How a Book Cover Gets Designed

[@vlogbrothers]

Hi. Semisecret livestream today to discuss covers and other matters. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZjFiHt4mdKibMk You can preorder The Anthropocene Reviewed at Bookshop or wherever books are sold: bookshop.org/books/the-anthropocene-reviewed-signed-edition/9780525555216 (All preorders in the U.S. and Canada will be signed by me.) INTERVIEW WITH GRACE BELOW. Thank you so, so much to Grace Han for designing the book's cover. I am so grateful. Me: Can you give us a bit of an overview into how you begin when designing a cover? Do you look for places in the book that the cover can respond to, or do you begin by thinking about audience or something else? Grace: My usual design process begins with reading the book, sketching, and taking notes. I like to do this while thinking about the audience-more specifically, someone who would most need the book at hand. This mindset allows me to better connect the dots between concepts, ideas, and emotions. By the time I finish reading, I usually have a good idea of what the whole picture should/could look and feel like. (Not always, but usually, ha) Me: With The Anthropocene Reviewed, how did you refine and revise your concepts of the cover? Grace: Since this was a collection of essays, I wanted to make sure all the comps spoke to the book as a whole. Even if inspiration came from a specific piece, I wanted to make sure it worked conceptually for the rest of the collection. Because the ideas of exploring, discovering, and creating seemed like the through line in these essays, I tried to use visual language that spoke to those ideas. Me: There's so much I love about all the covers you designed for the book. As I look at it more, I find more and more resonance between the cover and the book I wanted to write. Seeing your proposed covers, it felt to me like the book was being read by someone who understood it deeply and was responding to all the things I'd hoped readers would find. Can you talk a little about the particular cover we ended up choosing, and what inspired you to choose the design, the colors, and the typeface? Grace: Thank you, it’s exciting to know that is how you feel! Earlier, I mentioned how I like to brainstorm while thinking of someone who would most need the book I am working on. For The Anthropocene Reviewed, I think I was that someone. I lost a close friend last year and recently found myself wound up in the stresses of pandemic life. Simply put, I was becoming cynical and losing my ability to be present. When I read the introduction, I was gripped by the idea of pathways and labyrinths and it stayed with me throughout the rest of the book because each essay felt like a path. And each path, whether simple or complex, was so thoughtfully and vulnerably explored. I personally love the essay on Sunsets because I felt it best described what this book encourages me to do-take off my armor of cynicism and love the beauty that surrounds us. So, I gravitated towards this idea of intertwining paths/journeys lit by the colors of the sunset. I hope the imperfect paths and hand lettering echoes the imperfect but bold paths we all travel.

[@spellboring333]

I don't know why but I really really like the cover.

[@Emily-ss7zv]

Apologies if this has already been answered, but will there be a book tour (virtual or otherwise)?

[@MarkLeach-MDL]

Congrats on the haircut! - Oh and the book cover!

[@Digitalhunny]

Who is that handsome young man at the end of this video?? 💋😈

[@gracejulia.design]

As a graphic design student, this is an incredibly interesting topic and WOW I love all the covers Grace Han has done!! Thank you for adding the interview!

[@SamFlintHere]

okay the cover is very very pretty but the real question is what will the swedish cover look like 🤔🤔

[@DavidPeveto]

Girl with head cut off, feet sticking out a window, or aggressive pop art. There is no in-between.

[@Martcapt]

The sun in a grenade and the sand is made of corpses with their eyes burned out. But it's made of pretty and warm colors. The sky has a cloud in the shape of a deformed toaster, and the toaster is dead too. Its soul headed to Canada, stolen by a long lost love. You can tell because of art.

[@AlexDings]

A bunch of Canada geese drinking Diet Dr Pepper watching the sunset

[@Sparkle__stories]

As a Swede, the book cover business over here has a very small gray area, so it can either turn out very nice (like the one in the video) or it could go further than “Turtles All The Way Down”... ... May the odds be with you.

[@HypernovaBolts11]

@@Martcapt DUDE

[@sophiahawley5750]

looks like you lost the battle on the font size of your name being larger than the book title

[@vlogbrothers]

I actually didn't even mind because I love this cover so much. -John

[@GlennHtx]

Follow up question, is your name at the top of every page, though?

