Best Book Covers of 2017

As the old saying goes, “you should never judge a book by its cover”. But every once in awhile you can make an exception! Similar to how we judge wine labels or record covers, it’s the exciting and unexpected design choices that pull us in and leave us wanting more.

We’ve scoured the publishing world for the best of the best book covers of 2017. Some are simple, some are bright. But they all have one thing is common: They are freaking cool!

The World Goes On by László Krasznahorkai;

Design by Paul Sahre

What I love about this cover is that there are two gradients happening. One is the obvious horizontal rainbow gradient screaming out in the background. But then there is the implied gradient of the title transitioning to the author’s name. It’s simple but impactful.

Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood;

Design by Rachel Willey

As an impressionable teenager in the late 1990s, this cover instantly transports me back to high school. All the coolest girls rocked their name in gold lettering around their necks. The bold ones with money to burn even had one with their boyfriend’s name. Without even knowing what this book is about, it tells a story. It brings back memories. And it leaves you wanting more.

The Idiot by Elif Batuman;

Design by Suzanne Dean; Illustration by Aino-Maija Metsola

You may have seen this cover before. It’s basically made every end of the year list! And since I’m a big fan of color and pattern, it made mine as well. Not only are the textures off the charts, but the colors are so rich and bold they nearly create stories of their own.

Colour of Drugs by Lee Richard Kirsten;

Artist uncredited

Vintage-inspired design never goes out of style! While you may not appreciate the subject matter, this clever design is hard to write off. As part of a limited release, the author created a series of four book covers; each having the author’s “drug of choice” on the cover. This memoir was originally published with Blurb and is currently sold on Amazon.

How to Murder Your Life by Cat Marnell;

Design by Sean Freeman

Is it finger paint? Is it blood? Is it blood AND paint?! We may never know. But I love the way the typography of this memoir cover excites the reader to find out.

Victorian Lettering Adventures Vol 1 by Dina Rodriguez;

Design by the author, Dina Rodriguez

Classic black and white design is nothing to mess with. Dina Rodriguez expertly combines Victorian styling with a modern twist. While this book is more of a how-to guide than a novel, the cover alone is beautiful enough to compete with the larger publications.

Did we miss one of your favorites? Leave us your top pick in the comment below!