Let’s Talk Bookish: Good Covers vs. Good Plots
Hey, everyone! I hope you’re all doing well. Today I’m participating in another Let’s Talk Bookish. I think this is a really interesting topic, so let’s get into it.
Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme created by Rukky @ Eternity Books and is hosted by Rukky and Dani @ Literary Lion where we discuss various topics and share our opinions. Todayās topic is Good Covers vs. Good Plots (suggested by Krupali @ Musing of Souls).
When you pick books to buy, what is more likely to sway you: a good cover or a good plot?
Covers are usually the main thing that make a book catch my eye. They’re what make me pick up the book in the first place. I’ll check the synopsis and if it sounds interesting, I’ll read the first couple of pages to see if it would be something I’d like. In the end, it’s mostly always the plot that decides whether I buy the book or not. I already have a ton a books in my room, and not that much space, so I don’t want to buy something that I know I won’t read, just because I think the cover is pretty.
When you choose to unhaul books do you sometimes keep bad books if theyāre pretty?
Not usually. When I unhaul books, it’s typically books that I read and enjoyed, but probably won’t read again or don’t mean something to me. Or of course, if the book wasn’t great. I keep my favorite books, obviously, and other books that are special to me, like books from my favorite authors, or ones I read when I was younger, that really brought me into reading.
Do you love a book less if the cover is ugly even if the story is good?
I tend to separate the cover art and the actual content of the book when it comes to whether I liked the book or not. The cover does play a small role in how I rate books, but it’s not necessarily a huge part. Of course, if the cover is supremely ugly, then I may like it less. But if the book was the most fantastic, meaningful, and inspiring story Iāve ever read, than it most likely wouldnāt matter what the outside looks like. I try to focus on the book itself, when seeing if I liked a story or not. If I’m taking to someone about the book, I may mention if the cover is really pretty or if it wasn’t my taste in art.
Do you like covers less if it turns out the story inside isnāt very interesting?
No, not usually. I can still appreciate the cover art even if the story itself wasn’t very interesting.
Would you rather have a shelf of good stories or beautiful covers?
Good stories, most definitely. Good stories and beautiful covers would be even better, but unfortunately, we canāt always get that. Still, I’d rather have a bunch of books with well written, meaningful stories in them, then have books with gorgeous covers but meh plots. Itās very aesthetically pleasing to have a lot of beautiful covers to look at, but I think I care more about the story inside.
Conclusion
Overall, I tend to care more about the story itself in a book then the cover art. This doesnāt mean I donāt appreciate the graphic designers who make the book covers. Because I whole-heartedly do. I love to appreciate the hard work that has been put into creating a cover that will catch peopleās eye and pull them in. Thatās what a cover is for; to intrigue people and make them want to learn more about the story. And I have been known to stare at a book cover for a very long period of time because of how beautifully designed it was.
And. . . now Iām just rambling on about covers, so I think weāre going to stop here.
What do you think about good covers vs. good plots? Do you lean towards one more than the other when deciding about books?
Chat with me in the comments below!
12 Comments
Vanya
Great analysis Lotus! . I agree that synopsis and story content is more important. Also, I agree, covers play huge role when it comes to attracting people!
Lotus @ Pages of Starlight
Thank you, Vanya! Yes, I want to enjoy what’s inside a book. Yes! Covers are what people usually look at first.
sobbinscenes
I completely agree! Covers are only really important to me if Iām looking into editions for an all-time favourite book. Otherwise, the story is what matters most! Though staring at a pretty cover for a few minutes happens every now and then, still probably going to spend a lot more time reading it.
Lotus @ Pages of Starlight
Yeah, I agree. Having all-time favorites with amazing covers is always a plus. Of course! Staring at pretty covers is something I think ever reader has done at some point in their life. I’d spend more time reading it as well.
Dani @ Literary Lion
I always mention a cover when I discuss a book with someone particularly if it’s pretty! People should know when things are beautiful because I feel it’s definitely a point in the books favour.
Lotus @ Pages of Starlight
Yes, definitely!
Louise H
I only really buy and read ebooks anymore, so cover really isn’t a priority. I totally agree that story trumps cover – I would never keep a bad book just because it had a really nice cover on it.
Lotus @ Pages of Starlight
Yes, I agree. If a story wasn’t that good, why keep it if you could replace it with something better?
Sofii @ A Book. A Thought.
I used to buy books by the cover, so super guilty about it lol, still as I’ve grown as a reader I know you can find beautiful stories with covers that aren’t that beautiful, and also the other way around, so at the end of the day a cover it’s just a visual treat, when the story, of course, carries a much greater weight. Amazing Post! šš»āØ
Lotus @ Pages of Starlight
I agree, even if the covers aren’t beautiful, the stories inside them can be. Yes, very well put! Thank you so much!
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tasya @ the literary huntress
I agree with you: book covers are what catches my eyes first, but whether I buy it or keep it depends on the story or my enjoyment while reading! Great discussion! š