…But the Cover Was Blue

“I don’t remember the title, but the cover was blue.”

If librarians had a dollar for every time they heard this, they’d be millionaires by now. I know I’ve said this exact thing before, so I’m guessing the other readers out there can relate.

Why is this so common?

Why can we remember the color and overall impression, but can’t remember words?

Check out these blue-cover books below, and then keep reading to find out what BLUE means in the literary world and why it’s used so often on book covers:

“Blue: of a color intermediate between green and violet, as of the sky or sea on a sunny day”

When I think of blue I think of a gleaming, cloudless sky. My dog’s deep blue bed with his tan body curled up and warm. I think of sad, rainy days under the soft blue blanket on the couch. I think of life and comfort. Of planet Earth floating in endless space.

What do you think of when you think blue?

All this got me wondering: why are there so many blue book covers? Why would an author or a publisher choose blue to represent their story?

Blue in literature means many things:

Serenity, calm, loyalty, life, isolation, peace, water, passion, depression, authority, trust, hope, healing, sadness, honesty, relaxation.

It’s also pretty popular because blue was voted the most-liked color in the world! Young, old, men, and women, everyone likes blue. I’d say blue is my second favorite color, but I’m outnumbered here.

I’m starting to realize that using blue on a book cover is pretty smart. You’re drawing in your audience with something they like. The shade of blue you use is telling them about the mood of the book as soon as they see it from across the room.

Ever notice how many corporate logos are blue? Same idea with books.

I gotta say, I love the blue book covers. Many of the above books have been on my reading list. Frankly, they’re pretty book covers and I like them.

How many blue books have you read?