Today I wanted to do a blog post that practically every other book blogger has done… comparing UK book covers to US book covers!
I often find a book that has a super cute cover online, and then when I go to purchase it on Amazon, I’m presented with a rubbish cover version from the English publishers… and this seems to happen a lot! So, I wanted to see if that’s really the case, if the English publishers are always bringing out less attractive book covers to their American counterparts.
For this list, the UK books covers are on the left and the US book covers are on the right. If you’re on mobile, the UK covers are likely going to be the first ones you see out of the two, but I have captioned them just in case it’s confusing!
Is this one really a competition? Clearly the UK one is so much more artistic and creative. Yes, maybe the US one is more inline with the novel (I’m not 100% sure, as I haven’t read it yet!) but it’s not as enticing. I would skip over the US version in a book store, but not the UK one… hence why I bought it!
Winner: UK
When I was told I would be receiving this one as an ARC I was super excited, and then the UK version cover turned up and it was a very disheartening moment. I really don’t like the UK cover in comparison to the US one… even though I don’t really like either!
I just think that the UK one looks a bit tacky. I don’t like the colours together, it feels to cheery.
Winner: US
I talked about the difference between these covers on my Twitter a while back and it was one of my most responded to tweet in ages. WHAT DO THE US THINK THEY’RE DOING WITH THAT AWFUL COVER ART? I mean really?
You can’t even compare these two covers. One is gorgeous, slightly ominous and pretty, the other is tacky and weird. Don’t even try and tell me I’m wrong on this one.
Winner: UK
I haven’t yet read this book but I got really excited when I was told I would be receiving and ARC, but, kind of like with Best Day Ever, I was saddened to receive the UK version of the cover. I get that it has more to do with the story, it’s more ark and mysterious, but it’s so cliche. The US one is an interesting piece of artwork and leaves a lot to the imagination, which I like.
Winner: US
I actually quite like both of these covers, so well done to both countries. However, I like the UK one just that little bit more. I think the autumnal foliage around the edges of the cover look really quaint and pretty. It also feels right for the time in which the novel is set… don’t ask me why.
Winner: UK
I know a lot of people really like the UK cover for this novel but I’m not into it. I don’t like the whole Great Gatsby vibe, maybe because I don’t like the book, so the simplistic picture of the man looking over the balcony in the US cover is really appealing to me in comparison!
Winner: US
So there you have it! It appears that I actually like UK covers and US covers equally. I think the US are very good at simplistic covers and the UK are better at creating floral, artworky type covers.
I may make a part 2 to this post at some point in the future, but until then, I’d love to hear what you think about these covers! Tell which ones you prefer out of the two, and why!
Also, this is going to be my only post for the day as I’m celebrating my best friends 21st birthday!
BookBum 
The UK version of Gather the Daughters was the only one I had seen for a long time, but then when I went to order it and the US version popped up, I just kinda sat there going “… But why?!”
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The US one is atrocious!!! I just don’t understand the thought process behind it!
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I’m always comparing the US and U.K. versions before I order! For the most part I usually find the UK covers more creative and colourful. Living in Canada we get a good mix of both.
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It’s good that you can get that mix! I can sometimes find better covers on sites like Wordery rather than Amazon, so I’ll purchase them from there. I am a picky cover buyer!
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Great post! Hope you have a great time celebrating your friend’s 21st!
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Thank you! We had a lovely time in London for the day and then went out for drinks in the evening ☺️
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I agree with all your choices, except for The Visitor, I prefer the UK cover, much darker and sinister!
More of these posts please 😁 I love seeing cover comparisons. My mums going to the US next week and I’ve asked her to buy me Best Day Ever so I can have the US cover haha
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I’m definitely buying that one too. I just love that cover!
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It’s definitely more inline with the novel but I just like the simplistic covers haha
Oo lucky you! I’d have much preferred to get that copy ☺️
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I typically think the UK covers are prettier. It’s rare that I prefer the US version.
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I seem to like them both equally for the ones I picked for this post. I thought I liked US covers more but apparently not 😋
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I actually prefer the US cover of The Bear and the Nightingale – every time I see it in a bookstore I’m tempted to buy it because I think it’s so gorgeous and atmospheric! Otherwise I agree with all of your decisions.
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It’s definitely atmospheric but I prefer colourful arty covers like the one I picked. I think the art style is just too cute ☺️
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I’m with you on all of these 👌🏼
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I have a book-blogger friend who lives in Australia, and she and I compare book covers a lot. One thing that I notice in your picks for this blog is that it seems the books always have an uneven amount of text on the covers – either the UK or US version will have lots of text while the other is a lot simpler. For me, I tend to prefer the cover with least text on the front… with the exception of Gather The Daughters. The US cover in that case is just odd, and not in a good way.
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I tend to prefer simpler covers too, whether that’s by the amount of writing or the imagery. I just think it looks cleaner and more eye grabbing!
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Agreed – if a cover is too busy I tend to ignore it.
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I don’t understand why there has to be different covers, or what the rationale is for choosing what type of cover goes to which country. Are the markets so different? Oh, and you should definitely read the Bear and the Nightingale, I really really love that book!
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I agree! The markets can’t be that different.
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I don’t get it either! And I will sometime soon ☺️
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😊
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You have a very interesting opinion
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Thanks boyfriend xx
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I thought the exact same way about Best Day Ever. The red cover is gorgeous! Great post!
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It is much nicer!! Thanks Dee ☺️
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Love this post! The Bear UK cover is amazing! I also like Gather the daughters UK more, but I also like the other haha
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Ah, no I hate the other Daughters cover!!!
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What extreme differences! Some are so different that you get different vibes about the books content depending on whether it’s from the U.S. or the U.K. So surreal; awesome post idea BTW. 🙂
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Thanks Jenna! I’m glad you like the post 😀
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A lot of times I like the U.K. Covers especially with PNR books
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