Welcome to the third day of Turkey Tales! Everyday this week, some of my favorite bloggers will be sharing some of their worst reads with us in the first Turkey Tales event.
Jackie from Literary Escapism is joining us for day three of Turkey Tales. I had the privilege of guest blogging for Jackie when her baby was born back in August and I’ve been looking for the opportunity to have her here on ATUF ever since. So today she’s carving into MaryJanice Davidson’s Queen Betsy series. Make sure to check out the giveaway details below.
By Jackie @ Literary Escapism
When Abigail first asked me to write about my worst read ever, I had the hardest time trying to figure out what that was. I really don't think of any novel as being a "worst" read; I'm firmly on the side of "it doesn't work for me, but it might for someone else", so I've been having to think about this for awhile. Then Abigail gave me something to think on - it doesn't necessarily have to be about a single novel, it could be an author.
I loved Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson. The whole premise was new and fresh and Betsy is hilarious. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second novel, Undead and Unemployed. This continued until I came to Undead and Unworthy and the completely different cover it has. I understand that marketing thought that too many novels were starting to go with the cartoon look and they didn't want the Betsy novels to get lost, but that was part of their appeal. They were fun and flirtatious, much like Betsy, and this new one didn't scream Betsy to me. It was like they were trying to make Betsy someone she hasn't been. Then they came out with the cover for Undead and Unwelcome. Seriously, what did the art department do? Get someone's daughter's barbie and posed her? Not only did the model look fake, but it changed the whole feel of the book. The tone of the novels didn't fit their covers any more, and honestly, I think it took away from the story.
I never really thought of myself as a cover junkie, but with Undead and Unworthy, I totally am. Amber, from Amberkatze's Book Blog, was one of the first I started following and it was rare for us to disagree on a book. In fact, one of the reasons I did follow her was because I agreed with her on every book. If she endorsed it, I knew I would love it. That all changed with Undead and Unworthy. She loved it. I couldn't put it down fast enough. Since then, I haven't picked up another Davidson novel. There's been two novels since then - Undead and Unwelcomed and Undead and Unfinished - plus the tenth one (Undead and Undetermined) due out next year and I can't dredge up any excitement. It's sad really because I do love Sinclair and I'm curious to see where their relationship has gone. But that would mean picking up not one, but two covers that were bad. With so many novels coming out in the paranormal genre, Davidson has totally lost me. I don't feel like I am going to get a great Betsy story when I know that Betsy is more fun than what her covers portray.
So I guess that Undead and Unworthy would have to be my worst read if I had to choose one. It made me stop reading a series that I was enjoying. I'm really hoping that the art department finds a new model for Undead and Undetermined. Now if I could get my hands on the UK versions, maybe I'll start reading them again.
Thanks so much Jackie! And check back tomorrow for another Turkey Tale from Angela from Dark Faerie Tales
Giveaway
5 winners will get to pick 1 of the books from the list below that I’m truly thankful for this year:
You can comment once a day on each Turkey Tales post (any post with the Turkey Tales graphic) for up to six entries. On Nov 26th, I’ll add up the entries and choose five winners to pick one of the 5 bat! Reviewed titles above to win.
Giveaway Guidelines
- Open Internationally (wherever The Book Depository ships)
- Leave a comment that includes:
- Tell Jackie what you think about her Turkey Tale choice
- A way to contact you if you win
- Winners will be announced on Nov 26th
I haven't read any of her books, so I can't say anything about them. But, I do have to agree about the cover, barbie gone bad, is not a good look.
ReplyDeletetwoofakind12@yahoo.com
Wow, that is a huge change in cover style! I haven't read any of the Betsy books although they've been on my list. I probably wouldn't even have realized those last ones were from the same series!
ReplyDeleteangela.donner @ gmail.com
Great choice cos love those Betsy covers, they are so fun :) But the newer ones, ugh, not the same feeling at all
ReplyDeleteblodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
I haven't read any of Davidson's book either, but if I really liked an author, the cover would not stop me from reading their books.
ReplyDeletejoycefierro@mindspring.com
I haven't read any of her books but I have to agree the change of covers is huge and not in a good way. I don't know if I would stop reading a series I really like because of a cover I would probably ignore it or cover it up so I won't have to look at it.
ReplyDeleteI've seen this series being recommended a lot, but I've never given it a chance partially because the covers were a major turn-off. I'm glad to hear that this series is actually funny in a good way.
