Book Blogger Hop: judging a book by its cover

I am unfashionably late for this week's Book Blogger Hop, but two posts in a day feels a little indulgent, so hey, cut me some slack!

Plus this transition into Fall-like weather is a bit of a bummer. I thought that summer would last a little longer because it came late. Oh well.

Anyway, this week's question is an interesting one: Do you judge a book by its cover?

I admit it. I love pretty covers. Or unusual ones. Or at least interesting ones. In fact I will collect a series of books because of its covers.

For example, I am trying (very hard and at great cost) to pull together my Gabriel Garcia Marquez's in this edition by Vintage. I'm not very successful as I only two copies so far! (Try comparing it to the other editions, which hold their own, but just don't have the same touch of whimsy).

But judging a book by its cover alone? No, I won't not read a book just because its cover is ugly. In fact I have read some pretty ugly looking books and just loved them. But if I know and like a particular author, even ugly-looking editions work for me. Or if I've heard great things about a book and the cover is unappealing, I can look past it.

On the flip side, yes, I may become partial to reading a book because it's pretty. If I'm browsing the library shelves or actually buying a book, I admit that some covers will jump out to me. Depending on my mood at the time, I may actually walk out with that book under my arm. 

So, what about you?