The drab looking book cover

Use this forum to discuss the October Book of the Month "McDowell" by William H. Coles.
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bdu15062
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Re: The drab looking book cover

Post by bdu15062 »

I think that the cover is fine for McDowell. I was drawn to the book because of the simplicity of the art and I think that the hat adds to the mystery of this man. Having no colours, just black and white also contributes to how this character might have a good or bad personality.
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Post by holsam_87 »

A black and white cover makes this book stand out.
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Post by Shrabastee Chakraborty »

I believe the cover is perfect for this character-driven book. The black and white actually brings out the grayish shades in McDowell's character. Also, his half-hidden face and the shadows indicate that there is more to this man than meets the eye.
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Post by Ekta Kumari »

I think the cover is very well-suited for this book. It creates mystery while maintaining the simplicity at the same time. Also depicting the duality of the main character.
"Words dazzle and deceive because they are mimed by the face. But black words on a white page are the soul laid bare."

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Post by P Reefer »

sszb wrote: 06 Nov 2018, 10:58 I am guilty of judging a book by the cover. When I saw it's cover I felt like the book is based on some depressing story. I had just passed it. Later I read it's review and find out the tale is very interesting. I read the book because of the review.
💐💐💐
Initially, when I saw the book I did the same I just passed it over, but when I read it as it became the book of the month. I thought, what a colorful bastard this Mc Dowell turns out to be.
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Post by Erika Thomas »

I agree; I think the black and white suits McDowell very well. I think the book cover is actually perfect. A black and white outline of a mysterious man catches the eye as much as a bright and colorful book cover. I wouldn't change a thing!
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Post by KRay93 »

The cover shows an enigmatic character reduced to two colors that reflect simplicity and a fundamental duality that perfectly paint what Hiram McDowell represents (his clothes or image that projects to others are dark while his face is white). The hat that covers his eyes also reflects his somber nature and the fact that he hides behind his image as a professional.
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Post by Highly Favoured One »

When I looked at the cover the first time, my immediate reaction was sort of recoil from the character. He seems aloof, not straight forward and with something to hide. Turns out, that's exactly who he is in the story. Having said that, I feel there should have been more effort to try and appeal to a potential reader. Because that cover by itself would not entice me to pick up the book to read.
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Post by Beatus »

I think I understood the cover after I read the review. If you are looking for a first impression, looking at the cover may not convincemany readers into buying the book. However, for seasoned readers you may perceive this book's content and character correctly. I have not read the book so I stand to be corrected.
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Post by 00LynnMarie »

I have not read this book yet. I have passed it over a number of times because of the cover art and title. It seems to be a story readers enjoyed. I may have to check out some of rhe reviews now.
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Post by Moray_001 »

Well the book was centered around McDowell so the book cover seemed fitting. It highlighted only one element and one character.
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Post by Anju_9 »

I think the cover is suitable for showing McDowell's character. I can definitely see the reference of his selfish ways and later, how he tried to get a better life. The black and white colors are perfect to picturize the first and second half of the novel. If I was the author, I wouldn't change the cover.
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Post by Jessacardinal »

The cover fits Hiram's personality perfectly. I would not change a thing about the cover.
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Post by Tzara Drusak »

The black and white cover does more than enhance the characteristics of McDowell. It's a reflection of the good versus bad way the world is perceived, and ties in greatly with how the actions of McDowell have the expected consequences. The black to white image is a study in stark contrast, and adds a level of intrigue in its simplicity.
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Post by Tobiasblackwell »

As repeated by other readers, I feel that the black and white cover portrays McDowell's character perfectly.
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