Do you judge a book by its cover?

Use this forum to discuss the September 2023 Book of the Mont, Nimue: Freeing Merlin by Ayn Cates Sullivan.
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Carly Sprout
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Re: Do you judge a book by its cover?

Post by Carly Sprout »

While judging a book by its cover isn't the sole factor readers consider when making a selection, it does underscore the significance of visual appeal. This helps readers connect with the content and set expectations, allowing them to make more informed choices. Personally, while I find the cover's darkness somewhat mismatched with the adventurous themes of "Nimue: Freeing Merlin," the evident presence of Celtic cultural motifs serves as a clear indicator of the subject matter.
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Post by Clauson Justin »

I believe a book cover says a lot about a book itself. Although most times it may not accurately predict the content of the book, most readers decide on books based on the cover. I do too. And if a book cover doesn't seem catchy enough, I don't bother to read. Nimue is an example of a book with a not so catchy cover but with a thrilling content.
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Post by Stephen Christopher 1 »

Sonia_Gonzalez wrote: 05 Sep 2023, 11:27 Covers are the first thing readers see, and because of it, I think we involuntarily judge. Most books fail with their covers, as they do not suit the story, like Nimue, and I think this is a gigantic problem with the editors, publishers, and marketing team because covers can attack or disappoint readers.
I agree with you, Sonia; I don't think we can help it, but I'd say most of us do. I try so hard not to, and one thing I like about 'sampling' a book from Amazon is that it usually dumps you in the contents section, so you may not even get to see the cover. I feel that many good books get bypassed by readers due to their covers.

With Nimue, I feel it's possibly the same issue. The cover doesn't jump out to me saying, 'You must read this book.' But, I guess book publishers must know what they're doing (mustn't they? Hehe).
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Post by Carlos Mata Saenz »

I take it into consideration, and many people do the same (that's the reason because authors pay for a good cover, isn't it?).
First impressions are always important, and in a book that comes with the cover. If the book has a cover that catches the essence of its genre, it already will have a good way to attract potential readers.
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Rishaunda Lynnette Britton
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Post by Rishaunda Lynnette Britton »

Sometimes, I do partially judge a book by its cover, but then come to full assessment after few pages read into the book. Now, regarding Nimue: Freeing Merlin, I think the cover is just right.
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Post by Jacqui Warren »

I try not to judge a book by its cover, but I do feel that the cover illustration is so important as often it is this that entices a reader to stop and investigate the book. Ultimately, it is more important that the book itself is a good read rather than relying on a great front cover, but the cover draws you in.
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Post by britcott30 »

No. I always search for my genre first, and then I will read the summary of the story first. But frankly, it bothers me when the cover does not connect with the story.
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Post by Bettny Andrade »

I do judge the book by its cover, although I am certainly not too rigorous; That is to say, if a book doesn't attract me because of its cover, I might like the title, and give it a chance.

So far it has always worked well for me and I have not been disappointed.
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Post by Okocha Victor »

Most times I find myself judging a book by its cover or even title. When I first saw the book Terms of Service, I thought it would be about company rules and stuff but that wasn't the case at all. Even if the book had weird establishments in it, it was not in the way I was expecting it to be.
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Okocha Victor
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Post by Okocha Victor »

The truth is, the book cover and title are very important aspects of a book as they are what first draws the readers in. I purchased NIMUE because I saw " Freeing Merlin" attached to the title. If it wasn't there, I don't think I would have purchased the book at all.
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Post by Laney K »

I do often look at covers first, but I try to reserve judgement until I read a summary. I thought the title and the cover made me expect something a bit different in the case of this book
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Post by Amanda Nixon »

I absolutely do this all the time. I know the saying says you shouldn't but honestly it's a way I use to search. I'm someone who spends hours in a book shop or library every single time I go in and so this can help quicken the journey for me, particularly if I have somewhere to be. If I'm not searching for a specific book, I'll skim covers to see what looks interesting and then grab and read the blurb. I've found some great reads and some duds this way. Just goes to show that a good cover can actually go a long way (even if it's not the best way to decide on something)
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Post by Ceejay Hernaez »

One of the factors influencing my book selection is the cover design. In the case of this particular book, the cover played a significant role. I found its mysterious and cryptic imagery inviting and it made me curious to read it.
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Post by Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine »

The cover is very important. When choosing a book, a good cover catches your eye quickly. At the same time, a bad cover can put you off reading a book. In the case of this book, both title and cover let you know you can expect some fantasy, mystical and magic.
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Post by Malthide Jones »

I don't really care about the book's cover. However, I felt the cover of this book is fitting. The title is also fitting. They both contributed in making this book great.
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