ReplyDeleteJaded.huntress.of.iris@gmail.com
The American covers suck :) I remember when we both wrote those reviews and you asked me if I was serious! Actually my love for the series (nothing to do with the covers) has changed since Undead and Unfinished. Not sure what the author was thinking about when she wrote that one.
ReplyDeleteLots of books have really horrible covers but it is what is on the inside that counts. What I never understand is why some publishers feel the need to 'jazz up' a cover of a well established series and why the UK and US don't have the same covers in the first place.
Oh and choosing only one book for all those cool books (most of them on my wishlist) is quite an evil prize! I think you got it wrong...shouldn't it be one winner gets to pick five books :) Hehe
I've read some of the Betsy books and I didn't stop reading them because of the covers. I stopped because I just wasn't enjoying the stories very much.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jackie-
ReplyDeleteI, too, have found that covers definitely influences whether or not I pick up a book.
If you didn't like Undead and Unworthy, do not continue to read the series. I'm sure you heard about the tempst the last book caused. There's a twist which no one will see coming and doesn't fit with the series' tone. I have found that these books (like all of Davidson's series) are incredibly repeatative and the fun quickly wore off for me. Particularly since I find Betsy unappealing (like the main character from the Shopaholic books) and would have bludgeoned her to death by now.
acm05atjuno.com
I haven't read any of those books, but I agree with you somewhat on covers. I'm always drawn in by a cover. If it intrigues me, that will make me pick it up off the shelf. I have came across books that the cover was lacking but the story amazing. I really don't like the cover to the books, and that would be something I would probably not pick up off the shelf. Now, the UK covers are a different story
ReplyDeletejune111@att.net
I haven't read any of these books. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie
ReplyDeleteI can really relate to this post. Perhaps I am a little fickle, but I do believe that a book's cover has a lot to do with with the overall take on the book itself. Having never read of Dickinson's novels I can't comment on the actual stories, but I do know that I would NOT pick them up or buy them having seen these covers. I think they're awful. The UK versions, however, would get me excited!
I can be contacted at suzy.turner@hotmail.com
Many thanks for the opportunity to enter!
I haven't read any of Davidson's books, but I don't think I would stop reading a series I liked just because the covers are bad. The covers might affect weather or not I pick up a book in the first place, but once a series has me hooked, only a really bad installment will put me off. I agree, though, that the new Queen Betsy covers aren't great. The UK ones are much better.
ReplyDeleteI also hate when one book in a series really screws it up for the rest of them! Good pick.
ReplyDeletestarmetaloak(at)gmail(dot)com
i have not read these books but i understand what you mean..i have read a series and then right in the middle they change covers and its very off putting..i have some of the original p.c. cast goddess books but now they are these huge paperbacks and it looks award on my bookcase..
ReplyDeletelol i hate when a uk version looks better than a american i always end up saving for that edition instead of the us and get it on the uk amazon site or where ever uk books are sold (even tho shipping can be out there)
southrnbella614@yahoo.com
I haven't read these and I'm not a big fan of the covers. But the UK versions are a better choice.
ReplyDeletetinaigne[at]yahoo[dot]com
I love MaryJanice regardless of the cover design. My advice would be to get the hard covers and toss the dust jackets *winks*
ReplyDeleterobin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
When we think of the books we have read, we really don't think of the cover (at least I don't), but when I am browsing in the bookstore it is the cover that gets my attention. When I am following a series, I want the covers to flow together, and I dislike it a lot when the publisher suddenly changes the entire look. A series of covers should flow.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of these books yet. It does look like they changed the theme of the book by the cover changes. However I don't buy books for their cover.
ReplyDeleteseriousreader at live dot com
I felt a bit of disappointment for the change from Jennifer Estep's Bigtime series covers. Love the authors works but was sad to see the move away from the cartoon style of covers...it was a series of superheroes and I loved them.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. The first few covers are so fun and cute, and then they just get dull. It sucks that the cover artist changed, because the cover themes are as important as the book title, etc, in such a series.
ReplyDeletejuliecookies(at)gmail.com
I admit I often judge books by their covers, but it hasn't actually taken away from my enjoyment of a book, just made me make a choice in what to read. And yeah, the covers for the Davidson books are weird, like a zombie/vampire barbie doll. Jess Haines's covers have a weirdly doll-like cover 'model' too, that's a little off-putting. I think when the characters on covers don't resemble real people, it's hard to think of them that way and like them while reading their story.
