Do you judge a book by its cover? Suffice it to say there is a trend in book covers that I did not realize until my friend Beth pointed it out to me. Just take a look at these books that are for sale in the book section of our local Target.
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The trend appears to be covers which feature the backs of people. People walking. People sitting. People holding hands. But all of them focus on their backs. Why? I had not noticed but book after book cover had the images of the backs of people. It makes me wonder. Why?
Any suggestions as to why the popularity of the backs of people is the new book cover trend? Inquiring minds want to know so leave me a comment and tell me your thoughts. Do you judge a book by a cover? I know I do and wonder if I am alone in that. Remember that each comment made on any blog post this month means a 50 cent donation to our Comments for a Cause – Project: Music Heals Us.
10 Comments
Leave a commentOh my. I didn´t realize that but you are right. I wonder why? I will be sure not to have the backs of people on my book covers. I believe a good cover is important but if I like the sound of the blurb on the back, I will read the book no matter what the cover looks like. But the cover is what will make most readers pick up the book and turn it over!
I also try to look beyond the cover but sometimes it is difficult! I can just see the back of Amanda now. 🙂
Two trends- no make that three- on the covers 1. The backs of people, as you said, 2. The Titles- it’s always someone’s daughter or some type of Orphan, 3. World War II
I think the backs of people is so that the the characters’ physical looks aren’t fully revealed and because it conveys that the character will face a turning point, awakening, new decision- they are facing their past. I love that you two observed this. And that you opened it up to us! Have you noticed another trend- a cover with one color and a big swirl of lots of different little objects around the title?
I love that you picked up on all of these themes ! it just struck me as we looked at them and the funny thing was that there were even more that I did not snap a picture of. Definitely a prevalent book cover idea and yes—I agree with the one color and swirl of little objects around it; Hey–if it sells books it is all good, right? Thanks for your thoughts! I knew I could count on my authors to check in today!
Interesting! I do tend to pick a book off a shelf because of its cover, but what sells me into reading it is the synopsis on the back or inside front cover.
I never thought about it before. You friend has a good eye! Something to ponder for sure. Have a good weekend.
Never noticed this myself. Maybe it makes it more interesting, intriguing?
It’s a fun thing that now I am looking at every book cover to see wha they are like!
I do tend to judge a book by its cover. Initially. But then I read the back cover or inside the jacket to see if the book interests me. I have not noticed the trend you reference. By showing the backs of people, rather than their faces, we can still interpret how we think that character looks. And that’s a good thing, to leave that to the reader. Interesting topic.
The book cover trend is so interesting to me. I do judge a book by its cover most definitely and when Beth pointed this out to me I was so enthralled by the trend. So many ideas of why they the authors or publishers chose these covers — fun to think about all of them. I like your ideas.