The drab looking book cover

Use this forum to discuss the October Book of the Month "McDowell" by William H. Coles.
Post Reply
User avatar
P Reefer
Posts: 601
Joined: 06 May 2018, 08:13
Favorite Book: The Lost Identity Casualties
Currently Reading: De Facto Feminisn
Bookshelf Size: 159
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-p-reefer.html
Latest Review: The McCoys Before The Feud by Thomas McCoy

The drab looking book cover

Post by P Reefer »

Does the black and white book cover of a demure looking gentleman do justice to Mc Dowell's character? If yes what aspects of his character does it seems to highlight ? What might be a more fitting picture to capture a wide audience that would be reflective of some aspect of the narrative.
User avatar
briellejee
Posts: 1597
Joined: 25 Aug 2017, 23:40
Currently Reading: Opaque
Bookshelf Size: 292
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-briellejee.html
Latest Review: The Watchmaker’s Doctor by G. M. T. Schuilling

Post by briellejee »

I think the black and white cover is fitting for the book. It highlights the mysteriousness and the simplicity and straightforwardness portraying McDowell's character. Vibrant colors may be eye-catching but black and white and minimalism also do that. It makes the book even more enigmatic, in my opinion.
"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost"
User avatar
Jmteachmom
Posts: 176
Joined: 21 Oct 2017, 10:44
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 33
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jmteachmom.html
Latest Review: One Way or Another by Mary J. Williams

Post by Jmteachmom »

I think the cover portrait is very fitting for the character of McDowell. It made the book more intriguing to me. I wanted to find out about this mysterious character.
User avatar
Keevan
Posts: 101
Joined: 25 Aug 2018, 23:10
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 24
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-keevan.html
Latest Review: Ripcord Recovery by T.T. Sawyer

Post by Keevan »

briellejee wrote: 23 Oct 2018, 03:16 I think the black and white cover is fitting for the book. It highlights the mysteriousness and the simplicity and straightforwardness portraying McDowell's character. Vibrant colors may be eye-catching but black and white and minimalism also do that. It makes the book even more enigmatic, in my opinion.
I have to say I totally agree with you. A colored cover would not have done it justice the way the black and white minimalist cover does. :D
User avatar
dtb
Posts: 268
Joined: 08 Feb 2018, 15:33
Currently Reading: A Darker Shade of Magic
Bookshelf Size: 42
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-dtb.html
Latest Review: Four Funny Potatoes! by Len Foley
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Post by dtb »

I agree. Black and white images can be more noticeable in a sea of color.
User avatar
Doug Jones
Posts: 120
Joined: 28 Aug 2018, 13:48
Currently Reading: Beyond Denial
Bookshelf Size: 23
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-doug-jones.html
Latest Review: The Crystilleries of Echoland by Dew Pellucid

Post by Doug Jones »

Jmteachmom wrote: 23 Oct 2018, 07:58 I think the cover portrait is very fitting for the character of McDowell. It made the book more intriguing to me. I wanted to find out about this mysterious character.
Agreed, with a story like this it is best to provide an enigmatic package. The curious are more likely to let their curiosity get the better of them. In this case, they would not be disappointed.
Nothing is more conductive to peace of mind than not having any opinions at all. - Georg Christoph Lichtenberg
User avatar
cpru68
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 1442
Joined: 14 Feb 2018, 19:21
Favorite Book: What My Dog Taught Me About Jesus
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 179
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cpru68.html
Latest Review: Heaven's Call by Roger Dawson
Reading Device: B00HCNHDN0

Post by cpru68 »

I think the illustration on the cover makes it appear that Hiram is hiding behind his hat. I think this does reflect his character in that he hides behind his titles, no one really knows his true inside thoughts and then he actually runs and does hide from his time in jail, so that changes the picture into that of a fugitive. I found the book incredibly long and it lost my interest long before I finished it. The least of my problems with the book was the cover, but I think it does kind of capture who is as a shady man not revealing who he really is. Also, it is said that the eyes are the window to the soul. His are covered...so what does that say? He is not even proud of himself.
Everything happens for a reason...
Italiansweety1982
Posts: 226
Joined: 21 Aug 2018, 21:14
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 16
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-italiansweety1982.html
Latest Review: Four Funny Potatoes! by Len Foley

