".never judge a book by its cover."

Ok, let's just be honest readers...how many of you really take this quote seriously?

I, for one, have never taken it seriously, and here's why...
For starters, most writers (contemporary, at least) have a pretty good deal of influence on what their book cover will look like.  They are usually present at what is called a "cover concept meeting" where they can discuss with the art department, or whoever may be in charge of designing the book cover, what they envision for the front of the book.


Secondly, the cover of a book more often than not, depicts what kind of theme or feeling the book will have.  We all know what kind of stuff we like, so the cover is the first indicator (in addition to book lists and recommendations) for what would interest us.  For example, in the case of Audrey Niffeneger's second novel, Her Fearful Symmetry, although there are no graphics featured on the front of the hardcover edition, you can tell a lot from its design, colors, and typeface...

For those of you who have picked up this wonderful book, you will know that this cover is a perfect depiction of the novel in every way, right down to the veiny branches emerging from the sides to make the title.  Although you can't see it in this picture, the cover itself has a high-gloss finish that gives an "other-worldly" feel which is again, perfect.  Although I picked up this book because the author had written The Time Traveler's Wife, the cover would have been an influential part in taking it down from the library shelf.

Another example is Katherine Howe's The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane.  It's made to look like an old...well...physick book, and who doesn't love that?  

When an author and/or publishing company and/or agent goes above and beyond to create a aesthetically-pleasing cover, it shows they put a lot of interest and personal investment in the novel they are promoting.  These people aren't stupid; they know most of us find our next read on the shelves and tables of bookstores and libraries, or inside of magazines or pamphlets from bookshops.  I admit, I'll grab one of the free papers from bookstores and scan the covers to see if anything interests me.  If I find a captivating cover, I will more than likely read on to see if the story sounds interesting.

I'm dying to read these new books if only because of their fascinating covers!

So...does "Never judge a book by its cover" mean anything to you?? be honest...