[@NomineBlack]

I remembered the same thing :) And perhaps I'm prescribing undue meaning to this. But particularly for this book, and because of it's personal nature, it feels appropriate that the name is featured so centrally.

[@coolkumquats]

For this book, I think part of the issue is also that the word "Anthropocene" couldn't be any larger and still fit in a horizontal line. Readability and spacing are legitimate reasons for font sizing. But that doesn't mean we can't lovingly tease John a little 😆

[@Snoopy-20111]

I feel like that’s on-brand for a book about reviews, however ludicrous or uncommodifiable the subject

[@vinicius99157]

The sweedish covers of your books are so fascinating, that maybe you should do an anthropocene review of them

[@vlogbrothers]

That is a great idea! I have NO IDEA what the story is behind them, though! I don't think I've ever spoken to my Swedish publisher. But oh man their covers are amazing. -John

[@vinicius99157]

@@vlogbrothers I think they say a lot more with their images rather than with their Swedish texts, but I also don't read Swedish

[@NoahStolee]

@@vlogbrothers I would love to know more about them!

[@booknerdjebbi5037]

@@vinicius99157 I read Swedish and I also don't have a clue

[@margony6921]

Swedish person here waiting for this to happen!!

[@JovanaM7]

Book cover: magnificent Puff level: astronomical Edit: got me in the last second

[@coena9377]

Hotel: Transylvania.

[@marym361]

Anthropocene: Reviewed.

[@chirag1764]

Game: you lost it

[@emilyemma7292]

I usually don’t notice if the puff levels are unusually high but pre-haircut John and post-haircut John look like two different people.

[@Angela-kr8cx]

Thank you for this comment... I couldn't figure out what the second major development was. I am not known for my observational skills.

[@alisonbeautyxo]

the swedish cover looks like the inside of my brain

[@vlogbrothers]

same.

[@ToriKo_]

I wish, inside mine it’s all darkness spikes and pain

[@cubeofcheese5574]

@@ToriKo_ hang in there buddy

[@ToriKo_]

@@cubeofcheese5574 I have push back to the efficacy of your comment, while also appreciating the potential place your comment comes from, thank you

[@marshm3llow467]

@@ToriKo_ That sucks man, it's really shitty when your brain is just filled with pain. I was there for many years, so I know how it feels. I don't have any advice or anything, other than that you might like Abigail Thorn of Philosophy Tube's video called su!cide and mental health. I used to watch it every now and then when I was stuck there and it helped a lot. If you ever want to talk you can reply here or on my account page.

[@burkleypage1443]

Puff levels at an all time high. I’m wishing you well John Edit: Just finished the video and I feel heard and seen

[@sarahwatts7152]

Twist ending: haircut edition

[@elaineshiffer6929]

i wish we had a measurement to know if, indeed, puff levels were at all time high.....

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

++

[@nastber]

I always forget the vision board is coming, it's a delightful surprise every time 😂

[@aditi_05]

++

[@dusk4076]

John: "I am a strong believer in name under title, and name no bigger than title" also John:

[@dusk4076]

(all jokes aside though it is a really beautiful cover and I cannot wait for this book to come out)

[@vlogbrothers]

I had to make an exception.... -John

[@vanessapierson4913]

also, first non-fiction book, so new theory??? 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@adammaher403]

Where is that quote from? I'm very curious to hear his thoughts on this.

[@tomaskrampera6485]

@@adammaher403 Dear Hank and John, though I've no idea which particular episode.

[@CubingThroughLife]

I was immediately struck when you posted the cover. Having expected the cover to look mostly like the podcast, I like that the new cover is artistic, personal, and of course related to one of the essays. I can’t wait till I have it in my hands.

[@MalloryCorben]

This, yes! I heard him say sunsets, but was still expecting blues and purples like the podcast! Yes!

[@catherinejbaker]

Thank you for explaining why I was surprised, that was why. My brain feels less itchy now and the new cover is lovely

[@StevieSkaggs]

I'm a high school English teacher and The Anthropocene Reviewed was my favorite podcast during its run. While watching this video, I realized that next year I want to do a unit in which my students read this book and write their own essays reviewing some facet of our human-centered planet. I've had such a hard time grappling with what is relevant to teach right now to students who are all processing some level of pandemic-induced trauma and this feels like an innately human exercise. Thank you for writing this (and the cover is beautiful).

