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 Reading04:01 Book Covers as Marketing05:19 Blind Date with a Book07:50 Special Editions and Movie Poster Covers13:57 Social Media Influence18:39 Misleading Covers22:10 Embarrassing Covers24:27 E-readers vs Physical Books26:30 Summer Book Bingo KickoffBooks mentioned in the episode:Foundation and Empire by Isaac AsimovThe Antidote by Karen RussellDream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieThe Crazies: The Cattleman, the Wind Prospector, and the War Out West by Amy GamermanAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Emperor of Gladness by Ocean VuongOn Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean VuongThe Eye of the World by Robert JordanThe Moonday Letters by Emmi ItärantaThe Strawberry Thief by Joanne HarrisChocolat by Joanne HarrisThe Memory of Forgotten Things by Kat ZhangCome As You Are by Emily NagoskiIce Planet Barbarians by Ruby DixonPortlandia – “Put a Bird on It” sketchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNpIOlDhigw