I will totally admit that I judge books based on their covers. When I'm browsing the shelves or looking through my library's app, I definitely give priority to books that are eye catching. The chances of me picking up a book with an ugly cover are usually slim to none, so today I decided to do something different. I'm picking out some of the ugliest books I could find, actually taking time to read the blurbs, and then deciding if I'd give them a chance.
When sixteen-year-old Cynda goes to stay with her father and his second wife, Susan, at their remote bed-and-breakfast inn in Maine, everything starts off well despite legends about ghosts and a murder at the inn. But Cynda feels like a visitor in Dad's new life, an outsider. Then intense, handsome stranger Vincent Morthanos arrives at the inn and seems to return Cynda's interest. At first she is blind to the subtle, insistent signs that Vincent is not what he seems-that he is, in fact, a vampire. Can Cynda free herself-and her family-from Vincent's power before it's too late? Full-bodied characterizations and page-turning suspense ensure that this eerie, riveting novel will appeal to middle school fans of mystery and horror. (Goodreads)
Um... Hm. So the fact that this was published in the 90s makes a little more sense, but this book seems yikes in a few ways. Not least of which, is that guy on the cover supposed to be the handsome stranger? Also, this is listed as YA and the synopsis makes it seem like YA, but it's intended for middle schoolers. Isn't YA for teens? Aren't teens in high school? How out of touch am I?? No, I wouldn't pick this one up.
"I could see the star it was red and it was coming towards earth at a rapid speed. My life flashed before me …Was it the end of my life as I knew it?"
Scarlet can remember her life before the new world order took over but now she is on the run with four kids from 4 different parts of the world and she has no idea who to trust and who to turn to. Will she survive the final battle between good and evil? (Goodreads)
What is this cover?? Who approved this? Actually looking at the synopsis for this book is proving difficult because my eyes keep going back to all of the weird happening. Is that a Norse temple? Are those hot pink leaves? What is going on? What on this cover looks like anything to do with the new world order and the battle between good and evil? Noooooope.
Calla is the alpha female of a shape-shifting wolf pack. She is destined to marry Ren Laroche, the pack's alpha male. Together, they would rule their pack together, guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But then, Calla saves a beautiful human boy, who captures her heart. Calla begins to question everything - her fate, her existence, and her world and the orders the Keepers have asked her to follow. She will have to make a choice. But will she follow her heart if it means losing everything, including her own life? (Goodreads)
I feel like this book got a better cover at some point. Right? It had to have. Despite how awful the cover is, I think this is one I'd actually consider reading. I'm not usually into shifters, but I am really into the forbidden romance trop, so this does sound like something I might enjoy.
John can have any girl he wants. Jennifer's never been kissed. Everybody thinks he's perfect. She's got issues with pride and jealousy. They were best friends-once. Now, they're playing Romeo and Juliet. Virgin lips Jennifer must have her first kiss on stage with John, the guy every girl in school wants. The pressure and tension build along with each staged kiss. Both are shocked when feelings bloom. Can either tell which kisses are real and which are for show? (Goodreads)
I just want to point out that this book was published in the 2010s. It doesn't get the 90s free pass. I would not give this book a second glance if I passed it on the shelf. The synopsis ALMOST sounds interesting, but good grief, who left "virgin lips Jennifer" in that paragraph? I just. No please.
One vow. One curse. One thousand moons.
While Princess Aowyn's six brothers are favored by their father, Aowyn is the jewel in her mother's crown. When the Queen dies, Aowyn takes a vow to protect her brothers and father from the hungry eyes of the queen's handmaiden, Ciatlllait - who is more than she seems.
In order to save her family, Aowyn risks a dangerous deal with the dark creature Sylas Mortas. But magic comes with a price: and Aowyn soon realizes the one she has paid is too steep.
Only true love can reverse the spell...but it will take one thousand moons.
Set in a Celtic world, "Moonlight" is the story of faith and true love woven through a breathtaking retelling of the classic folktale "The Swan Princess". (Goodreads)
This isn't the worst cover on the list, but it isn't good. I wouldn't pick it up if I saw it at Barnes & Noble. Honestly the author's name font is making me cringe. That being said, the story does sound pretty good - we all know I love a good retelling! The one (non-cover) thing that really gives me pause is the fact that "Ciatlllait" is apparently not a typo.
The moral of the story is, I think, get a good blurb writer. I have no doubt that some of these might actually be decent, but between the cover and the synopsis I would never pick most of them up.
Finally, I leave you with these two works of art that I won't even share the blurbs for because they're too ugly:
Do you pick up ugly books?
How do you choose your next read?
Let me know in the comments!
