental and I would rather a book have no cover at all so we can paint our own pictures.
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samical6
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Post by samical6 »

trulyfreeclub wrote: 31 May 2018, 20:07
lesler wrote: 31 May 2018, 18:37 The sword swallowing dude on the front cover definitely did not entice me to read the book, but it did not prevent me either.
Cool, I guess I'll take a peek at the book then. Lol!
The sword swallowing on cover is juvenile and selling the meaning short on picture alone.
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Rosemary Wright
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Post by Rosemary Wright »

For me, the cover page is okay. It introduces you to an aspect of the story. Also, it's attractive. I'd have still picked the book without the review.
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Post by Beth KG »

I didn't really think about it until you pointed it out, but then realized I have an aversion to reading this book because of the cover! It may be a very well-written but the book cover elements and the emotions conveyed are not good ones for me. :hand:
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Post by juliecsa »

I agree. The cover wasn't very intriguing to me, although for different reasons than you mentioned. I don't mind the sword swallowing or tattoos, but I feel a better picture of the same thing could have been used. This photo was just too busy and less remarkable as it could have been, in my opinion.
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Post by prinjeh18 »

ValBookReviews wrote: 31 May 2018, 22:17 Sorry to hear that because I like the revised book cover and find that it matches well with the premise of the story, thus, "the sword swallower".
Your right!👍People who love circus will appreciate the cover. At first, I love the painting cover, and see it clearly the cover revision.
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Post by Book Bear »

trulyfreeclub wrote: 30 May 2018, 19:48 Is it just me or others feel the same way too?

To tell you honestly, my first impression with the picture as cover page for the book is not very alluring. I'm not trying to judge the character of the author nor the picture of the man in tattoos, but I find it disturbing to put it on cover page.

First, it scares a lot of people to see someone swallowing a sword, including me.
Second, I don't think this book is intended for kids of all ages.
Third, I would surely not try to read this book.
Lastly, inasmuch as I don't like circus and tattoos, I do hope people would read this book by Gary Robinson.

Thank you for taking time to read my post! Kudos to the author for such bold writing. :)

Oh my goodness I am so glad I am not the only one that feels this way. It's the blood. There is blood isn't there?! It's not just my imagination. And the whole sword going down the throat thing is just making me queasy to think about it. I suppose it will attract attention and that is the whole point of a book cover. It must be so difficult to get your book to stand out in the crowd these days.
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Post by Lu_rire »

I feel the cover is a good reflection of Duke. However I do not find the cover particularly shocking. It is simply mildly interesting and I am not the only one who thinks this way.
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