Top 10 Book Covers of 2020
Contrary to what we’ve all be taught, it’s totally acceptable to judge a book by its cover. I scoured lists of books released in 2020, carefully observed their cover art, and decided on the top 10 for the year. Were there specific criteria? No. Was it based purely on my personal taste? Likely. Was this a totally objective process? Of course…
Regardless of the subjectivity of the decision-making process, none of the following factors influenced my decisions: genre, author, title, synopsis, content. I’ve only read two of the books on this list, and I can’t even tell you what most of the others are about. But what I can tell you is that their covers are gorgeous.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab (Fantasy)
I always love me a slick, modern black cover. I think the font is beautiful and goes well with the “invisible” theme, and gold on black is always a good option.
Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin (YA Fantasy)
I am currently struggling to finish this slow book, but dang the cover is incredible. It is a perfect companion to the first book in the series, Serpent & Dove, as far as cover art is concerned.
The Vanishing half by brit bennett (historical fiction)
I am a sucker for bright pops of color on a book cover. That, combined with the fact that I have seen this cover everywhere this year, only increases the appeal for me.
mexican gothic by silvia moreno-garcia (horror)
I am living for this color scheme. Is that wording ironic considering this is a horror story? No idea, I haven’t even read it. But the elegance, the mysteriousness—I’m all for it.
a song of wraiths and ruin by roseanne a. brown (YA fantasy)
I have no idea what this book is about, but I’m ready to buy it on the spot. She is elegant, she is fierce, she is powerful. I always love black and gold color schemes (as we have previously established), but this dark green puts it over the top.
untamed by glennon doyle (memoir)
Remember when I mentioned pops of bright colors? Well, this one threw glitter into the mix so I am here for it. It’s artsy and bold, and I don’t even know who this person is.
the inheritance games by jennifer lynn barnes (YA fiction)
Green. Gold. Black. I’m sensing a recurring theme here. I am in love with the hidden features on this cover—the crown, sword, key, roses, necklace…it’s like a dangerous scavenger hunt.
swimming lessons: Poems by lili reinhart (poetry)
It’s simple, bright, and pink. Though I haven’t read this one yet, I just purchased it and it is much easier to notice the rose gold foil lettering in person. I think I’m just a sucker for gold, to be honest.
punching the air by ibi zoboi and yusef salaam (ya fiction)
Here we have more pops of color, and the color choices are perfect! It manages to be soft and strong simultaneously, and I love the power it exudes.
just like me by vanessa brantley-newton (picture book)
Love love love the bright background, and it just adds to the appeal that she is covered in paint. I’m totally loving the spotting on her head and face. Is it splatters of paint? Sprinkles? Confetti? Whatever it is, it is cute and fun and that’s all that matters.
What was the best book cover that caught your eye this year? Comment below!