Post by Italiansweety1982 »

I think it's fitting - mysterious and makes you want to know more
User avatar
Charlyt
Posts: 527
Joined: 09 Oct 2018, 00:48
Favorite Book: The Night Circus
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 103
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-charlyt.html
Latest Review: Worldlines by Adam Guest

Post by Charlyt »

I liked the book cover a lot. It's as simple as the title of the book, which is his name. The cover and the title emphasizes the character-based book that it is, and I think its simplicity draws curiosity.
"It is neither fair nor unfair, Nobody Owens. It simply is." -NG
User avatar
HollandBlue
Posts: 1539
Joined: 04 Aug 2018, 16:37
Favorite Book: The Reel Sisters
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 107
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-hollandblue.html
Latest Review: It's Hard to Be a Vampire by Viktoria Faust
2024 Reading Goal: 24
2024 Goal Completion: 0%

Post by HollandBlue »

I think the cover exhibits the seriousness of the book and the emphasis on McDowell as a center of the story.
:techie-studyinggray: when I get a little money I buy books; and if I have any left l buy food and clothes
Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamas
(1466-1536)
User avatar
Zimall
Posts: 547
Joined: 17 Sep 2018, 22:06
Favorite Author: Atilla K. Zengin
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 26
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-zimall.html
Latest Review: The Sparrow by Denna M. Davis
fav_author_id: 156933

Post by Zimall »

I haven't read the book but i have seen the cover and it's really fascinating. I think black n white is more appealing than a colorful cover.
"All That is Gold Does Not Glitter
Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost"
User avatar
KCWolf
Posts: 391
Joined: 19 Feb 2018, 13:08
Favorite Author: Agatha Christie
Favorite Book: Dark Corners
Currently Reading: Julu
Bookshelf Size: 110
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kcwolf.html
Latest Review: If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your But's by Mark L. Wdowiak
Reading Device: B00IKPYKWG
fav_author_id: 2484

Post by KCWolf »

Normally, I steer clear of books with drab covers unless there's something else about the book that intrigues me. This cover is the exception. It makes a statement about the main character.

Honestly, any cover can attract a reader if it is well done and artistic. I definitely think this cover falls into this category.
Currently writing: Charmed Lives, Sovereign Eyes, and Corithian Saga
Recent Binge watch: MSTK3, Midsomer Murders, the Office
User avatar
jo89220n
Posts: 34
Joined: 16 Apr 2018, 22:27
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 11
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jo89220n.html
Latest Review: Heartaches 2 by H.M. Irwing

Post by jo89220n »

I think the cover is fitting, it shows that his character is not very outgoing. However, the spine/cover might not stand out to me if it were in a sea of books on a shelf in a store. Maybe something could be done to enhance the intrigue of this story while still showing off the feel of the book and its character. Maybe a faded background image?
Ashley Cremer
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 179
Joined: 04 Sep 2018, 09:13
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 27
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ashley-cremer.html
Latest Review: Shot Down by Steve Snyder

Post by Ashley Cremer »

I think the plain book cover fits the story of Mcdowell's life. In part 2, he falls from grace and has to live a very simple life, just like the cover of the book. I think it highlights his end of life and portrays his character well.
User avatar
happynessc0
Posts: 37
Joined: 16 Apr 2018, 18:48
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 57
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-happynessc0.html
Latest Review: Four Funny Potatoes! by Len Foley

Post by happynessc0 »

The book cover is perfect and catchy I believe. It absolutely suits McDowell’s mysterious character.
Post Reply

Return to “Discuss "McDowell" by William H. Coles”