Always judge a book by its cover

Lunchtime today was spent browsing books in Waterstones.

I've been getting through books like a hot knife through butter having recently enjoyed Louise Wener's The Half Life of Stars (she was the lead singer with Sleeper, now a novellist) and Scarlett Thomas's Seaside. Both of those female writers I highly recommend.

And so I'm browsing and judging books by their covers, as you do. And the ones I put back on the shelves had one of more of these things on the front cover - a champagne bottle, a wine glass, a stiletto, or the cover sparkled or was pink.

To sum up then - if it looks like it might be chick-lit, it goes back on the shelf.

Comments

corrierules said…
I am a big fan of Marian Keyes. Funny and poignant.
3:57 PM
Steve said…
I'm the same. I've never ever bought a book with a champagne bottle of stiletto on the cover. Or a close-up of lips with glossy lipstick.
7:47 PM
Tvor said…
I like chicklit, but though the cover might attract me, i still have to check out the blurb on the back and if there's no blurb, just reams of pages from other writers and press telling me how good the book is but with no storyline description, i won't buy it unless i know the author well.

Having said that, i've noted those two books. Chicklit isnt' the only thing i read! ;)
12:40 PM
diane s said…
Hey, you might be missing out on some great books, young lady!
Because:
1. Chick lit is not all bad, by any means
and
2. Not all books branded as chick lit actually are chick lit.
Plus:
3. God, I hate the term chick lit. It really is demeaning to women writers, IMO.
3:55 PM
diane s said…
Forgot to say that my friend Keris has lent me that Louise Wener book, and I'm looking forward to reading it.

And also:
http://www.salon.com/mwt/broadsheet/feature/2008/07/30/chick_lit/

I'll shut up now.
:)
3:57 PM
Glenda Young said…
hi diane - never shut up, please! I always like to hear what you have to say. I'll check that link and I hope you enjoy Louise Wener.
5:58 PM
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