Do you ever judge a book by its cover?

No .Never.I always judge books by the author and by reviews only.But I just cannot deny the fact that the covers are luring and very attractive.

Most of the books I read are from authors I've never heard of-though, that's really because I just like trying new authors to see if I'll like them or not. Since the books are written by people I've not heard of, reading about the author doesn't really tell me much about the book itself, so it's really reading a paragraph or two of the first chapter that tells me if I might like it or not. I have to say though, that for the "unknowns", the cover art can really make a difference, even if it's just a slight one. Many covers show an image that resembles a possible scene described in the book, so it helps to give me insight into what the book is about. For those books that don't have a scene, or no real cover art to speak of, then there's no choice about judging it by the cover. When that happens, I go back to reading into the first chapter, and go from there. As to the authors I do know, it wouldn't matter if they covered their books in coffee stains and mashed potatoes-I'd just make sure I had some wet-naps on hand when I read.

It depends. Am I buying the book, new or used? If so, I read titles, look at covers, pick up and try & read the "blurb." I am less likely to buy/read a book where all they have is comments and no blurb about the book. I don't care if Time or Scientific American or even Steven King likes a book, give me some details about the book to see if *I* will like it. If I am checking it out of the library, I am actually a bit more likely to pick up and look a book by its cover. Is it very worn? That means its been checked out a lot, probably means its a pretty good book.

Actually covers are just covers .. But the contents is always be a contents.. coz we just dont know what stories awaits us.

The art/graphics on a book will definitely grab my attention, however before I buy it, I read the story's summary. Most of the time, the book with the most graphics and attractive designs, lacks a storyline. I guess that is why that particuliar book has such a nice exterior, so it can make up for the lack of content on the inside. Kind of like how people are. Well, at least the ones I know. They are pretty on the outside, but on the inside, they are ugly. But anywho, if it was a book by Stephen King, then I will buy that book in a heartbeat.

I had to admit, I do have to like the cover to read a book. Well most of the time. But seeing as the author who wrote the book and the illustrator who designed the cover are usually different people, I know it's not a good thing to judge it by it's cover. Lately I find, some books may have really nice art work in front but the book is kind of boring. And some books have unpleasing art in the front but the story is real nice.

grabbing a book really depends on how i know the author writes because if i haven't read any from that author and even if the summary of the book is tempting (as summary always are tempting) i'll have a second thought of it. but if i read so many writings from that author, even if the cover is so dull that nobody would ever pick it -- i'll give it a try.

I try not to let the cover sway my decision...Unless I'm going to buy a particular book,in which case the cover is irrelevant,I'll break my choice down by Author,cover synopsis,or genre,depending what I'm in the mood for..I used to get some of my favourite Author's back catalogue by checking out used book places...good books get reprinted,and older versions can be found in these places-same book as the one with the flashy brand new cover,just older cover art... As long as you enjoy the book and don't regret the choice later,is the main thing :)

no,i don't judge the book by its cover,the cover isn't important for me but the content is

yup i've done this before. most of the time the illustration on the front cover attracts me, and then only i'll read the summary at the back of the book. if it's as interesting as the cover then that's it- i'm definitely buying! haha.

I don't judge the book by its cover but most of the time, the title of it and the author. Have a happy day reading your favorite book!

Ya what I normally do is. Read the titles and if I find one that sounds interesting then I look at the cover and if it looks interesting then I will read the write up on it. And so far it has worked very well for me.

I don't usually judge a book by its cover, though the color and artwork can be eye catching. If it catches my eye i'll pick it up and read the back to see if i'll be interested in it.

i never judge a book by its coverpage i look for a good author and then read the plot or synopsis of the story which is printed at the back of the book .... if it is appealing i go ahead and buy the book if i dont find a author with whome i am familiar i judge the book by the critical acclaim it has recieved

Good cover art is a temptation, but I usually read for the storyline and the author sometimes.

I do like appealing covers. Some of the cover art is truly amazing. Although the "fancy" covers that have cut outs are annoying because they are usually torn from getting caught on other books. As for the synopsis, it does not always accurately summarize the story. Over the years, I've come across a few books where the synopsis was so far off the story line, I had to wonder what book the synopsis writer was actually detailing. My main criteria in choosing a book is the author's style. With unfamiliar authors, I will read the synopsis to get the story line, then I will read the first few lines of the book. If I'm not caught by then, or if the flavour of the book is "darker" than what I am in the mood for, I won't buy the book.

I don't think it's shallow whatsoever. But I sort of want to turn the discussion around. I find that books with a bad cover most of the times ARE bad books. So I won't choose a book because of it's cover, but I'll rather skip books because of them. Which might make me miss a possible masterpiece every now and then, but then again, I find that the cover is important as well. If you look at the great writers, you won't find a lot of horrible covers. Obviously there are exceptions, as you mentioned yourself, but I do find this to be a rule. And yes, like everybody else, I will look for authors, or read reviews and base my choice on that.

I must admit that I look at the cover. I read the fly leaves. I read the cover. I also will read part of the book before I check it out in the library or purchase it. I do not see anything wrong with using a cover to help make a decision especially if you do not know the author and do not know if the book is something that you will like.

I never judge a book until I read the pages...

I sure don't. But sometimes when i look for movies to watch i do that i don't know if its the same principle though. I have books that i bought that i haven't even gone through the first chapter and i left it, not because it wasn't good nor it was bad but i forget about it easy.