Why I Don't Read Book Jacket Copy
I have enough books to read; I don't need sales copy to seduce me into reading this one.
You know what I’m talking about — the back of a book that explains what you’re about to experience if you decide to read it. Or, if the back of the book is covered with blurbs from other authors, then the inside flap copy.
It’s the paragraph or two that seduces you into reading the book. It’s the sales copy that seduced editors to acquire it. But for me, a leisurely reader whose life does not depend on whether or not I read a specific book — the jacket copy is avoidable.
I find that these book descriptions give more away than I’m willing to know before opening a book. It’s a rare occasion when I choose to read something without having heard about it prior, so the jacket copy serves little purpose for me.
It turns out other people dislike reading book jackets, too. From author Tajja Isen in The Walrus: “I don’t want to be told what’s about to happen, even in the vaguest sense. And I definitely don’t want to be told what it’s ‘about.’”
When the jacket copy tells you what themes the book touches on, what it’s really doing is telling you how to connect the dots and what message you should take away from it.
Books — like all art — are subjective. The message is personal. The way I read a book is different from the way you read a book. The lessons we learn won’t always look alike. I like to see what a book means to me without someone telling me what it should mean, and I find that’s what book jackets tend to do.
Now, jacket copy is an essential part of the publishing business. And because there wouldn’t be books without the publishing industry, I can see the point of them. I just simply choose to look the other way.
What about you? Do you read jacket copy? Does it make you anxious to pick up a book without having a decent idea of what it’s about? Have you ever read a book without reading the jacket copy? Please share in the comments below!
Love,
Words on Words is a free newsletter about books that hits inboxes on Thursdays. If you have comments, suggestions, questions, or recommendations, leave a note below or reply to this email!
Note: When you purchase books from my Bookshop.org affiliate page, you are supporting the author of the book, an indie bookstore of your choice, and Words on Words.
Ciao Kolina, I used to read the jacket copy at least to know what genre I am picking because there are so many, sometimes a glance is necessary. But lately I let the book inspire me...we'll is not always a win 🤣
I find book jackets sometimes saying too much or sometimes focusing on a thing that is not even the most important part of the book. But as you said, it's all subjective, so what appeals to me might not appeal you.
Ciaoooooo 💕