Judging a Book By It's Cover

Yes, I do. I judge all books by their cover. I choose all the books I read, initially, by the cover. If a cover doesn't grab my eye, it doesn't get the time of day! I only read biography type books. The content of the book has to be based on true events otherwise I am not remotely interested. I need to read books that have depth, that can inspire me and that can teach me how to be a better person, a better child of God. This has always been my favorite choice of books. All through my school years, even though I loved to read, I never did well when we had to read fiction novels. They do not interest me...except "To Kill A Mockingbird"...I really enjoyed that book.

Tonigt was no exception. I had to stop at our local Christian book store. I decided to take a look at the books. A cover grabbed my eye immediately.

I had a feeling this was a fiction novel, but it still had my attention.  I started reading the back cover and skipped to the "about the author" paragraph.  I quickly realized this was definitely a true story.  The author, Rebecca Nichols Alonzo, has been featured on Dr Phil and CNN.  I continued reading the "book teaser" paragraph and couldn't believe what I was reading.  Back in November or December, there was an episode of Dr Phil I desperately wanted to see but I missed it...oh I don't know...I think I was doing something ridiculous...like working!!!  This book was that story.  The author witnessed her minister father and mother being murdered by a member of the church.  The most important part of the story is how the author learns to forgive the monster who took her parents from her.

So you see, if I didn't judge my reading material by its cover, I may have never picked this book up!  I am so excited to start reading it!

 

Yes I know my choice of books may seem depressing, odd, and sometimes pretty dark.  But I have read some pretty amazing stories...all of which were chosen based on their cover.  I have read about a woman who was raped but chose to give her child life and the Lord was glorified through the situation.  I have read about gang members who find God and use their experiences to reach out and witness to other gang members.  I have read about two college kids who give up the comfort of their homes and bank accounts to go live among the homeless to share God's love.  I have read about celebrities who hung out at the playboy mansion, who did drugs and who struggled with their fame, only to find God and use their celebrity to preach the Gospel.  And most recently I read about an average couple who followed the Lord's calling to adopt four kids through the foster system.  I don't want to read made up stories.  I want to be inspired, and how better to get inspired than to read about people who have made a difference in this world.

I already know the next book I'm going to read...

Look at those faces...now that's a cover that has my attention.