So ... as I've been doing reviews and checking out books, I noticed something. A lot of green. Which I put on a "maybe I'll do a Trending Thursday post" about this.
Then I learned something interesting. Traditionally, in book and magazine publishing, green covers have been considered a bad idea. Slate did an article about it a few years back. John Gall, a VP and art director for a major publisher, talked about it in an interview.
Well, who knew? But when I thought about it, I decided I hadn't seen a ton of green covers in YA. And if there were green covers, they were typically used for later books in popular series. Like these:
I haven't done a scientific study, but it also seems to me that there have been more green covers since this VERY green book came out:
Since then, we've seen MANY more green covers.
That's a cool bit of info. Who knew green was a color to stay away from?? I have quite a lot of green books, so I guess I've been rolling with the rebels :) But now that I look at all those green ones together.... I'm thinking BLAH!!! I don't like.
ReplyDeleteI think it's just a weird superstition probably. I don't wear green that much, but I like it in other objects.
DeleteO, I'm loving it! I have Siren's Song, and it's GORGEOUS!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I'm not a fan of the color green, so non of these covers really appeal to me, but I know a lot of people do like green. Kind of weird to think about.
ReplyDeleteThat is really interesting! I personally am not a green fan. I hadn't really noticed the lack of green covers but now I'm intrigued. Will have to look into this :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I actually like green and those covers.
ReplyDeleteLove the title for this post, Jen! :) As green is my very favorite color I really like green covers. I'm sure not everyone does, but there have been some good ones.
ReplyDeleteI love green covers myself, and every time I see Heir of Fire I want it for that very reason. lol. Those are all nice but then I'm partial since it's my fave color. The stiefvater and Gier ones are both nice, and I've always like The Body in the Woods.
ReplyDeleteI never noticed that Green covers weren't popular!! I have 2 shelves of green books. xD And I'm not entirely sure that Heir of Fire started the trend, tbh? Although it probably has helped, because it's so successful. But Fangirl and The Wicked Will Rise are two that are pretty popular and came out before Heir of Fire!!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it started the trend, but maybe it proved that a very green cover can sell tons of books? And Fangirl is green I guess, but sort of a mint pastel color that isn't that in-your-face emerald color.
DeleteIt's so interesting, I never realised that there weren't that many green covers but you are actually right! I like them especially when paired with nature, but it's fascinating to hear why they aren't the preferred. Lovely post Jen!
ReplyDeleteYep. Green is not a soothing colour. It doesn't inspire calm which a reader needs to relax and enjoy their book. Lol.
ReplyDeleteLol, Jen, you've got such an eye, you! :D Green is okay, better than other things, I guess. And the more abstract, the better - generally speaking. So tired of the ball-gown-bedecked girls plastered across so many front covers...
ReplyDeleteNice. Green is my favorite color, and I like most of these covers.
ReplyDeleteI read this post in my email, but I couldn't see the pictures, since then I noticed I only have 5 green books! One of those is Isla and the Happily Ever After. I love how they looks, but I haven't seen many that I like.
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