USA vs UK book covers: who designs them better? (feat. my British husband)

[@hhah23]

Big 2016 youtube vibes from this video. Much needed

[@shisharma]

The most beautiful thing about you two is you both have such a calm energy, like a sunshine on a cloudy day always brightening up the room with your love its just so soothing I'm convinced you two were meant for each other. 🧿

[@silverplim]

Yes they’re both so cute and calm ❤❤

[@LizziebelleXOX]

Awww that’s lovely! I agree, they were meant to be together- soulmates ❤️❤️

[@CarolynMarieReads]

🥹 excuse me while I weep! That’s so sweet of you to say 🤍

[@JordanS-ww4eu]

@@CarolynMarieReadsyou are a perfect couple I hope you stay together for life

[@amberjunerosie]

GIRL THE WAY HE LOOKS AT YOU OMG

[@haerhawk]

This content is so wholesome I hope we get to see more of you and Leon in future videos and vlogs ❤❤

[@CarolynMarieReads]

😊

[@circleofleaves2676]

Adding my votes below: Normal People: I'm torn! But probably UK Hamnet: UK The Midnight Library: US (but I hate the sticker placement) Weather: US Never Let Me Go: UK The Cat Who Saved Books: US Remarkably Bright Creatures: UK A Love Story for Bewildered Girls: US (the colour on the UK one is really glary on the eyes) Howl's Moving Castle: UK Circe: UK (in particular the one you have Carolyn, on the bottom left) The Housekeeper and the Professor: UK Ms Ice Sandwich: I actually don't like either of them at all, but the UK might be the "least worst" rather than "best" If Cats Disappeared from the World: US (but I don't like the font) Norweigan Wood: UK So that's 9 for UK, 5 for US. I'm Australian, and I in general I tend to lean towards UK editions rather than US editions. The covers in this particular set aren't good examples of this, but I find that UK often tends more towards art, illustration and graphics while US are more likely to use photographs in the covers, which I don't love. I don't like movie tie-in covers, and I hate permanent stickers!

[@NinaGiddings]

I totally agree with everything you said except the first!

[@AlFrBu]

This is truly the book-nerdiest content I have seen is some time. I have no one in my life who would tolerate this conversation, and I absolutely love it. You are so fortunate to have one another in your lives. 😊

[@Rosarossa.0_0.]

I 100% agree with you! ❤ And I wish you may find someone like that soon enough, too 😊

[@denisefreitas6727]

I loved this video, Carolyn! You and Leon are perfect together! Part 2, please! ❤❤☺️☺️

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Aw I’m so glad! 🥰🥰

[@itsrox9339]

This was so entertaining. Would love a part 2 in the future!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Absolutely!!!

[@hellopaulie]

I married a Leon too. And he's British! Well, his parents were; my Leon is a 1st generation Canadian. This was fun. I'd definitely watch a part 2.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

That’s so sweet! I’m sure we can both agree that Leon’s are quite special 😊😆 So glad you enjoyed it!

[@ashlanabbott9273]

I think this showed me that US designs are closer to movie posters while UK is closer to classic and illustrated style book

[@theodorashukin4895]

I immediately felt that the US edition of If Cats Disappeared from the World was my favorite, because it shows the significance of cats to humans, or the main character in particular. You can imagine the cat disappearing from the picture and how it would then be more empty and out of balance, visually.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

YES! Perfectly said!

[@liliancoy5341]

lol I thought the midnight library us cover had airplane windows too at first, but then while reading it I realized they're actually zeros for midnight, 00:00:00. But they also act as windows so either works! Such a good book!

[@Rosarossa.0_0.]

I now discovered your channel, and so glad I did! You look like such a great couple, it's a real pleasure watching you guys. Thanks for the video 🥰

[@magda_mf]

For The cat who saved books, the UK edition also has gold foil in the background (like part of the wallpaper) and it's sparkling! I feel you would like it if you saw it in person, the picture doesn't really show it. Fun video! 😊 I agree with some of your choices but not others. Blue is my favourite colour and when I see a blue cover it instantly catches my eye 🩵

[@Mamaisawake]

I love this competition concept! And I want more!

