Thursday, July 13, 2006
THE MEMPHIS READS QUESTION--7/13/06
Memphis Reads' regulars know that reviewer Beth uses cover art to help her pick the best books to read. Whether browsing the shelves of the Highland Branch Library for a good weekend-read or looking for something to help pass the time at the doctor's office, she loves thrillers and their eye-catching covers. Beth poses the latest Memphis Reads Question and looks forward to reading your comments:It is common knowledge that many people are visual learners. Stores display items to be visually appealing. This concept is applied to book covers as well.
What books have the most appealing covers?
Points you might wish to consider:
- What type of cover art (photographs, landscapes, graphics, etc.) appeals to you?
- Is there something you are specifically drawn to in cover art?
In my review of KILLER DREAMS, I admitted that "the cover art scared me." Which book covers have you found unappealing? - Perhaps you're not able to recall particular book covers at the moment. The next time you visit the library, please take a moment to consider a few covers. For your convenience, a link to this post will be clearly visible on the blog's sidebar.
- This website offers some suggestions: http://covers.fwis.com/
Remember: there's no "right" way to answer a Memphis Reads Question. They're designed to get conversations started. Have fun and check back often--we will post some of your favorite covers below.
Beth, Highland Branch Library
It's never too late to comment on a previous Memphis Reads Question:
What Characters Have Been Unforgettable?
What Makes A Book Unputdownable?
Here are some of your favorites:
Labels: Memphis Reads Question
[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:00 AM
Comments:
I like book covers with detailed illustrations that offer clues about the characters and plot or that suggest historical, fantastical or other interesting settings.
Although I have been looking forward to Beth’s posting of this question, I feel a bit unsure about my answer. My concern is that I lack the vocabulary (about art) to do justice to Douglas Smith’s cover illustration of WICKED by Gregory Maguire.
The central character is Elphaba, the notorious Wicked Witch of the West. Smith’s depiction reveals that she’s not so wicked after all—she lovingly embraces a small monkey while a wolf and a cat huddle nearby. In fact, Elphaba is an animal rights activist. Her tragic fate, as first imagined by Oz’s creator L. Frank Baum, comes about because she has difficulty sustaining relationships with people. Her green skin may have frightened her mother, but her wit and intelligence are among the traits that eventually attract a small group of friends and even a lover. But, Elphaba CHOOSES to remain separated from the rest of society and her fight against the “Wizard” is almost comical because she is such a poor wizard herself (in school, she had been more interested in science than wizardry).
Although I have been looking forward to Beth’s posting of this question, I feel a bit unsure about my answer. My concern is that I lack the vocabulary (about art) to do justice to Douglas Smith’s cover illustration of WICKED by Gregory Maguire.
The central character is Elphaba, the notorious Wicked Witch of the West. Smith’s depiction reveals that she’s not so wicked after all—she lovingly embraces a small monkey while a wolf and a cat huddle nearby. In fact, Elphaba is an animal rights activist. Her tragic fate, as first imagined by Oz’s creator L. Frank Baum, comes about because she has difficulty sustaining relationships with people. Her green skin may have frightened her mother, but her wit and intelligence are among the traits that eventually attract a small group of friends and even a lover. But, Elphaba CHOOSES to remain separated from the rest of society and her fight against the “Wizard” is almost comical because she is such a poor wizard herself (in school, she had been more interested in science than wizardry).
# posted by 
: July 13, 2006 4:42 PM
: July 13, 2006 4:42 PM
More about WiCkeD:
1. The first thing to note is that the cover is actually a book flap. It reminds me of a children's book. You first encounter a drawing of the witch only to open the flap to reveal the full illustration.
2. The illustration itself looks like a woodcut. I have been searching the internet and the Library's Databases for more information. I will report back if I learn more.
3. Have you noticed the graphic art for Broadway Show? Nice, but I prefer the book's illustration.
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1. The first thing to note is that the cover is actually a book flap. It reminds me of a children's book. You first encounter a drawing of the witch only to open the flap to reveal the full illustration.
2. The illustration itself looks like a woodcut. I have been searching the internet and the Library's Databases for more information. I will report back if I learn more.
3. Have you noticed the graphic art for Broadway Show? Nice, but I prefer the book's illustration.
