Top 5 Wednesday: Book Covers You’d Live In

This week’s theme is ‘Book Covers You’d Live In,’ which has made me aware that most of my books don’t have landscapes on the cover! Lots of people, probably reflecting my tendency to pick up and love books based on their characters. Also that period in YA book marketing where all the covers had female models with half their faces cropped off, presumably in an attempt to communicate that they were ‘relatable, every-girl characters’. *eyeroll* ANYWAY, without further to-do:

1. VENICE

Image Description: Book Cover for Jan Morris’ Venice. Image shows black wooden pilings and a lamp in the foreground, and the buildings of Venice in the background, all in blue.

(goodreads)

Obviously one of these covers had to have Venice on it, because I adore Venice. I have a range of Venice related books I could chose from, but I think this cover photo is particularly lovely. It perfectly conveys the mystery, romance and magic of Venice in the early evening.

2. HOGWARTS

Image Description: A boxset of Harry Potter books; their spines are lined up to make a picture of hogwarts.

(goodreads)

Who doesn’t want to live at Hogwarts? I am fudging the rules a little because these are book spines, not covers, but they ARE lovely. Obviously living in a rambling castle in Scotland and learning magic would be bliss, particularly as I would imagine myself falling into the book world as a minor character, free from the troubles that plague Harry. Let’s be honest, I’d be in Ravenclaw.

3. A TREEHOUSE

Image Description: Book cover of Philip Jodidio’s Tree Houses, illustrated by Patrick Hruby, showing two tall cartoon trees and a treehouse balanced between them.

(goodreads)

This whole book is full of gorgeous photos of tree houses and Hruby’s adorable illustrations. I chose this because A) who doesn’t want to live in a treehouse? and B) Hruby’s illustrations make me imagine that the world of the book cover would be dominated by a kind of childlike wonder, and nothing would be stressful.

4. IN THE VALLEY OF SECRETS

Image Description: Valley of Secrets by Charmian Hussey book cover. An ornate ironwork gate with plants behind it. Glowing green eyes can be seen through gaps in the foliage.

I love this cover art, and the story, about a boy who finds he has inherited a mysterious estate in Cornwall, has the kind of mystery that is delicious but not scary. I think I would quite like living in the Valley of Secrets. 🙂

(goodreads)

5. SURROUNDED BY CAKE

Image Description: The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook book cover shows cupcakes on a white stand in front of a dark background.

Why not be where there is cake? It’s a no-brainer.

(goodreads)

Which book cover would you like to live in?