[@cynthian8440]

I realized that in the US cover for The Midnight Library, the illustration are not windows but rather just 00:00:00 as in like literally showing midnight on a clock, but they look like airplane windows

[@Boudleaux]

I almost always love the UK covers more. I loved that Book Depository made it so easy to order things. I hated to see them go. Now Blackwell's gets my business. But I do love those special Waterstones editions.

[@ragaya3043]

Commenting for engagement bc I love that format !!

[@natatatt]

It's interesting seeing these covers - I forgot that Canada tends to get the UK covers of books, even though we're right beside the US. I have Hamnet and it's the UK cover.

[@LoriCremer]

You two are so adorable! I love your videos together and I agree with the UK covers being better for most of the books.

Great video concept, with the added UK/US rivalry! 😁

[@SevenUnwokenDreams]

Thank you for doing this, it really cheered me up today. I generally prefer UK covers myself (I'm from the USA). I just tend to notice a lot of stock imagery being used here and the UK covers look more like art to me - *usually*, not always. Also dang, I didn't know about the Mieko Kawakami book! I have to get it immediately. I love Kawakami's books.

[@keelyymae]

you guys are so tranquil its adorable! this feels nostalgic somehow, beautiful vibes, beautiful couple

[@PatrikOrjes]

I generally prefer UK covers but every now and then we get some USA covers that look great. I quite liked the USA cover of "If Cats Disappeared From the World", I enjoy the simple but appealing silhouettes.

[@amesiesasmr]

In Ireland we don’t do A Levels, we do the Leaving Cert, just fyi ;) so Connell and Marianne are in their last year of secondary school/doing their LC

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Oohhh I see! Thank you for letting me know :)

[@stagedcaptivity]

OBSESSED with your vids ! keep up !!!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

So glad!! 😊

[@Phoebe_934]

This was so fun! I can't wait for part 2! There's so many of us in the US who actually seek out uk editions, is it crazy to think that there must be people in the UK who prefer us editions?

[@mattiez3545]

Y'all are just the cutest. I enjoyed hearing your reasons for why you voted USA or UK. I voted on my phone and tallied each vote. My results ended up being a tie. I thought I would like the UK more but surprisingly not. This was fun. Thank you for sharing.

[@junpi8562]

I think both Howl covers represent the book well, one the fun comedic side, and the other one the love story. But I didn't know about the UK covers and now I've looked them up the others in the series are even prettier. Added to basket!

[@Pizzageek-jc4xp]

This was such a fun video to play along with, my choices were pretty much equally divided.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

I’m so glad you enjoyed playing along 😄

[@lamaalsalem]

I loved The Cat Who Saved Books the writing is just beautiful and I love how the concept of appreciating books :)

[@CarolynMarieReads]

So happy to hear that!

[@deegrows7589]

Such a fun video! Book covers and Titles are so interesting to me!

[@doaadikrallah]

loved this video so much 🥹 i completely agree with you both, i love the uk editions (i always end up waiting for them to come out plus i never understood why we always have to wait a year for the paperbacks 😭) anyway i also prefer the sizes of the uk paperbacks cause the usa ones are way bigger

[@NazaQuintana]

What a calm couple. Nice.

[@PaulinaReadsss]

This video was amazingly fun! You should keep doing these type of videos and also you guys should design the covers! Idk if Leon draws or anything but it would be so much fun to see who designs a better cover and put people to choose!🎉

[@kavanpuranik98]

Howl's Moving Castle's UK edition looks stunning! ❤

[@meikusje]

I'm reading Remarkably Bright Creatures now! I have the UK cover, but I don't have a preference, I think. The UK cover is a bit more whimsical, but I haven't read enough to know if that's in line with the story or not.

[@Cah_Moura]

The covers, it is so different. Here in Brazil, The Midnight library cover is green because it shines in the dark. I really enjoyed your video 😊😊

[@akamystica]

A part 2 but with French covers 😂 I read in both French and English and I always choose the covers I like the most but sometimes it’s just not even the same vibe you could mistaken some books for totally different ones !

