I’m a sucker for pretty book covers, so I thought: why not compile a list of 12 books with pretty covers everyone should read? If you’re like me, then you also judge books by their covers, and I totally understand you.
Although, I get disappointed every now and then when I realize that the cover is the best part of the book. It happens at times, unfortunately.
Depending on the season, I like all types of colorful and eye-catching designs. These are just a few of my latest books that I wanted to read mostly because of their pretty covers.
If you read any of the books on this list, I would really like to hear your thoughts on them. If not, maybe this post will entice you to grab at least one of them.
Either way, your bookish feedback is always welcome, as long as it remains respectful.
Let’s see which 12 books with pretty covers are amongst my favorites.
12.Want by Lynn Steger Strong
This pretty cover book has a lot more substance than meets the eye. It is a story about a woman who at thirty four is facing a crisis in her life, and she reaches out to her long lost childhood friend. But her friend is also going through something herself, so she is forced to deal with things she wants on her own. With more than three stars on Goodreads it isn’t very highly rated, but I’m still curious about it. So stay tuned for my thoughts on it once I manage to read it.
11.A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
I read a few books by the author already, and I liked the ones I read so far. Usually her covers are also pretty, so that’s always a plus.
This book is about a very hard subject, but the cover makes it seem more lightweight than it actually is. It describes the day inside an abortion clinic, when a gunman enters it and takes hostages, which ends in a few casualties.
The two controversial topics written about in this book are done in typical Picoult style: very well described, honest, and well-researched.
Find it on Amazon: A Spark Of Light
10.Secret Lives of Mothers & Daughters by Anita Kushwaha
This intergenerational tale is a very underhyped book, but I hope more of you will read it after hearing about it here.
Mothers and daughters are known for having strained relationships at times, complex at the best of times. Kushwaha tells the story from different points of view, describing it with many intricate layers.
Plus, I think the cover is so colorful and pretty, it should entice you to pick it up.
Find it on Amazon: Secret Lives of Mothers and Daughters
9.Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This book was so hyped last summer, but I think it is well-deserved.
Lessons in Chemistry is a very observant yet funny story about a woman chemist who gets her own TV cooking show. Taking place in the sixties, the author captures the sexist way men used to treat women in the workforce, especially in a male dominated field. Hard to believe it is the author’s debut novel, it is very well-written and highly addictive. I also happen to love the colorful cover.
Find it on Amazon: Lessons in Chemistry
8.The Roses of May by Dot Hutchison
Although most of the books on this list are from the contemporary fiction genre, I had to include at least a thriller. Don’t be fooled folks, the pretty cover hides a pretty dark and twisted thriller. This is the second book in the Collector series, by Dot Hutchison. Some reviewers say it isn’t as good as the first in the series, The Butterfly Garden, but the cover sure is pretty. I’m still going to give this series a go at some point in the near future.
Find it on Amazon: The Roses of May
7.The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
Another book that seems to have very high reviews on Goodreads, The Island of Missing Trees also has a very pretty cover.
The story seems to be very well narrated yet heartbreaking. Two teenagers fall in love during difficult times, only to be separated by extenuating circumstances. Later on in life, as adults, they are both reminded of their forbidden love and try desperately to find their way. Their relationship is compared to the growth of a fig tree, on which the whole tale is based.
Find it on Amazon: The Island of Missing Trees
6.Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler
I already mentioned wanting to read this book in a previous post, but I didn’t get a chance to get to it yet.
Regardless, this cover is simple yet breathtaking, so I’m including it again. I did watch the TV adaptation that is based on the book, so I know what to expect.
Although the book is not very highly rated, it is still one that I plan to read at some point. And yes, I do judge this one by its cover!
Find it on Amazon: Sweetbitter
5.The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz
I must say, when I found this book last year at my favorite second hand bookstore, I screamed for joy! After hearing about it on Instagram, I immediately knew I wanted to read it. I figured I’ll grab a copy from the library at some point, but then I stumbled upon it when I least expected it.
The cover is gorgeous in my opinion, and the book itself has over 4 star reviews on Goodreads. Another well developed, dysfunctional family tale that promises to be a joy to read.
Find it on Amazon: The Latecomer
4.Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Now we get to some of my favorite books I’ve read in a while, but they also happen to have very pretty book covers.
This is my most recent five star book, and I think it is definitely with the hype. If you’ve never read anything by the author yet, I urge you to do so. Full review to come shortly, once I gather my thoughts.
What I will say for now is that I absolutely loved the way Napolitano weaves a story that takes place over the course of four sisters’ lives. This family saga is a book you didn’t know you needed to read.
Find it on Amazon: Hello Beautiful
3.Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult
What more can I say about this book that I haven’t already? If you haven’t read my full review, I will link it below, but please read this book.
Not only is the cover absolutely beautiful, the story is very powerful and moving. It is a must read, as far as i’m concerned. It is told from different POVs, and the timeline is mostly related from the past to the present.
As most of her books, Mad Honey is very thought provoking and it teaches the reader about a specific topic. Without giving any more away, although if you read my review, you know what the book is about, today I will simply urge you to pick up this book.
If you haven’t read it yet, try to do so at some point. It will open your eyes about quite a lot of interesting topics.
2.Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
This book was my favorite last year, plus I think the cover alone is worth buying it for. For a debut novel, the author managed to capture my heart. I’m really looking forward to her next novel, Blue Sisters, which is coming out in June 2024.
Her writing style is compared to Sally Rooney, but I think Mellors has her own voice. I don’t really like it when people compare writers to one another, as they are all unique. Well, mostly!
I will say this though: if you like messed-up complicated people, complex relationships, and a relatable and heartbreaking story, then I strongly suggest you give it a try. Then share your thoughts with me, if you will please!
Find it on Amazon: Cleopatra and Frankenstein
1.The Ballerinas by Rachel Kepelke-Dale
This is my favorite book cover of all time, possibly. It is like a true work of art, simply gorgeous. If you like ballet as I do, you will absolutely fall in love with this pretty cover. And the book is also one of my all-time favorites, it was definitely amongst my favorites of 2022.
It contains lots of ballet references but it is also strong on character development, and tackles the complex relationships between three female friends. The ballerinas’ world is well portrayed, with many references to their demanding schedules and rigorous routines. A must-read for ballet lovers that are looking for an engaging novel about ambition, friendships, betrayals, and passion for the performing art.
Find it on Amazon: The Ballerinas
Concluding Words
This sums up 12 of my favorite books with pretty covers. I thought it was an appropriate time of year to share them with you.
Unfortunately, a few of those books are library copies, but I will eventually get them for my personal library. Especially since I absolutely loved the content of those books as well, not just their covers!
Stay tuned later in the year for my favorite thriller covers. Since it’s my favorite genre, I will dedicate a post entirely to the books I own. They are also pretty, even though the subject matter is a lot darker. Until then, keep reading my fellow bookworms!
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