[@dasiavou]

I was inspired by TAR to start writing an essay a couple years ago, but I only recently started working on it again (I was always one of those kids who depended on tight deadlines to get stuff done). Even if I may never finish, I have found it to be therapeutic. Mine is about OCD and Oleanders. It's not very organized right now, but I'm just seeing what sticks. I guess my point is that this seems like it would be a great assignment for your students, as it really does help me in both processing and grounding.

[@2xcharmed]

My writing professor did this with us this past semester as a unit. It was one of my favorites by far. Not only because the book was a great read, but because writing the essays were fun. It was great because we had to put effort into the essays but they weren't super restrictive. You talked about what you needed to and then you moved on to the next one. There were no page or word limits, just the limits of your effort.

[@ShyasShadow]

I missed read the title as: how a book cover gets digested.

[@spellboring333]

Lol

[@lowlypieceofdata7542]

That sounds like a reunion video

[@vlogbrothers]

That happens the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once. -John

[@melonlord1414]

Slowly and painfully. I would advise against eating bookcovers and if you do, to properly chew it first

[@ProSandlin]

Has someone fed an AI Vlogbrother videos yet?

[@Rosalie_Jansen]

Having seen what the cover will look like I can suddenly visualize how I will actually hold the book in my hands one day and that makes me really happy. Like the (very talented) cover designer, this book comes at a time in my life where I think it can really enrich my mindset and I can't wait to read it.

[@vlogbrothers]

Thanks, Rosalie. I hope you like the book! -John

[@Rosalie_Jansen]

@@vlogbrothers If it's half as good as the podcast, liking it will be a given (:

[@justinereeves7479]

The end credits scene was more of a twist than any Marvel movie end-credit scene

[@vanessapierson4913]

HOLY BOOK COVER. THAT’S SO BEAUTIFUL.

[@itmedana]

PUFF LEVELS HAVE COMPLETELY DIMINISHED!!!!

[@celineg7080]

"Here's the 2nd major development" YES.

[@spellboring333]

I didn't get it? Will someone please explain?

[@marlenegrieger3714]

@@spellboring333 I think it's because he got a hair cut 😂

[@AmyWantsAFairytale]

the whole time while watching the video I was thinking about how badly John needs a haircut, the second development brings me so much joy!

[@KyleJMitchell]

I immediately had to restart the video to see if he had in fact set up two major developments to talk about. That's how a callback like that is a fun one: when I completely forget about it!

[@miriamrosemary9110]

@@spellboring333 At first I was so confused - is the Starbucks behind him new or something? I had to watch that part several times before it hit me - he got a haircut haha. The salon is behind him.

[@ohrwein7154]

This is a Julie Strauss-Gabel appreciation comment. Thank you for your work and helping John. Without you we wouldn't have the books we have now

[@raganstory675]

John, the cover is just SO BEAUTIFUL.

[@vlogbrothers]

Thanks! I probably shouldn't say thanks since I had nothing to do with it. Thanks to Grace!!!! -John

[@gitchy42]

+

[@ainhoa2378]

@@vlogbrothers I love u

[@MiriamEttrick]

I'm in the remarkably privileged position of being that first person to read a book and pass on ideas to a designer, and I can definitely attest to the wonderful surprise of seeing ideas brilliantly imagined in the final design.

[@Lauren-cc6rm]

YAY CONGRATS! I love the cover and I love that Turtles All the Way Down got mentioned on the front cover with The Fault in Our Stars.

[@krissymillard1823]

Yes to “manifest shot in arm.” My first is Sunday! Beautiful comments from Grace Han and gorgeous cover. Can’t wait!

[@turdl38]

I'm between doses myself. Hope yours goes as well as mine did. The first was just a bit of arm soreness, similar to a tetanus shot.

[@krissymillard1823]

@@turdl38 woohoo! Good luck with your second dose and thank you for getting vaccinated!

[@georgiaaaaaa]

Ooooh, that's what he meant. I fr thought getting shot *🔫* in the arm and I started worrying lol

[@turdl38]

@@krissymillard1823 Thanks! I wouldn't dream of not getting it.

[@noluthandomlahleki1563]

The experience of the conception of this book from this perspective is a privilege, thank you John. It feels great to be a part of something that is a life of its own!!

