Guest Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Recommendations from forums like this has broadened my reading habits, i've found a host of new authors and genres i would never have read before. I also agree with a lot of you, a good cover does attract enough to make you pick up the book and read the back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 I recently bought 'The Book of Lost Things' by John Connolly purely because the cover art was really cool and the papercover had a really nice texture to it. I thought the book was ok but not as good as the cover promised! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucybird Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 You can tell a bit about a book from the cover style, so I do go by it a bit, that and the title to decide whether to read the blurb or not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charm Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 I wouldn't say I judge a book solely by its cover but I like serial killer and horror as my favourite genres, so chances are, if the cover is pink with little flowers on it, I doubt if its really gonna be that gory! I generally always read the blurb on the back though unless its an author I really love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dimitra Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 True. True also that a horrible cover increases the risk of the book being horrible ! Yeah, you're right... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babe*With*Brains Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 I usually judge books by their covers, but i've read a few that have been really good and had the most boring covers ever! When i was younger I read a book called 'the golden hour' which had a really old, ochre-type colour cover and i really enjoyed it! and also, I am legend has a really plain cover (pretty much just block green with a bit of red) and it's one of my favourite books =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weevilcharley Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 I'm a sucker for a good cover. I also can't help myself in second hand bookshops. I buy anything that looks like if it doesn't get bought soon it may be thrown away, because it makes me feel so sad. There are some amazing pieces of literature sitting in second hand bookshops/charity shops, they need rescuing!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
famar Posted March 27, 2009 Share Posted March 27, 2009 Hello, Book covers do interest me but a strong story line is what makes me choose the book. Also recommendations from family matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fionen Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 Also recommendations from family matter. I'm the same way. I have a lot of family members that love to read so if I'm looking for something new I ask them first. I trust their taste in books. If I walk into a bookstore without any recommendations then you can bet I'll gravitate to the books with appealing covers. That's how I found Sabriel by Garth Nix. I do read what they're about before making the final decision though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 I have been banging on to practically everybody about a book called "Bad Monkeys" by a chap named Matt Ruff. This has the worst cover ever and some dreadful blurb on the back. My friend John (who, incidentally, is the biggest fella I've ever met - he's six foot nine and built like a block of flats) told me to "just read it, you daft !" So I did. You wouldn't argue with the man. This turned out to be an excellent choice, not only for the welfare of my limbs, but also because it is a truly brilliant book. I don't care what books anybody says they like, I defy anyone not to go "Blinking heck, Mac! You're right!" Check it out. Don't read the blurb. Ignore the cover. Love the book. Laters, taters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookJumper Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 Can someone explain my aversion for hardcovers? I know they're heavier than their paperback counterparts and the dustjackets cause more hassle than they save, but still - surely they can't be so bad that I need to wait an extra year or so to read a book because the very notion of buying a book in hardback irks me? Do I need help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucybird Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 YES! ...oh now I don't have anything else to say Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrysalis_stage Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 Can someone explain my aversion for hardcovers? I know they're heavier than their paperback counterparts and the dustjackets cause more hassle than they save, but still - surely they can't be so bad that I need to wait an extra year or so to read a book because the very notion of buying a book in hardback irks me? Do I need help? Strange I'm the opposite, If I can get the book in hardback cheap enough I would I love them! I agree the covers are hassle but I hate seeing how much damage I do to my books, hardbacks don't damage as much. Its just a case of each to their own! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted March 28, 2009 Share Posted March 28, 2009 The only books I've ever bought in hardback form are the latter Harry Potter books because I couldn't bear the thought of seeing spoilers. Oh, and Harry Patch's autobiography because the paperback wasn't out in time for my A level English exam. I don't like them at all - I can't get comfy to read them in bed for a start! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookJumper Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 I was recently forced to buy a few books for an essay in hardback as they are out of print and the paperbacks were either unfindable or stupidly expensive - now they will look all out of place in my neat, OCD shelf... irk, irk, irk! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlette Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 I am guilty of judging books by their covers. Although I will buy any book (no matter the cover) when it comes to my favourite authors. My habit of wanting to own pretty books have resulted in buying a few novels with beautiful faces, but nothing between the ears... so to speak... I've found, though, that for those of us wanting to own the most eye-catching version of any book, online shopping is best. Bookshops are a treat to visit, but they don't always have a wide variety available when it comes to cover art. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 Can someone explain my aversion for hardcovers? I know they're heavier than their paperback counterparts and the dustjackets cause more hassle than they save, but still - surely they can't be so bad that I need to wait an extra year or so to read a book because the very notion of buying a book in hardback irks me? Do I need help? I'm the opposite. I just have to buy my favourite authors in hardback. I cannot walk into a book shop and walk out without one. It is I who is obsessive! Re: Dust jackets. I don't even like damaging them, so I take them off until I've read the ruddy thing and then replace them once I put them back on my shelf. OCD ALERT! OCD ALERT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucybird Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 lol, I remove the dust jackets too usually, but mainly because they annoy me. I wish I hadn't with my copy of Half Blood Prince though because I managed to spill nail varnish down it...I thought about removing it with nail varnish remover but that might spoil the book anyway, and at least the nail varnish is clear so not instantly noticable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrysalis_stage Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 I'm the opposite. I just have to buy my favourite authors in hardback. I cannot walk into a book shop and walk out without one. It is I who is obsessive! Re: Dust jackets. I don't even like damaging them, so I take them off until I've read the ruddy thing and then replace them once I put them back on my shelf. OCD ALERT! OCD ALERT! I'm the same! I hate damage and hardbacks damage less than paperbacks. lol, I remove the dust jackets too usually, but mainly because they annoy me. I wish I hadn't with my copy of Half Blood Prince though because I managed to spill nail varnish down it...I thought about removing it with nail varnish remover but that might spoil the book anyway, and at least the nail varnish is clear so not instantly noticable Phew, glad its only clear nail varnish! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucybird Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 Yes I'm glad it was clear too, but still want to get rid of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookJumper Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 lol, I remove the dust jackets too usually, but mainly because they annoy me. You see, I feel the urge to do that and throw them away thereafter; only on the way to the bin I get seized by a crippling feeling of guilt at my proposed maiming of the book, and I have to go and put it back in its place, from where it will glare at me evilly and leer, "bwhahahaha I won". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucybird Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 I don't throw them in the bin, but they usually get lost somehow (not sure how seeing as I usually put them on the bookcase) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 You see, there you are! I can never get rid of my books. It'd be like gnawing one of my arms off! So, it stands to reason, that if I'm going to keep them for all of eternity, then Hardbacks are going to do the job nicely, thank you. Hold on. Someone's at the door. Ooh. Some nice people in white coats want me to go on a trip with them! How lovely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucybird Posted March 29, 2009 Share Posted March 29, 2009 that kind of makes sense, except that all my damaged books are hardbacks... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genevieve Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Me, I buy the book for its author first, to me the one who has written becomes my companion oui, my cherished friend and I enter his or her world. So I am pretty selective. Then next, I am always looking for first or second editions and if they are worn or torn on the cover, it only adds to the enchantment. But ah me, I am also quilty of buying leather and making the bok covers and embossing with champagne gold letters and such. It is my need for ambience, shame on me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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