Never Judge A Book By It's Cover.

Friday, August 5, 2011
So I visited my local Borders again yesterday. (*tear*)

And while sorting through the stacks of awesome books I came across one and the cover looked interesting. The blurb on the back made it sound like it would be the kind of book I'd love.

I assume most people are enticed by a great book cover. I know most of the time I am.

But that's not what makes me rave about a book. I'm sure that's the same for most people. It's what's on the inside that counts. I don't care who blurbed it or how many other people like it. Every body is different and that's what makes everybody unique.

So, after I bought the book, I came home and who can guess what I did next?

You're right. I looked it up on goodreads.

Then I saw that it got some pretty bad reviews. Is that going to stop me from reading it? Probably not. I never base my opinion on what someone else says. Most times, if someone suggests a book that sounds good, I'll buy it and form my own opinion after I've read it.

Everybody gets bad reviews. Everybody. Even J.K Rowling.(Even though in my opinion, she shouldn't because HP is amazing.)

Two things to think about...

Bad reviews are like a stomach ache, everybody gets them. I know sometimes it's hard when you get them. I always get a little upset at first and then shrug it off.
You can't assume everyone in the entire world is going to like your book. (Even though we wish it was like that.)

The meat is inside the book and the cover is just added decor.


Have a good weekend!

Cheers!

7 comments:

  1. Yeah a good cover always draws me in :-) But I've never actually gotten a book and then read the reviews. I do look at the reviews if I'm buying it online, but I don't look at Goodreads--I just check out the amazon comments before clicking the buy button lol. But once I get it, I always let the first chapter do it's job. I think I'm too stubborn about my money. Once I've spent it, I don't want someone else to tell me it may not have been a smart move lol.

    But good reminder about the bad reviews. Something I'll have to prepare for in the future. Gotta toughen up that skin! Have a great weekend Lauren!

  1. I just read a book I loved, and I loved the cover, but it had almost NOTHING to do with the book.

    I've been burned many times by lovely book covers and clever titles...

    BUT I've also been happily surprised other times :D

  1. Anonymous said...:

    When I'm feeling adventurous I'll sometimes buy wine based on the label. But if it's no good, I'm only stuck with it for a couple hours :)

    I'll be curious to hear if the reviews were right in your opinion. I feel like I'm just on the opposite side. Just redid my cover because I felt like the contents were much better than the cover, and as Jolene said, hoping it's more reflective now of what's inside.

    And thanks for the reminder on bad reviews.

    Paul D. Dail
    www.pauldail.com- A horror writer's not necessarily horrific blog

  1. I think people are naturally drawn to covers, but I've read some books with great covers that really weren't my favorite reads. Like you said, it is the story that counts.

  1. I still remember the time, over 10 years ago, when I picked up a book that looked interesting on the cover, then read the back copy description. "Cliched and boring," I thought, and shelved the book again. A few months later, I saw that this book was getting rave reviews and people were lining up at bookstores all across the country to pick up the newest one in the series. You've probably guessed what book I'm talking about: Harry Potter! I'm still kicking myself for my original judgement.

  1. I just did the same thing with a book, and I'm honestly going to say that it's lower on my pile.

  1. DMS said...:

    I love this post- it is so true. I can't help but be drawn in by good covers, but have learned over and over again that the cover isn't the "real book". I read what Kristin said about HP- and I saw that cover and didn't like it all- had NO desire to read it. Then a friend gave it to me and I was hooked instantly! I couldn't believe I almost missed out on the most magical series I have ever read because I didn't like a cover!!

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