ReplyDeleteb(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com
I have read one or maybe two of the "Betsy" books and they are not for me. They are too silly for my taste but like you, Jackie, I really do not judge another's preference. I always thought I was impervious to cover art influence but your discussion has me thinking that I am more influenced than I thought.
ReplyDeletesalvagin@verizon.net
I know it must be hard to choose a "bad" read and not only for fear of offending an author, but also because, like Jackie said, what doesn't work for you, may work for someone else. In fact a lot of books that I enjoy fall flat for my bff.
ReplyDeleteI must admit I haven't read this MJD series, but the way she explained it through the covers it makes perfect sense.
The cartoon-type covers really just emphasized that this was going to be a fun read, whereas the last three covers are dull and completely ooc for these books.
Sometimes it is hard though. Do you keep with the same successful recipe that has made you loved, or do you experiment and risk it with something new? Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! ;)
yvantis[at]hotmail[dot]com
I am always reluctant to pick up a book aimed at adults with cartoonish covers. So I agree with you on that.
ReplyDeleteLane
moiraethefates(AT)gmai(DOT)com
I haven't read Davidson's books, but I do hate it when covers change in the middle of the series. But if I love a series, I read it no matter how horrible the covers. Though if a series I've never read has ugly covers, I'm not likely to pick them up without a very good reason.
ReplyDeletemusmekipi at gmail dot com
I love that series. And while I didnt care for the cover change it didnt stop me from reading more about Betsy and her adventures. However, that one book was not the best in the series anyway and I was disappointed on more than one level. I didnt stop reading though and am glad to say that the next was right back up where I expected it to be. Covers have never stopped me from reading. I read based on the story and writing. But I will admit that I dont always care for them.
ReplyDeleteI too don't like it when covers change halfway through the series. As well as that, the first two books' covers were way better and something more adults would probably pick up I think.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
With all the fantastic covers out there there's really no excuse these days for having rubbish ones. I hate it when books change halfway through a series too. Looks so messy on the bookshelf!
ReplyDeletelibertyfallsdown (at) hotmail.co.uk
I agree on the way that a cover affects how much you enjoy a series....sometimes you like a series despite the cover but your enjoyment increases when the change a cover for the better (especially if the changes mean the characters look like they're supposed to!)
ReplyDeletemaureenfitzgerald99@gmail.com
Sometimes a book can surprise you even if the cover is terrible but I agree that model looks terrible!
ReplyDeleteChrizette
baychriz at gmail dot com
They really did a bad job changing the covers!! I haven't read or heard of these so I cant say what the books are like. If the cover of a series changes I try not to let it colour my judgement and will try to read it.
ReplyDeletenatcleary at gmail dot com
I had a recent experiece with covers when I read Heidi Betts's book The Bite Before Christmas. I loved Heidi's work and had to check out her first vampire book. The cover was horrible like the guy on the cover could fart at any time. It just set the mood of the book for me where I couldn't even finish it.
ReplyDeletejnmt3@hotmail.com
I understand what you mean about the covers. I loved the original art covers, too. But, I was a devoted reader of Queen Betsy, and I kept going. Then I read this year's Undead and Unfinished. You think the covers changed? With this book, the whole series changed. Betsy is mean. She does awful things. The devil looks good in comparison. (Really—the devil is a character in the book.) The only way you know it’s actually Betsy is she still has the shoe thing going. Undead and Unfinished was my UF turkey of the year. (Email in profile.)
ReplyDeleteI can't disagree with the Turkey Tales pick, because I haven't gotten that far in the series, but I do enjoy Mary Janice Davidson's books. I can agree that I was disappointed in the change of covers as well, but I don't read a book because of the cover so it won't stop me if I want to read a book.
ReplyDeleteBarbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
I totally agree with you about the change in cover style. I'm sorry to hear that you didn't like the series after Unworthy. I haven't read that far into the series, so I'll be curious as to why you didn't like it. I love Betsy otherwise!
ReplyDeletebooks (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com
I really wish they had a "save" feature when making comments...I totally lost what I was going to say...
ReplyDeleteI started reading the undead series and loved it to start as well, but lost track after a while too. Sometimes you can only judge a book by its cover...glad I wasn't the only one to get fed up with Betsy & co! :)
ReplyDeletenotanotherbookblog(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk
Haven't read this series either, but the new cover look is pretty bad. It does look like Barbie.