[@alexgerweck4507]

Just when I thought I couldn't be more excited. What a beautiful book cover!

[@TLG1255]

Dunno how much you go back and read comments but just wanted to say that “turtles all the way down” DEEPLY effected my life and still does, I tell all my closets friends to read it. It helped give vocabulary to things I’d felt for years, it gave me a sense empathy and understanding, the cover sparks such deep emotion in me that I cannot help but pick it up when I see it at a bookstore. The tightening spiral and that fact that we persist through it is now something I consciously can think about (and over think about) and it helps me move through it. Also as a bilingual person the Spanish names if your books are interesting to me, “Mil veces hasta siempre” has a much different tone than turtles all the way down but sparks the same feeling once you understand the reason.

[@musicisinsideofme]

My mind is so warped by the pandemic that I thought the major development was a trip to Starbucks... 😂

[@claraschuman5609]

Dude me too 😂

[@SidneyRozander]

Same!

[@ERYN__]

Starbucks could have been involved.

[@a12i9]

oh. OH! It wasn't Starbucks? One moment, I need to go back and have a second look.

[@miriamrosemary9110]

Same! But he just got a haircut at the salon lol

[@clairezalla]

The Anthropocene Reviewed was to me the quiet, sincere, hopeful voice that spoke into my ear as I walked between classes on campus. It's so strange to see that voice manifested as a physical object, something to be seen and touched and held and shared.

[@seoyeonfuckingahn]

Exactly! I wonder if we’ll be getting an audiobook..

[@mollysmith1711]

I GOT THE VACCINE IN MY ARM THIS MORNING

[@vlogbrothers]

HUZZAH! -John

[@omarabdelkadereldarir7458]

congrats haha

[@chrisfischer6121]

Yay congratulations 🎉

[@anniekim8990]

Why did seeing this book cover make me tear up? I'm not entirely sure but I won't complain. I'll just be thankful for small moments of softness in a hard world. I'm excited to read the book when it comes out!

[@vlogbrothers]

Yes, that is precisely it. Softness in a hard world. That's what I hope the book can be, too. -John

[@OO-oe3th]

I find this really interesting as someone who is studying graphic design

[@luizamissi4146]

"it encourages me to take off my armor of cynicism and love the beauty that surrounds us" these are the exact words i've been searching for to describe how much i love the podcast!! I'm so glad someone found them for me. I'm also very happy for the opportunity to use them to recommend the book as well ❤️

[@carneliancorax]

“Unironic enthusiasm for SUNSETS” is one of my favourite emotions. I wonder what “Be PATIENT with people who IMAGINE that grammar is immutable” is inspired by?

[@Waterflame]

I absolutely love it when a book cover gives me a physical reaction the first time I see it, and this cover gave me literal chills. I can't wait to own this beautiful piece of art!

[@marafortune3713]

Another video idea that just came into my mind is on the different book titles the translated books have in other countries. For example in my country Germany, "The fault in our stars" is titled "Das Schicksal ist ein mieser Verräter" (loosely translates to: fate is a mean traitor) or "Turtles all the way down" being "Schlaft gut ihr fiesen Gedanken" (loosely translates to: Sleep well you mean thoughts). I am sure there are going to be a lot of interesting examples of book titles which all highlight a different aspect of the books and it would be fascinating to hear about their stories and your interpretation/perception of them.

[@tanvishah2096]

I have an AP exam tomorrow. I have felt little besides dread and stress over the last few days. I woke up with such joy remembering that the book has come out and listening to the new episode of the pod and watching this video has made me feel the rainbow of emotions amidst the clouds of dread. This video brought a slight pour of raining tears, but I am happy none the less. Thank you and congratulations John, Nerdfighteria is so so proud of you 💛

[@A.Mayflower127]

I just deleted my Twitter as inspired by you guys and I’m feeling great, thank you so much!!

[@phosphenevision]

As an artist and designer it feels great to see someone appreciate design work not only for it's effectiveness but as a means of expression, commercial work can still be so meaningful when the client let's it be.

[@sivanrogel3524]

this is a long anticipated day! I love how the cover turned out

[@alexb.3279]

I audibly gasped and put my hand over my mouth when I saw the cover. I was struck with awe and appreciation💛 absolutely can't wait to have it in my hands💛

[@jacosparce9839]

The cover is beautiful. It might make me cry, what an artist.

