JUDGING BY THE COVER --- BOOK REVIEWS WHERE DUST JACKETS SPEAK

JUDGING BY THE COVER – BOOK REVIEWS WHERE DUST JACKETS SPEAK
Maximum Ride III by Patterson -- Petal Pusher by Lindeen -- Quantico by Bear

Hello to all,

How do you choose? All around you are books. How do you pick one? There are shelves, racks and tables overflowing with books. Which one is worthy to be your friend? Artfully arranged colors, complimentary quotes, and provocative images all vie for your attention from dust jackets. Which one do your eyes lock on? The flyleaf teases you like a movie trailer. Which one do you choose?

Don’t judge a book by its cover. That’s how the saying goes. You have gone into the bookstore in search of some fiction or non-fiction to entertain or enlighten. You haven’t read, or heard reviews on every book you see. The ones you have you don’t necessarily think you would agree with. How will you choose? You look at covers. So do I.

I will defy what my mother and teachers taught me.

Wednesday, 9:05am I enter the bookstore. A tall rack proclaiming "New Arrivals" beckons. A cover tugs at my hand with the pull of gravity, a weak but insistent tug. Stacks of books under a sign nearly yelling "NEW ARRIVALS" wait on a low wide library table. Two covers accelerate the reading neurons in my brain. Let the judging begin.

Book #1

Figures in near silhouette stand defiant in front of a stark plain building. Overhead, vulture shapes wheel in an ominous red sky that touches the building’s first floor. The cover gives the feel of an impending evil that must be overcome and anonymous heroes ready to face the challenge. I read the words: "The end is near . . . or is it?"

MAXIMUM RIDE –- Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, the title embossed in gold makes me take a closer look at the picture. Extreme sports are a young person’s pursuit. Barely discernable faces in two of the silhouettes look youthful.

The author, James Patterson is well known for his Alex Cross series of thrillers.

Inside I read the names of characters and learn that they can fly. The synopsis is short and directly aimed at the reader by someone named, Max.  A narrator who offers a tale with adventure, humor, and, as an afterthought, some romance. It is the final line that most intrigues me. "The flock needs your help. Yes, you."

There is no picture of the author on the back flyleaf, but I learn that his adult novels inspired this series.

I see a dust jacket with images of teen heroes ready to battle an evil organization. Action and humor come through in the synopsis. It is a young adult, adventure genre novel by a well-known author. A good book to read and pass on to teen or young adult in my life. It might spur them to read more, and give us something to talk about.

Book #2

The jacket glows among the less colorful competition on the table. The title in metallic pink ink reflects the florescent lighting. Light pink textured paper with images of roses, modern and Victorian, share space with a blonde woman wielding a Fender guitar. Flames erupt under the picture of a hotrod car seemingly taped to the paper. I get the notion of a Rock ‘n Roll scrapbook. The subtitle proves me partly right – "A Rock ‘n Roll Cinderella Story".

PETAL PUSHER – A Rock ‘n Roll Cinderella Story, is a witty play on words. Pedal pushers, pants worn by ladies in the rocking Fifties. Roses have petals. Push the pedal to the metal on the burning hotrod.

The author, Laurie Lindeen has a familiar name that I don’t place until I read inside. She was the leader of one of the female indie rock bands of the Eighties, Zuzu’s Petals. My mind clicks on another link to the book’s title.

The synopsis brings to mind a Rolling Stone article. Not surprising as Laurie Lindeen has written for that magazine. It speaks of women in rock, their trials, tribulations and triumphs from the band’s inception to its eventual dissolution. The secret ailment, Multiple Sclerosis that drove Laurie toward success is revealed.

Pictured with a satisfied smile, Laurie Lindeen’s bio reveals a woman who seems comfortable with her past and present.

On the back, under pictures of the band that look taped to the cover is a quote of advanced praise from Cameron Crowe, former journalist for Rolling Stone.

There is no doubt this book will be from a feminine perspective. A trio of lady rockers living the dream, watching the dream fade, and finding dreams continuing in other directions.

Book #3

A monotone collage layering the symbol of the FBI, night on a small town street, and bolts of writhing lightning attracted me. The juxtaposition brought to mind the terrorism that we fear could strike with violence, without warning, and the agencies we depend on to deter it. Noted thriller author, Robert Crais’ review is across the top of the cover.

The one word title Quantico reinforces the idea that this is a modern suspense/thriller.

Greg Bear is the author of many highly regarded science fiction novels. I am familiar with his work and I am surprised he is taking on the genre of techno-thriller.

He has, and Mr. Bear put his signature science fiction twist on it. He takes terror into the future where high tech devices assist authorities in thwarting terrorism. Technological advancements also enable the terrorists to commit even more atrocious acts. The inability of the FBI to stop one homegrown terrorist could lead to the agency’s demise.

His author’s bio shows an affable Mr. Bear and reminds everyone of his string of science fiction and literary awards.

A contemporary tale of terrorist versus America is pushed into the near future. Advanced technology is useful is waging and defeating violent acts perpetrated against our country. Science fiction and the techno-thriller come together in what should be an action packed read.  


Three books out of thousands got my attention this week. A non-fiction Rock ‘n Roll memoir, a thriller written for young adults, and a modern techno-thriller with a science fiction twist. I found the books the same way you would. Colors, images, and words drew me in. Only by reading one or all of them will I know if I made the right choices. Isn’t that the fun part?

I am an amateur book reviewer. I have no formal education in literature, marketing, or art. Years of voracious reading of all genres, a brain capable of and happy to compliment or criticize, and a passion for the written word are my credentials. Aren’t they yours, too?

Have fun with life, or life will have fun with you.

Namaste, V. Hughes