by Maria Ferrer
Welcome to a new feature on The Latina Book Club,
Welcome to a new feature on The Latina Book Club,
Book Cover Fridays
Every Friday we will be discussing book covers, because YES, we do judge books by their cover. They are so much fun, and book covers often times give clues as to what the book is truly about.
In a 2018 survey, 82% of respondents said they check out the book covers and read the back cover copy before buying a book. We agree. We are visual people so let’s judge books by their covers.
We want to start with Sylvia Moreno-Garcia’s MEXICAN GOTHIC (Del Rey), last year’s runaway hit. The author’s first gothic novel and an Amazon Best Book of July 2020.
What do you see on this book cover? Well the title alone tells us that it is going to be dark. Gothic conjures up images of dark pleasures and forbidden desires. The heroine is young, sexy, and look at that beautiful dress with lace bodice and tulle skirt. Gorgeous. Now, did you notice the brocade wallpaper behind her, the wilted flowers in her hands. Those clearly state that this is a historical novel and there are hard times ahead.
Now let’s take a look at this new book cover from Moreno-Garcia’s upcoming May book, THE BEAUTIFUL ONES (Tor Books). Again a young heroine with swept up hair and jeweled comb. For anyone who is obsessed with the Netflix series, Bridgerton, you know that means our heroine is a debutante, young, impressionable, about to meet society and the male species head on.
Do you also see the fan and the dragonflies? Fans have their own language, which any self-respecting Lady of that time period knew. A fan on the right hand means Yes. To what will be fun to find out. And, the dragonflies symbolize change, transformation and self-realization. We are quivering with delight.
Plus, remember that the author is Sylvia Moreno-Garcia, which means magical realism is going to play a part in the story, and sure enough per the back cover blurb we learn that Nina is considered a witch and is “dazzled” by Hector a world traveling performer with powers. And the back cover also tells us that: THE BEAUTIFUL ONES is a charming tale of love and betrayal, and the struggle between conformity and passion, set in a world where scandal is a razor-sharp weapon.
We’re sold on this book cover. Aren’t you? --mf
PS: Email us your book covers if you would like to be featured on our Book Cover Fridays at latinabookclub@aol.com. Happy Reading. Happy New Year. Happy Everything.
Maria Ferrer is the founder of The Latina Book Club. She is an avid reader and hopeful writer, who enjoys promoting and supporting Latino writers of all genres. Her mantra: Read Latino Lit.
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