[@gitchy42]

+

[@ApequH]

It feels the way the podcast sounds (which is a weird thing to say about something visual)

[@moiradarling97]

I love the cover. Yesterday I was thinking about when I die some day and how I wouldn’t want this elaborate expensive thing done but instead I would want my friends and family to gather at the beach (or even just at their individual homes) and watch a sunset, because of how much sunsets have meant to me. I would some how want to share a story to them about when I went to the beach and was surrounded by hundreds of people and for ten or so minutes everyone was silent in honor of the beauty we were all seeing. How it wasn’t planned but we all made the decision and it was even more beautiful than our view. I’m buying this book because I’ve loved the anthropocene reviewed but I need it specifically for the importance of sunsets in it.

[@fishpilgrim]

i’m putting money on jerzy dudek drinking diet dr pepper in the hall of the bulls as the swedish cover

[@vlogbrothers]

lol I'm not sure I even have a Swedish publisher for this book but I will give them the rights for one penny if they hire the same designer. -John

[@GoogelyeyesSaysHej]

@@vlogbrothers i saw in another comment that they’re all designed by the same artist Edit: I went back and it’s Sofia Scheutz

[@TomBerryBW]

Skold paddor as two words translates as 'shield toads' and that's amazing

[@Walderro]

It's weird to feel excited that a guy you've known for 13 years but never once talked to got a haircut, but here we are

[@nataliacaid5924]

I couldn’t imagine a better cover for this book, amazing job once again, John. Your words reach me on a level that few others do and I’m very excited to read this!

[@emilymerckx9620]

Hello John! I am so excited for the sunset review to make me cry... again.

[@cmm6p]

When the mention of ‘crossing pathways’ was made, all I could think is how many pathways I have missed this year but I do still see ahead, just, that there are pathways ahead that will cross and bring me closer to those I love and miss.

[@itmedana]

i saw the cover on instagram and i love it so much!!! i’m so excited to be able to hold it in my hand hooray

[@hallieissetfree]

Woah, never expected to cry during a book cover announcement. I suppose it's because Grace Han put into words how I often feel when listening to The Anthropocene Reviewed and how well she was able to artistically form that meaning. She's incredibly talented. So excited for this book to come out!

[@englishinreality2496]

Heyy, from Brazil here.... we just love your books... what an author... your work is amazing

[@vlogbrothers]

Thanks! I loved visiting Brazil so much and hope to return there someday soon. -John

[@23Kairos]

Gosh that cover is absolutely breathtaking! Im completely in love with it

[@williameckhardt3162]

Such a beautiful journey this book has been. I'm so happy that that journey shows so well in the book design. I can't wait to read it all!

[@ERYN__]

I like the idea that John went to all 3 stores in the final frame. The order of each changes the narrative.

[@mekaylasullivan51]

For some reason, this is what convinced me to preorder. Beautiful cover and beautiful sentiment by the cover designer

[@thelllama1]

I've always loved books, but this year I decided to go back to school to pursue my interest in Graphic Design in hopes that I can someday provide a bridge between readers and books. It's inspiring to hear Grace Han talk about her work!

[@ShivaniSingh-dl3pe]

For some reason I was expecting a Pastel color Palette for the cover but this is even better! i love it

[@bread7303]

As someone interested in designing book covers myself, I’m 1) SO struck by Grace Han’s design-absolutely breathtaking and all I would want for this book, and 2) grateful to hear about Grace’s process reading then distilling your book into different cover options. And I can’t wait to see the full jacket! I have to confess I haven’t been keeping up with vlogbrothers and you and Hank’s work (many years ago I watched my first ever vlogbrothers video, which was about why lawns suck), but I stumbled upon The Anthropocene Reviewed podcast via Fink and Cranor’s podcast Start With This, in which they mentioned your episode on Staph aureus. That was a very eerie coincidence, because I’m currently recovering from a staph infection. I’m now burning through episodes of your podcast and can’t wait to pre-order your book. So glad that you’re publishing nonfiction-I love how intricately you tie each object’s history into your own personal history. This weird coincidence has been a gift, especially during such a difficult time. Thanks.

