I reviewed Worst. Person. Ever. by Douglas Coupland a couple of months ago when it came out in Canada and the UK. I have no idea whether or not Coupland is as popular in the United States as he is in Canada, but his book is being released there this week.
I’m interested in this cover for two reasons:
- Coupland is a graphic designer himself. I’m pretty sure that he was not the designer of either cover, but the Canadian one feels much more in keeping with his general aesthetic.
- The covers are so different. The American cover makes more sense after having read the book, but the Canadian cover is more in keeping with the Canadian editions of many of his other books.
Which cover is more effective? Which book would you buy? Let’s put it to a vote!
52 books or bust 
In general, I’m surprised by the American cover, because the Canadian cover is much more like everything else I’ve seen from him, too. It almost makes the US cover seem like a mistake in his backlist.
Interesting. Is Copeland very popular in the US? there was a time when he was Canada’s little darling.
It’s unusual, but I’m not a huge fan of either of these! I always like to see the different versions lined up together, though. Fun to interpret them as a group. Good stuff!
I definitely prefer the Canadian cover for the reasons you listed. But I read one of his books years ago (Girlfriend in a Coma) and it was all going really well until bam! Alien invasion! And I put it down and never went back.
I prefer the Canadian version. It looks less cluttered and, I agree, it fits better with his other covers. I have his Hey Nostradamus! to read next but I’m really interested in reading this!
Hey, finally one where I prefer the non-US version! I don’t love either of them but the US one is just too strange.
I voted for the US cover. It looks strange enough to interest me. The typography in the Canadian cover looks great though.
I think you are in the minority voting for the US cover.
If the more complex one on the left is the U.S. one, then I’m in the minority too, I guess. I like complex in my covers, I guess. Too much white space in the other one. 🙂
I like the Canadian cover better as well.I think it’s the color on the US cover I find most unappealing, though.
Thanks for linking up with Spread the Love!
It is interesting how covers can vary country to country… and it does make you wonder if it’s a cultural thing or based on the policies of the publishing houses involved. Or maybe a bit of both! Great post!
I totally have to go with the Canadian one! I’m betraying my homeland 😀
Don’t worry, we’ll accept you up North.