ReplyDeleteI actually kind of like the cartoonish look. Yeah, it's not the "way", but its different. Two series I immediately think of are Victoria Laurie's Ghost Hunter and Psychic Eye mystery series. They are cartoony but still awesome! It gives the book a light hearted feel to it when there's still a murder mystery going on.
jessbess2505[at]yahoo[dot]com
I've only read the first book in this series, but I definitely liked the old covers better than the new ones.
ReplyDeleterosie0512 @ hotmail . com
I haven't read any of those and agree the new covers leave much to be desired.
ReplyDeleteStacy
Chllybrd(at)gmail(dot)com
I haven't read this series yet but I probably won't either..like most of you said the cover aren't really catchy and the story line isn't interesting.
ReplyDeleteVan
Littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com
I actually never could get into this series, though that might be because I read her Fred the Mermaid book first and hated it. Still, I hate it when I read a series and get to a point where it takes a turn for the worse, and I'm torn because its no longer fun to read but I still want to know what happens to the characters.
ReplyDeletejlynettes @ hotmail . com
I started the series and was really excited about it, but now I cannot seem to finish her newest books. I can read all the other things she has written, but have lost interest in this series. I also agree with the covers. I do not like when they decide to change the artwork or artist in the middle of a series.
ReplyDeletesmccar1 at hotmail dot com
I thought I was the only one who didn't like the new covers. It seeemed the story stopped being fun, too. I had the misfortune of listening to one of the Queen Betsy stories and hated the narrator. Then the new cover came out and my brain associated the two ick factors. And I can't get past that. Sad, but true...
ReplyDeleteVWinship at aol dot com
I also prefer the new covers as well. I'm a fan of this series, but the last few haven't been as good because there has been so much reiteration of what has happened before.
ReplyDeleteSkk25@aol.com
I read an interview with Mary Janice Davidson back when the covers first changed - she said she requested the more "adult" look because she'd been getting fan mail from a lot of 13-year-olds attracted to the cartoonish covers.
ReplyDeletePersonally I was impressed the publisher even bothered taking her request into consideration. As for Betsy herself....I stopped reading after the 4th book. They were too repetitive for me.
cass at feministdracona dot net
wow! actually you said it all... I loved the first books and with the new cover went a slow in the interest I had in the books! I skimmed through the last one just because I got to know what's happenning... but really I dread the next one and that makes me sad... I think that authors should know when to stop the series because even though it gets more money (which is a reasonable wish) it disappoints everyone... a little like Janet Evanovich...
ReplyDeletesophieamontreal AT gmail DOT com
Sometimes it is hard to not judge a book by it's cover. I also find that many times half way through a series they will change the cover. I remember when they did that with Vampire Kisses they went from cartoon figures to a real person and I liked the old covers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post.
apk1princess(at)live(dot)com
I totally agree that the "serious" covers are so much more boring and obnoxious than the lighthearted ones. I love the UK covers--in fact, I usually prefer UK covers to American ones. Weird. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeletemrsderaps @ hotmail . com
I agree-its a shame too because those books sound really good. If I saw the first (good) cover in the bookstore (the cartoon one) then I would have probably picked it up...but the second one-no-I would never pick that up...it looks so fake and cheap.
ReplyDeletebonbonsandreveries@gmail.com
I haven't read the series, but I have to agree about the covers. The later ones would never attract my eye enough to want to read the blurb on the back.
ReplyDeleteKatie
bigferret at email dot com
I definitely agree with you on the covers! I gave up reading this series because it just lost my attention.
ReplyDeletelilazncutie1215[at]yahoo[dot]com
I have 3 books by MJD, but they still in my TBR piles :) Haven't read the series before though.
ReplyDeletei don't usually judging book by it's cover, but if the story is that really bad. well, i'm gonna quit my self to read it.
i agree that the UK cover is prettier :)
uniquas at ymail dot com
I loved the original cartoony covers for her books! It's such a shame they changed them....
ReplyDeleteI actually don't think the books are that good anymore (ducks from Betsey-lovers). The margins are huge, the page counts are low, it's amazing they have the balls to sell them hardback.
ReplyDeletethejoyofthejoyofcooking at hotmail dot com
Wow! I'm a huge cover lover, and quite honestly I'm not a fan of either cover "versions" for Davidson's Betsy books. Like you I like the original style best. However, I don't think I could ever let the cover make me hate the book. Sure if the UK covers would have been on them I probably would have read them sooner. Justifying a bad cover to dislike a book wouldn't go over well with me. I've read too many series where the covers change for the worst and the content is really amazing.
ReplyDeleteNice post, really gets my brian going!
goldeneyeddragon@gmail.com
Hi Jackie!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I started reading the Betsey series after a recommendation from a friend and I've given up. Sure, I get the UK covers, so the artwork is kinda cool, but it's the content I buy the books for and I'm over it.
It's nice to know I'm not the only one!
gillianbrampton(at)hotmail(dot)com
If a cover doesn't interest me, I won't pick it up to see the book blurb on the back. I like the Cartoon type covers, much better than the ones on Davidson later books. I don't think they do Betsy justice at all.
ReplyDeletejustpeachy36@yahoo.com
I didn't stop reading this series because of the cover, I stopped reading it because Betsy never learns anything. After the four or so books I read, I just got tired of her. I do hate stopping a series in the middle but I'm not tempted to pick this one back up.
ReplyDeletejen(at)delux(dot)com
I have the first book in the Queen Betsy series, it has been in my TBR pile for a bit. I don't think I would stop reading due to the covers, but I do agree that I really don't like the new ones. I like the cartoon ones. I bet you could order from Amazon UK. A good cover can definitely draw you in...it has for me many times.
ReplyDeleteheatwave96(at)hotmail.com
I agree, unfortunately, a cover can make or break a book. I'm a total cover whore. lol
ReplyDeleteDeidre
deidre_durance at hotmail dot com
I completely understand why view would change after reading a series that you enjoyed but the publisher decides change the cover art of a book. I once read a book called "The Lonely Werewolf Girl" by Martin Millar, I fell for the book even though it origanlly took me awhile to grip my teeth into it (so to speak) and I felt it had nothing to do with the book it self but the horrible cover art that it had for its state side release. The UK version had a beautifully drawn cover and I felt cheated. So in some small way I understand how you feel.
ReplyDeleteDarkfever by Karen Marie Moning Or The Greyfriar by Clay & Susan Griffith
Midnightangel124@gmail.com
I don't buy books because of the covers.
ReplyDeleteI may not bother to look through a book that has a bad cover but I buy books because I know and like the author or because I have read a good review or like the blurb.
I don't really understand how a bad cover could stop somebody from reading or enjoying a book ?
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
I couldn't agree more! The first few in the series were fantastic- super funny (laugh out loud inappropriately funny), stylish, overall a really innovative take on vamp fiction. As soon as the covers changed it was all downhill. The last 2 were so terrible I cant even vaguely recall the story line.
ReplyDeleteThank the gods I learned my lesson and didn't buy- checked them the library.
I haven't read her books yet, but I have to say, that's exactly how I feel when a book cover is nothing like or barely similar to the story itself - it kind of takes away the deeper meaning.
ReplyDeleteThank God there are UK versions.
asianpersonBM @ gmail . com
I have heard a lot of good things about the Queen Betty series, but it's sad to know they've gone downhill. The reviews on Amazon were never that good either.
ReplyDeleteangeldream3(at)gmail(dot)com
I haven't read any of the books yet, but I think how the covers look do influence a buyer.
ReplyDeleteaikychien at yahoo dot com
I don't like to think of myself as someone who judges a book by its cover but some are just so unsuitable it feels awkward.
ReplyDeleteI see a lot of books in translation and often the original covers are not the best.
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com
I also loved the first couple books! They were so funny and cheesy (in a great way) but they seemed to lose substance and then the cover changed, and you know what, I haven't read one since the cover change. I think it was a combination of the last few books before the cover change and the fact that, like you, the new covers just didn't appeal to me. Glad I'm not the only one!
ReplyDeletekirariyu[at]gmail[dot]com
I have not read any of these books nor have I had any interest in reading them. Why? I hate the covers. Cartoons seriously? If the publishers think cartoons are what best sells the story - the story is not worth my time.
ReplyDeleteI know, I know - don't judge a book by its cover....but I do.
kjovus(at)gmail(dot)com
Never read the series. Don't think I will. I dislike those kind of covers
ReplyDeletejbax90@gmail.com
I've never stopped liking a series because of its covers (I usually ignore covers anyway because most times they just don't reflect the book at all). However, I do have this series on my TBR pile so I guess I'm just going to find out for myself.
ReplyDeletespettolij AT gmail DOT com
+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteAwww, that's too bad. =( Not just that the series has gone downhill, but that the covers are such a turn-off.
One writer pointed out that the first things the reader ever sees--the cover design, the plot summary, and the blurbs--are things the writer had no control over at all. I'm not sure whether a writer with Davidson's clout would have more say in this matter, though.