[@alishakhan2953]

I love this idea. She's such a brilliant artist. Your book cover looks absolutely beautiful, John. Congratulations

[@fyorarules]

Sunset colors are my FAVORITE. I grew up with glorious sunsets in eastern Washington and also my middle school PE teacher once told me that my colors were definitely purple, pink, and orange, and I have mostly unconsciously lived by her advice ever since!

[@TheBamword15]

Oh cool, now I’m crying about a book cover. Absolutely gorgeous

[@vlogbrothers]

I cried when I saw it for the first time. -John

[@felipevitorino7745]

John you can't make me cry over a book cover in lunch break. This was unfairly beautiful

[@QuicklyLiquid]

Well, now I might have to learn Swedish just so I can justify the purchase of that glorious Swedish edition of Turtles

[@LauraMarilia]

Absolutely love the cover! I imagined it was going to be like the podcast, but this is... enticing. I can imagine myself already reading it. I can't wait!

[@vlogbrothers]

Thanks! -John

[@rainliketheweather4086]

Before this video I guess I was expecting the cover to just be a rendition on the podcast cover art, and I am pleasantly surprised. I can't wait to have this book!

[@d_dave7200]

This book cover is basically all my favorite colors wrapped into a poetically appropriate motif. I can't not love it. My favorite cover of your books so far.

[@soccerbopper124]

ah yes the newest episode of “john green makes me cry on a tuesday”

[@JT-wf7ou]

I'm going to share with you all the moment when the cover came up on my screen. It's 4am, I work overnights at a very busy job so this is my one night off this week. I had settled into a leaned back position to enjoy this video as my back hurts somewhat tonight. When the cover was revealed I genuinely sat back up and mouthed "Oh! That's lovely" I may have a canvas made of the cover simply because I enjoy it so much, great job Grace Han

[@rachelmorrow1650]

didnt even catch that my youtube was on 1.25 speed at first lol, used to these guys talking quickly

[@r.ymanuella]

When I saw the cover in your Instagram post earlier my first thought was "SUNSETS" and it filled me with this beautiful, warm feeling again and I thank you for that. 💖

[@catherinecase1142]

I also need to manifest patience for the prescriptive grammar lovers of the world. I usually just scream-type WORDS BELONG TO THEIR USERS, but I could do better.

[@EwemizDreamsRawks]

I let out an audible gasp when I saw the cover, and actually started crying. It's so beautiful. I have never wanted a book so much.

[@OliverHenaineOficial]

It's funny how the "Good Morning Hank" it's just a formality now. He's talking to us, we're Hank.

[@elaineshiffer6929]

oh my goodness! i never thought of that before, but yes!!! Or maybe we all wish we were Hank, to have a (loving) brother to commune with (couldn't put the L word in the actual sentence, cuz come on, it;s not EstherDay!

[@cassia-in-vancouver]

Who the eff is Hank?

[@OliverHenaineOficial]

@@elaineshiffer6929 I don't really know if they're still making the videos for each other haha Vlog brothers has become bigger than what it was originally intended to be.

[@OliverHenaineOficial]

@@cassia-in-vancouver John's brother. He addresses all the videos to him and viceversa... But I believe we're all Hank now.

[@carleybutler1707]

Grace Han sounds like a beautiful soul

[@IzHarris]

it is so incredibly beautiful and I cannot wait to read and share it 🤸‍♀️

[@sethhowell2278]

I absolutely love the book cover, and Grace's 'explanation' and thoughts on their own design was completely stunning. i wish i could hear that kind of thought outline for all the beautiful covers and artworks i love

[@mike.semark]

Ah, the cover looks amazing! I love watching these videos, and catching these joyous moments of your lives. I can't wait to read it. DFTBA :)

[@nonlinearnonsubjective3304]

I love how they split the word "turtles" (skölpaddor) on the Swedish cover of Turtles All The Way Down. It's such a different design choice that combines interestingly with the rest of the cover design.

[@mutiaradevianti3771]

i’ve never cried watching a book cover got released before

[@kayligronski]

Right?

[@emilyblack7342]

The idea of encapsulating a theme of a book in the cover, not just aesthetically but as an actual concrete example of the theme in visual form, is fascinating to me. We often think things as fundamental as color perception as an unchanging, agreed upon shared experience, as evidence of objective reality. The sky is blue, grass is green. But obviously they’re not. Colors are context and culture dependent, and if something as fundamental as color can be subjective, what else is? This is a damn good cover for The Anthropocene Reviewed.

[@adotburr6494]

Okay, tell me I’m wrong, but the Swedish cover Turtles All the Way Down is the best cover ever. It oddly captures what happened in the book very well AND includes the tuatara

[@vlogbrothers]

The cover of TAR is the best cover ever. Swedish turtles is second. -John

[@adotburr6494]

@@vlogbrothers Ok possibly but I will stand by that Swedish cover

[@ainagalofreballbe8175]

@@vlogbrothers Just one hour ago I ordered Turtles All the Way Down for my weekend of taking trains while I'm moving places and also to (personally) inaugurate the library that's right below my new apartment. So excited to read it! I'm getting it tomorrow and can't wait to have it in my hands

[@aS-fu5zt]

Almost a year ago I started the journey of watching every single vlogbrothers video and today I have caught up! It's been very interesting to see 14 years of changes happen so quickly. I look forward to continuing to keep up and the cover is beautiful John.

[@moladan]

I like how John owns the Swedish version of his book in hardcover.

[@NotWinter]

Blown away by how beautiful the cover is! It is so simply, yet really appeals to me

[@richardparadox163]

Fun fact: You can tell who comments before finishing the video by seeing who comments on John’s Puff

[@LampShadeAffair]

I really hope book publishers catch on to how cool the beautiful abstract/conceptual art on your covers is & does more of that kind of thing

[@Rayne474]

A book cover gets designed by you, the same way you choose your movie casts, right? Right.

[@yuvalne]

I understood that reference

[@cjsparks02]

I'm always moved by all of your work, but none more than The Anthropocene Reviewed, and I think Grace's words are beautiful, and the cover fits perfectly.

[@yoanna5646]

the amount of times I listened to the review of sunsets, god..... I actually captioned a series of photographs of sunset by fragments from it, because you captured exactly how I felt, pictures of sunsets are never as good as real life, I don't think anyone follows me for pictures of sunsets yet still on each film I always find another picture, because I couldn't help myself when I saw them and I just wanted to look at them a little bit longer. I didn't start this comment as a promo, but if someone is curious my insta is @joankamarianka

[@cbjgirl23]

i received my copy today so I came back to this video today to talk about the cover and the actually face of the book behind the paper cover. i'm in love, plain and simple. the colors work so perfectly together and the boards of the book (i had to look what the name for this was, it's the hard front and back covers of a book) are actually two of my favorite colors! i'm so elated

[@T1000-h4k]

"How less do you care about the hair maintenance?" John: "Yes"

[@melonlord1414]

I wanted to get the book as an audio book because John narrates it. But with a cover like that, it gets more attractive to get the hardcover book.

[@VerbalLearning]

The swedish cover for "Turtles All The Way Down" oddly enough looks more like a cover for "The Anthropocene Reviewed" than TATWD to me.

[@emilyjo2158]

I thought the same thing!

[@samk3469]

Why did that cover bring me so close to tears when first revealed. It’s fucking gorgeous. And it just looked like how the podcast has made me feel, so peaceful but with also with this sense of wonder. Anyway can’t wait for the book!

[@franticranter]

I wish I could be more patient with those who believe grammar to be immutable. altho, in fairness, they don't tend to be very patient with us

[@vlogbrothers]

Very true. -John

[@beaumcmurray8558]

I wanted a break from my publishing homework so I went to KZbin. Forgot that I should expect to learn when I show up here.

[@melonlord1414]

The puff went away. That's one drastic reduction of hair length

[@Spiniflora]

I've lost my passion for reading over the years. I guess not so much "lost", I've always loved stories and always had a deep want to read but my ability to focus is... not great. I've only recently started to be able to read whole chapters in a day again. It's slow going. I've been working on the same book for a month now but I'm proud of that progress. The Anthropocene Reviewed is the first new, physical, non audiobook I've allowed myself to purchase in a very long time, I guess kind of as a gift to myself for working so hard to be better friends with my brain, and I'm so happy with that decision. The cover is absolutely beautiful.

[@saumyaisha]

the day john starts signing asian copies of his book my life will change for the better

[@rae9196]

I was getting really done as a new-ish designer & illustrator, but this love letter to visuals just really reinvigorated that spark. Thanks for telling good stories, John.