We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite covers from this year so far.

Marketing manager,

An appropriately controversial cover for a pivotal new book exploring the dark side of footy culture. Designed by Peter Long, I can’t imagine a better jacket for a book about sex, consent and power.

Online and Readings Monthly assistant,

I have a weakness for illustrated covers and I particularly like the design of Andrew Morgan’s Good on Paper with its bizarre juxtaposition of images and slightly-washed-out colouring that has a whiff of 50’s advertising nostalgia about it. The awkward position of the lobster claws on the typewriter has a fake, photoshopped quality that I find appropriate in a book that’s exploring art as construction.

Online Manager,

I love the colours, the font and all the beautiful detail on this cover. It’s simply gorgeous and best seen in person, where the gold embossing jumps out.

Art & Design Specialist,

I love this nifty Bauhaus retro design. The use of fabric on the cover gives a very cool look to the embossed title and nice little decorative detail of the star. It feels and looks special - like a treasure unearthed in an antiquarian shop on the left bank whilst wearing your best beatnik outfit – but it’s new!

Readings Monthly editor,

Wistful and geometric, with just the right touch of childhood nostalgia and carnival – the cover of Alejandro Zambra’s Ways of Going Home, cover photo by Alan Harvey and design by Daniela Silva, is one of the top of the year for me. An elegant nod also to be found (perhaps) in the cover of John McPhee’s Silk Parachute, designed by Susan Mitchell.

(See an image of the cover for Silk Parachute here.)

Online Manager,

This cover is a perfect combination of attention-grabbing design and relevance to the subject at hand. It’s bold, interesting and looks great in any size, whether a thumbnail on a website or a paperback on the shelf. Peter Long is a brilliant designer and this is one of his best covers to date.