Anyway, I try not to judge a book by its cover . . . but I have to admit the cover makes an enormous difference. I don't blame you for staying away from those evil Barbie clones!
altaemoeniaRomae [at] Gmail [dot] com
I haven't read any books from this author but I doubt I'd stop by to pick up these books if I were browsing around the bookstore. Cartoon-ish covers don't draw me in. I have to agree that the new covers wouldn't make it on my radar either.
ReplyDeletenalynboni AT gmail DOT com
I don't know this author, but I completely agree with you - these covers are simply awful! I wouldn't pick it in the book store. Unfortunately, some publishers have this brilliant idea about changing amazing covers into something "better". Similar situation took place in my country (Poland). The publisher has changed covers of Mercedes Thompson's series is and they looked simply awful. Fortunately, after some heavy complaining from fans, they returned to the original ones.
ReplyDeleteBarbara
himilika[at]hotmail[dot]com
I haven't read any books in this series. But in the series I follow I would have to read all the books even if one wasn't that good. That's just me .
ReplyDeleteelaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Well, the art is a little bit on the cartoon-ish side. It wouldn't have completely turned me off from the book but I do hope like Jackie that the new covers have better illustrators. But I'd like to find those books anyway, I read the story plots and they don't seem too disastrous as the covers (:-p). The cliche "don't judge a book by its cover" may actually be put to the test here.
ReplyDeletelegally_write[at]hotmail[dot]com
I liked this series at first but it quickly lost its appeal to me. I found them a little bland (and too short). However, I recently decided to go back and read the books I never read and I really enjoyed the last one (Undead and Unfinished). I'm actually going to read the next one coming out.
ReplyDeleteAfter I've read the first book in a series, the covers don't really change whether or not I'll read the next book. It does change whether I'll be reading it at home or when I'm out though.
karenbailey@internode.on.net
MaryJanice Davidson's books are rarely hits and mostly misses for me... After the 5th book, I stopped reading her Betsy series. It was just more of the same, and while I like knowing what I'll get from a writer based on their previous efforts, that doesn't mean I should be able to guess what'll happen just by reading the back cover.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I agree with you about the UK covers, they're very cute and remind me of fashion illustration!
I didn't read anything from this author but if the summary sounds good ,then the cover doesn't matter:)
ReplyDeleteSorry ..i didn't post my email ...
ReplyDeleteraluk.93 at gmail (dot) com
I have not read anything from this author yet and I can't seem to get started I think it's the covers, they don't draw me in as other covers do but maybe someday I get around to starting this series.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
mysteriousredrose(at)yahoo(dot)com
I haven't read anything from the author. But now looking at the covers I probably won't in the future. It's doing nothing to draw me in at all and if the covers are just terrible I tend to stay away. I am a little biased but I completely agree.
ReplyDeleteVivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
Yeah, I agree, I'm not a big fan of the covers either but I read & loved the first book but then I got distracted from continuing the series & now it's just outta control. I still buy them as they release but I find myself sorta over stepping them, partly because the series is so long now & their are other books in my TBR pile that I'm dying to read next and partly because the covers will get me some good ribbing & jabs from the guys at work. I've been trying to win one of those pretty book covers over at LovLivLife's blog just for this very reason. Covers have gotten really awesome these past few years and it's hard to believe bad ones are still being made. I don't, not buy a book for it's cover but once it's bought, depending on where I have to take it, will help determine the pecking order of what gets read next. Great post. Hope you had a great Turkey Day, I'm stuffed! ;D
ReplyDeleteStephmartin71(at)yahoo(dot)com
its been a while since i've read one of mjd books. they were cute and funny for a few but it got old after awhile but they covers do look very different like they are two different stories.
ReplyDeletescrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
Jackie, I heard good things about this series, just what you wrote that is was fresh, unqiue and so funny. And I loved the old US covers. I agree with you, covers do matter to me too. I'm willing to pay more for the book with a nice cover than have the cheap one with an ugly one. Sorry to hear that the awful covers ruined this series for you. (And sorry but I don't like the UK covers either, I would like the cute cartoon covers back!)
ReplyDeletestella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
It was interesting to read how closely you connect the covers with the story inside. For me, the covers aren't important. I tend to read both English language books and translations, and sometimes omnibus versions of older series. Then, the same book can have a variety of covers. I also read ebooks and they don't necessarily have covers at all, just the title and the writer's name.
ReplyDeletemhamalainenenator@gmail.com