A confession

One of the biggest factors governing my decision to read a book is the author's picture. This, before the description or the reviews, is the first thing I look at. Although, I probably won't even look at the picture if the design of the book does not catch my eye. So I guess that's first, but it doesn't hold as much weight as the picture. If the picture strikes me as ok, and what is 'ok' is another post - because I need some time - then I read the reviews and the names of the reviewers. If I know anything about one of the reviewers then that's another plus. Then I glance over the description, being careful to not take it in just in case I do want to read the book. The last thing I look at before I decide to read the book is the opening paragraph.

To recap
Some conditionals:
If the author's dog is in the picture then I will most likely not read the book.
If the author's chin is resting on his or her hand I will most likely not read the book.

Unless:
The design is incredible.
The opening paragraph moves me.
One of the reviewers I have read (Michael Chabon does a lot of them) or respect (The New Yorker, yeah I know).
(Occasionally) The book just feels good. Middlesex is a good example. I loved the design of the front, the font, the cigarette smoke (eventhough it had nothing to do with the book), etc. But the smoothness of that cover was amazing. I loved to rub my hand over it.

But please don't be so serious. Please don't spin around in your chair and face the camera as if you didn't know you had a photo shoot and he snuck up on you. But you aren't even surprised are you? No, you're an author. You're in black and white and turtle necked and goateed. It's funny, I'm thinking of this picture of Jeffrey Eugenides but I loved both of his novels. The reason: good design, good opening paragraph. And let's face it, having that gold pulitzer prize on the front doesn't hurt.

An exception with no reason: