Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly book meme run by That Artsy Reader Girl. This is my first time participating two weeks in a row; as a sucker for a good cover, I just couldn’t resist taking part.

For this list, I’ve tried to supply a balance of books I’ve already bought because of the title/cover, and books that caught my eye but I don’t have yet.

I’m sure there’s a book or two that I’m forgetting that would be perfect for this list, but putting myself on the spot to remember specific books has me struggling. No big deal, though, it’ll just bother me forever.

Far-Seer by Robert J. Sawyer

I’m a sucker for inhuman characters, especially of the reptilian variety. When I first saw this book in my middle school’s library, I definitely picked it up because of this cover. Little did I know just how much the story would exceed my expectations.

Homesick for Another World by Ottessa Moshfegh

This book was my introduction to the author, whom I’ve become a fan of since, but I was originally drawn to the book because of the retro-looking flying saucer on the cover. Sometimes I am a simple fellow.

Eating the Dinosaur by Chuck Klosterman

I’d never heard of Klosterman before this book, which I came across at a book sale at my work for $1. I liked the illustration and really wanted to know more about his thoughts on eating dinosaurs.

Godzilla in Hell by James Stokoe et al

I’ve been a Godzilla fan since childhood, and the very idea that this title evoked in me was so audacious and weird I just had to pick it up and read it. I lament that it is very hard to find a physical edition of this book. I’d buy it all over again to have it in print.

Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

The reference to Lovecraft helped draw my eye, but the physical book itself is absolutely one of my favourite physical copies to a novel that I own. It’s beautifully rendered to look like a beaten up, old pulp novel with a wonderful texture to the hardcover itself, and the actual art looks fantastic. I just love holding and looking at this book.

Mordew by Alex Pheby

A very recent edition to my ‘Want to Read’ shelf, it is almost 100% because of what the cover looks like. The creepy, high-contrast art just appeals to me. And would you lookit how big that bird is?

The Book of Koli by M.R. Carey

I’ve had this book on my TBR for a while, but I can never clearly recall what it’s supposed to be about. I can always summon the title and cover in my mind, however, as I just love the contrast between the lushness of the greenery that somehow also looks alien and threatening, even though their curling shape is just because they’re sprouts.

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix

Another recent addition, I love the reference to horror movie tropes that the title promises, and the cover is a nice, minimalistic design that reminds me of the art found on retro horror novels, which I wish for a return of. They could be so gross, weird, and/or unnerving.

The River Has Teeth by Erica Waters

I have no recollection of what this is about, so it’s perfect. I love the art and I love the title, both of which carry a vague yet threatening aura to them.

The Plague Charmer by Karen Maitland

I haven’t read any of Maitland’s books yet, though I bought her novel A Gathering of Ghosts for the same reason I want this book: I just love the title and cover, both of which include images of serpentine creatures. I especially love the aesthetics of this eel, though. I just find it very eye-catching and memorable. Can you tell I like spooky art?

---

Until next time, thank you for reading! Feel free to share your own list down below.