Put a Bird on It: Judging Books by Their Covers & Summer Book Bingo
In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth discuss the complicated world of book covers and how first impressions shape our reading expectations. From romantasy trends and movie tie-in editions to mass market paperbacks, special editions, and social media influence, they explore whether anyone can truly avoid judging a book by its cover. Along the way, they share stories about their current reads, misleading covers, and the books they almost didn’t want to be seen reading in public. Plus, they officially kick off the Galaxies and Goddesses Summer Book Bingo.
00:48 Currently Reading
04:01 Book Covers as Marketing
05:19 Blind Date with a Book
07:50 Special Editions and Movie Poster Covers
13:57 Social Media Influence
18:39 Misleading Covers
22:10 Embarrassing Covers
24:27 E-readers vs Physical Books
26:30 Summer Book Bingo Kickoff
Books mentioned in the episode:
Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov
The Antidote by Karen Russell
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Crazies: The Cattleman, the Wind Prospector, and the War Out West by Amy Gamerman
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The Moonday Letters by Emmi Itäranta
The Strawberry Thief by Joanne Harris
Chocolat by Joanne Harris
The Memory of Forgotten Things by Kat Zhang
Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon
Portlandia – “Put a Bird on It” sketch
