In 2020, amidst global challenges, the world of book design flourished, delivering covers that captivated readers and stood out on shelves. From bold typography to intricate illustrations, these designs not only represented their stories but also showcased the artistry of their creators. Here are 22 of the most remarkable book covers from that year:
1. Deacon King Kong by James McBride
Designer: Jaya Miceli
A vibrant brushstroke illustration frames the title, capturing the energy and setting of 1960s New York.
2. Verge by Lidia Yuknavitch
Designer: Rachel Willey
Psychedelic color streams reflect the book’s exploration of people on society’s fringes.
3. The Bass Rock by Evie Wyld
Designers: Euan Monaghan and Joan Wong
Two editions offer contrasting designs—one colorful, the other utilizing negative space—to mirror the novel’s gothic undertones.
4. Cleanness by Garth Greenwell
Designer: Thomas Colligan
A stark black-and-white photograph emphasizes the novel’s themes of intimacy and vulnerability.
5. Cat Step by Alison Irvine
Designer: Luke Bird
Fragmented imagery conveys the protagonist’s internal struggles and the novel’s contemporary themes.
6. The World, Silently Spinning by M.B. Maskovas
Designer: Matthew Revert
Intertwined antlers and tight typography create a mysterious and chilling atmosphere.
7. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
Designer: Elizabeth Turner Stokes
Cozy illustrations and vibrant colors perfectly encapsulate this heartwarming romance.
8. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Cover Art: Bijou Karman
Designer: Erin Fitzsimmons
Mirrored images of two sisters represent their parallel lives and shared grief.
9. Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
Designer: Luke Bird
An all-black background with angled text and a plush hedgehog creates a surreal, cinematic feel.
10. The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
Cover Art: Alyssa Winans
Designer: Christine Foltzer
Elegant illustrations reflect the novella’s rich, historical fantasy elements.
11. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Designer: Unknown
A vibrant portrait of a trans teen artist adorned with flowers celebrates identity and self-discovery.
12. Night. Sleep. Death. The Stars. by Joyce Carol Oates
Designer: Unknown
A hauntingly minimalistic design with ethereal elements mirrors the novel’s exploration of loss and justice.
13. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Designer: Unknown
A lush green dress and vivid flowers set against a dark background evoke the novel’s eerie atmosphere.
14. Little Girl Lost by Cheryl Bradshaw
Designer: Unknown
A shadowy figure amidst a foggy landscape creates suspense and intrigue.
15. To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Designer: Unknown
A cosmic design with swirling galaxies captures the vastness of space explored in the novel.
16. The Majesties by Tiffany Tsao
Designer: James Iacobelli
Artwork: Joseph Lee
A bright yellow background with abstract facial features and a butterfly suggests themes of identity and transformation.
17. Oligarchy by Scarlett Thomas
Designer: Kelly Winton
Striking eyes on the cover hint at the novel’s themes of surveillance and societal pressure.
18. Children of the Land by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo
Designer: Milan Bozic
Art: Moonshake Studio
Overlapping leaves and bold typography symbolize growth and the complexities of immigration.
19. A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
Designer: David Mann
Gold foil lines on a pale blue background evoke waves and journeys, aligning with the novel’s narrative.The Book Satchel
20. The Art of War by Sun Tzu, translated by Michael Nylan
Designer: Jaya Miceli
A minimalistic and striking design reflects the timeless strategies discussed within.
21. Follow Me to Ground by Sue Rainsford
Designer: Jaya Miceli
Collage: Toon Joosen
Bold lettering intertwined with blooming flowers from a woman’s head creates a hypnotic effect.
22. Long Bright River by Liz Moore
Designer: Gregg Kulick
Clean lines and a cool color palette convey the novel’s suspenseful and somber tone.
These covers not only encapsulate the essence of their stories but also stand as testaments to the power of design in literature. They remind us that a book’s cover is more than just packaging—it’s an invitation into a new world.
