We’ve all heard, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Yet, we
do it all of the time. We can’t help
it. We glance at something - book,
television show, person - and immediately we form an opinion based on what we
see. Sometimes that opinion is based on
what we already think about something.
Homeless people are lazy, moochers.
Gang members are cold-hearted killers, and preachers are sacrificing
saints leading you to the gates of Heaven.
In some cases, that’s quite true.
But not all. Not by a long shot.
Authors are told to pay special attention to their book
covers. It’s the first opportunity a
writer has to catch a reader’s attention and make them pick up the book. You need to pay attention to the title, make
it catch, and then have an image that entices.
You won’t be able to hook them with that first page you spent quite a
bit of time on if you can’t get them to pick up the book.
It’s the same when going for that first job interview. You want to make a great first impression, so
you dress to impress. It doesn’t matter
whether you’re applying for a CEO position or to flip burgers at a fast food
joint, you should dress to make them think you take the job seriously. They don’t need to know it’s just a stepping
stone in your ladder to something better.
Make your cover look good and they’ll want to see what’s on your
pages. Fail to make them take a second
look and you’ll never get read.
When it comes to forming friendships, I never make a judgment
based on first impressions. I’ve seen
some that resembled Fourth of July fireworks, pretty and flashy at first, but cold
and charred on the inside. Then there
have been those who have that rough exterior, but inside is pure gold. They’re loyal and just a joy to be
around. I much prefer this kind as
opposed to the other because, while sparklers look good while they’re shining,
the sulfur stench afterward reeks.
However, it usually doesn’t take long to figure out that their book is
all show and no substance.

It’s sad when there’s more flash than bang or when a book
cover promises something on the outside that it doesn’t deliver on the inside. We need to be slow to judge because sometimes
people are a slow read. It may take a
few chapters before you figure them out and can enjoy the experience. Of course, there are some that should be
tossed into the recycle bin. You won’t
know at first glance, so give them the benefit of the doubt and thumb through
their pages. You might just discover a
best seller.
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For Further Reading ~ Politically Incorrect
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