This is a weekly tag hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, and this week’s challenge is technically to pick ten books with unique titles… but I decided to go for unique covers, instead! And by “unique”, I actually mean noteworthy, unique, bizarre, or downright ugly. Click the covers for each book’s goodreads link!
1. Where would this list be without the atrocity that is The Foxhole Court‘s “four corndogs being dipped in sauce” cover?
2. Continuing with the Hideous Covers That Never Should Have Been Green-lit segment of this week’s post, we have I Hate Everyone But You, which has not just one, but two terrible covers! Left is US, right is UK. They hurt my eyes.
3. Handbook for Mortals has been the center of a lot of controversy, as I’m sure most of you already know, but one of the focuses of that controversy has been what a blatant rip-off this cover is! I actually like the artwork for this cover – or I did, until I learned that it was complete and total art theft. Here’s the original artwork, if you’re interested:
No similarity at all, right? 😉
4. What I Lost was genuinely a great read about eating disorders and mental health, and I found it to be free of so many of the tropes that I usually see in ED-centered books. One thing about this book that bugged me so much, though, was this cover. I know authors don’t pick the covers, so I would never mark down my rating based on it, but anyone with any experience having an ED or working with ED survivors/fighters knows that focusing on popularly-deemed “bad foods” is not a good idea, so who the hell thought, “Hey, let’s put a big ass candy bar on the front?” Nah.
5. Look at this cover for Contagion! I’m obsessed. Is it space stuff? Is it sea stuff? Is it a virus? Nobody knows! (Actually, based on the synopsis, I think it’s probably a virus, but I could be wrong.)
6. So help me god, I swear this cover glows in the dark, and it has scared me shitless more than once when I accidentally left it sitting out at night. It startles me every time because I’m never expecting a book cover to GLOW!
7. The entire reason I started the Saga series was because of the cover on the first volume. We’ve got horns, wings, and a breastfeeding baby – the last of which is what cemented my need to read this, because in what other graphic novel – or book at all – have you ever seen breastfeeding being normalized?
8. Unfortunately, The Undertaking of Lily Chen was one of the single biggest letdowns I’ve ever experienced in a book (and DEFINITELY the biggest letdown in any single graphic novel), but that doesn’t change the fact that the cover is absolutely GORGEOUS, and so unique.
9. The Wrath and the Dawn is definitely a unique cover, with the image of the girl peeking out from behind this screen of sorts. I actually wasn’t a huge fan of this look at first, but the longer it sits on my shelf, the cooler I think it looks!
10. I love Alice retellings – specifically the creepy ones – and this cover totally fits one of my many preferred aesthetics for Alice in Wonderland art. The blood splatter over the rabbit’s eye is so subtly eerie and really pops!
Amanda
October 24, 2017Wow, good point about the cover of the book about eating disorders!
I love the cover of The Wrath and the Dawn. I haven’t had a chance to read the book and see if it’s as delightful as the cover though.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Thank you! <3 I appreciate that someone agreed with me. I haven't had the chance to read TWATD either, but I hear it's very good.
Literary Feline
October 24, 2017I love your take on today’s topic! These definitely are some very unique covers. I never would have guessed that What I Lost is about eating disorders from the cover. I agree-that does seem in bad taste. I kind of like the cover for Contagion. It’s kind of pretty–sort of. Palahniuk’s covers always seem a bit creepy to me, I confess. I love the cover of Saga. It makes me want to read it! Thank you for sharing!
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Thank you so much! I also feel like Contagion’s cover is kind of pretty (in an odd way, lol). And yes, Palahniuk’s books have a knack for having odd covers for sure.
KliScruggs
October 24, 2017Man, I don’t really have a favorite unique cover, but some of my favorite covers are illustrated not pictures. Some of my favorites are Landline, all the Shades of Magic books, and Six of Crows because of their amazing use of negative space and simple spaces.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Ooooh, yes, illustrated covers are so nice! Especially when they’re done well. I love the Shades of Magic and the SOC/CK covers as well.
Tara
October 24, 2017I bought the Saga book because of the cover as well. But I haven’t gotten to it. I am so glad that someone else was let down by Lilly Chen because I was starting to feel weird about it. “Lilly Chen and the Run from Every Man You See Because They All Are Terrible!”
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017It’s really good! I hope you like it. I’m 5 volumes into Saga and have loved all but one of them so far. And YES, THANK YOU! ? I feel like everyone I’ve talked to has loved it until now! I was soooo annoyed and disappointed by it.
Alexandra P. ? (@alexperc92)
October 24, 2017I also have to read the Alice retelling. I’ve read Hook so far. I love Saga very much!
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Saga is wonderful!
Kathy @ Books & Munches
October 24, 2017A glow in the dark cover like that?! Wrap it up and stash it away.
That’s what I would do. *this pussy cannot handle coming across that one in the dark*
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017LMAO. Yeah. It’s at my mom’s house currently, so it gets to creep her out instead of me. ? For real, though, when I was single and living alone, I fell asleep reading that book once and woke up in the middle of the night with the cover peering up at me from the floor right beside the bed, where it had fallen? Yeah. I literally screamed.
Kathy @ Books & Munches
October 29, 2017Oh my god. NO. Nopenopenope.
I never want a cover like that and if I ever get one, I’m wrapping it up. Wrapping IT. UP. :’D
ChrissiReads
October 24, 2017Great twist on the topic this week. A glow in the dark book cover does sound terrifying!
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017It totally is, lol! Thank you, Chrissi!
TeaPartyPrincess
October 24, 2017Haunted would definitely freak me out.
Some of these are hideous!
Cora ❤ http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Bahaha, right?! Thanks Cora! ?
Nina
October 24, 2017I have hear great things about the Saga series, well actually good and bad. I do still think that they look amazing. 🙂
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017I am five volumes into the series and have loved all but one volume so far! I highly recommend the series overall, though be forewarned because it’s very weird at times, haha! It’s a fun read for sure.
flippingthruthepages
October 24, 2017Great take on today’s topic! Some of these covers are really ugly and some are terrifying!
My TTT: http://flippingthruthepages.com/2017/10/top-ten-tuesday-6-top-ten-unique-book-titles/
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Thank you! I’ll check yours out, too!
Annemieke
October 24, 2017I love how you changed the topic. I hate everyone but you does have two ugly covers. Wow.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Thank you! Oh my god, right? I am stunned by how awful they are. Who signed off on those?!
coffeelovingbookoholic
October 24, 2017the “haunted” cover is so, so, soooooo creepy!!!! :O
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017It really is! It’s what first caught my eye since it was the first Palahniuk book I ever picked up. It’s very disturbing at points – I’ve never actually finished it, despite trying a few times. I’m determined to soon, though!
Sarah
October 24, 2017The Haunted cover freaks me out sooo much when it surprises me! This is such a good list.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Bahaha yes, I’m so glad I’m not alone! And thank you <3
Barb (boxermommyreads)
October 24, 2017I really want to read Haunted and you are right, the cover of Contagion is awesome. Great list!
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Thank you so much! <3
Nerd Narration
October 24, 2017Love your twist on this topic! And so many thoughts: 1) I had NO idea that Handbook so blatantly ripped off it’s cover art. With all the controversy that book has caused it seriously didn’t need additional bad PR. 2) That CP cover would scare the shit out of me day or night 3) Congrats on your chunky bangs — not a stalker, I promise — I saw that on my IG feed this am!
If you want to check out my list, you can do so here: http://nerdnarrationblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/24/top-ten-tuesday-books-with-unique-titles/
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Thank you! 😀 Yes, the Handbook scandal honestly just kept getting worse and worse for a while there. I feel like that woman’s career is ruined (rightfully so)! And yeah, the Haunted cover has spooked me on more than one occasion. ?
Also, thank you! ? <3 I really appreciate it. No worries, I didn't think you were a stalker bahaha.
I will go check out your list right now! I should have commented on it sooner but I've been almost completely MIA from my blogging stuff lately. I get daily emails for your posts but I haven't checked any of my emails in over a week (I have 800+ unread). It's sad. I'm working on my priorities right now ???
Nerd Narration
October 30, 2017First of all, totally agree that her career should face all the consequences necessary because that whole story line just got crazier by the second and apparently I STILL missed new elements of the drama.
Secondly, okay good! You never know with compliments lol.
Lastly, you never need to apologize for delays. Life happens and of all things blogging/bookstagram can wait! Even though we never feel that is actually the case lol. And holy cats! 800 emails?? Good luck =D
emmareadstoomuch
October 24, 2017you killed me with those ugly ass covers…and then those gorgeous ones brought me back to LIFE
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017LMAO I aim to please <3
Cholla
October 24, 2017I love the cover for What I Lost! I mean, how can you resist a candy bar?
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thanks!
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017It does look yummy. 🙂
Lisa @ My Knitting Journey
October 24, 2017All the titles you’ve chosen have unique book covers indeed!
Here’s a link to my TTT post for this week:
https://myknittingjouneyonestitchatatime.blogspot.com/2017/10/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-unique-book.html
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Thanks, I’ll take a peek!
iloveheartlandx
October 24, 2017I’ve always loved TWATD cover! Sadly they’re selling a different one now and it’s not as good!
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/24/top-ten-tuesday-130/
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Oooh, yes, I have seen the new cover. I actually do think it’s pretty neat, but it’s suuuper different from the original one!
iloveheartlandx
October 29, 2017I don’t mind it, I just thought the original one was so much prettier!
Aj @ Read All The Things!
October 24, 2017I like your spin on the topic. I haven’t read any of these, and some of them look very weird!
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Thank you! 😀
Elizabeth
October 25, 2017This made me laugh haha. The cover of “Haunted” is super creepy. And the cover of “Alice” drew me in too. It reminds me of the creepy game version of Alice in Wonderland (Alice: The Madness Returns), which I loved.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Hahaa I aim to please! Yessss, I LOVED that game! I remember playing it on my 360 years ago. It was so creepy and literally the PERFECT Alice aesthetic. I would love to replay that some time.
Elizabeth
October 28, 2017For some reason I have the game on steam, my pc, AND PlayStation lol. It’s an awesome game!
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Bahaha that’s awesome! I might get it on Steam… *goes to browse* lmao
Elizabeth
October 28, 2017I wouldn’t if I were you :/ I originally played on steam and it had this bad glitch that literally kept me from progressing in the game. I was so annoyed.
Louise ✨?
October 25, 2017I could not deal with a glow in the dark book cover at all ? I once got freaked out by a glowstick I found under my bed so I wouldn’t do so well with having Haunted on my bedside ?
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017Bahaha that’s so funny! I love it! I honestly feel like an unexpected glowing item under my bed would completely catch me off guard and startle me, too, though!
liveforbroadway
October 27, 2017I just want to take a moment to cringe over how AWFUL the cover is for The Foxhole Court. I’m forever bummed about it.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
October 28, 2017IT IS THE WORST! I swear. I hate it so much. I honestly refused to read that series because of how bad the covers are, but so many of my friends have begged me to try them that I finally (reluctantly) added the first one to my TBR, lmao.