Confession: I totally judge books by their cover. In fact, sometimes the only reason I buy a book is because it’s pretty. Good book design will definitely turn my head and make me pick up a book, even if it’s not something I’d normally be interested in. I even fantasize about becoming a book designer (totally disregarding the fact that I can barely use a computer and I wouldn’t know how to design my way out of a paper bag).

I know I’ve ranted before about how poorly US covers stack up to UK covers on the whole, but this year the US might actually give the Brits a run for their money. I’ve seen some really fantastic book covers so far this year and I’m looking forward to what the second half of the year has in store! Without further ado, here are my top 20 favorite book covers so far this year:

12. Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer
(Released 3/3/11)


















11. The Information: A History, A Theory, a Flood by James Gleick (released 3/1/11)



















10. Solo by Rana Dasgupta (Released 2/1/11)

















4. Day of the Oprichnik by Vladimir Sorokin (Released 3/15/11)


















3. The Snowman by Jo Nesbo (Will Be Released 5/10/11)


















2. The Art of Asking Your Boss For a Raise by Georges Perec (Released 3/14/11)