[@pixie242]

Here’s what I think: Normal People - I agree with Leon, also after hearing what u Carolyn said about the UK one I like it more than before (but not more that the USA edition), I like the symbolism Hamnet - definitely UK The Midnight Library and Weather - USA Never Let Me Go - I also like both, but UK wins The Cat Who Saved Books - I agree with u both, UK is cute but USA is better Remarkably Bright Creatures - At first I thought UK, but now I think I like the USA one more. I think they’re both okay A Love Story for Bewildered Girls - Definitely USA Howl’s Moving Castle - UK Circe - UK I think, but I like USA edition too The Housekeeper and the Professor - I agree, UK is better Ms Ice Sandwich - UK and I also don’t like the circle If Cats Disappeared from the World - Again I agree, I love both but I’m choosing the USA edition Norwegian wood - And I again I agree with you both 😊 And yes, please do! I’d love to see part 2 💕

[@kurlykaitlyn]

Brilliant video!! I judge these countries’ covers against each other all the time and enjoyed this! Do it again for sure 😊💗

[@dappled_blue1608]

You guys seem so in love, so wholesome to watch hahahaha

[@AlexaSmith]

Y’all are so cute! I really love both the normal people covers, I think the tin can is more interesting tbh!

[@bettymaugeri7316]

You and Leon are so much fun - thank you for this entertaining video!

[@caspiansvensson]

I mostly disagreed with you. 😂 I haven't read any of the books so I only judges by cover, some answers I changed when one of you described the story and the connection to the cover. I seem to be drawn towards flowing covers more than sharp angles.

[@zoew_]

as a graphic designer who wants to be a book cover designer, this was a fun watch!

[@kailyncorey8267]

Howls moving castle is one of my favorite books I read in my childhood!!

[@nolashay]

Love seeing the differences in the cover. I also will check out Blackwells in UK to compare with US covers.

[@jodihowe7274]

I live in the U.S. and try to travel to the UK annually, with a list of books I need to purchase with the UK covers! However, there is one USA cover that stands out and that is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver!

[@rubyanddelilahandnani]

Yep

[@kaleighmagnant]

Here are my picks! Normal people- US Hamnet- UK Midnight library- US Weather- UK Never let me go- UK The cat who saved books- US Remarkably bright creatures- UK Love story for bewildered girls- US Howl's moving castle- UK Circe- UK waterstones exclusive Housekeeper & the professor- UK Ms ice sandwich- UK If cats disappeared from the world- UK Norwegian wood- UK

[@domigal]

It would be great if the covers appeared on full screen for a few seconds - it would be easier for us to join in the fun :) I had to look for some covers in the internet because I couldn't see the details well and I wanted to participate in your game Besides, great idea and great video! :)

[@Bonitolibro]

This was so fun!! More videos like this please 🙏❤️

[@DoodleMaster380]

I love when you guys say "I always judge a book by its cover"

[@Emiliemooles]

I love the “we’ll get to it in March 2025” because it’s my 30th in March 2025! It feels like it’s been a long time coming and also it’s soo soon. I love this video. For me a lot of the UK editions are more my style. It’s so interesting how subjective book covers are, just like other forms of art I guess!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Oh how wonderful! Happy (very early) birthday 🎉😂

[@marshacasner1800]

Please do this more!!! So much fun.

[@SaveLockwoodNCo]

There's this book series called Lockwood and Co. The fandom has debates all the time, which cover looks best, the UK or US version. It's originally a UK book. You should totally check it out. I would love to hear both your thoughts on it.

[@WaterBearReads]

You two are wonderful!!!! I usually prefer the UK covers, but I thought for 'Remarkably Bright Creatures', USA was the winner too!

[@deldevours]

So, I played along with you, and gave 1 point for each of preferences. Here's my results: UK = 8, US = 3, Didn't like either = 1, Love both = 2 Winner = UK Bonus ---> I got lots of new recs. So, I guess the real winner is me ❤. ----- I haven't read any of these so I can't comment on the relevance of the cover to the story. I also don't really care if a cover took the designer 5 minutes or 5 months. I just judged on which I'd be most likely to pick up in a bookstore.

[@madeinjalisco]

If you want a good laugh, check out the US vs UK versions of Manuel Muñoz’s The Consequences. I ordered the (no spoiler) version from overseas because the version published in my country made it look like a dystopian/vampire YA novel.

[@claaaaaara]

this is fun! you should do it with other countries' covers as well

[@ArtByDesign80]

Part 2 option: Lessons in Chemistry (UK vs USA covers)

[@chantellestreete2767]

i might be biased but i liked mostly the UK covers! There was 2 of the US that I liked but I feel the UK covered are able to tell more about the stories while still being more simple

[@ticketyboo2456]

For heaven's sake read your copy of Hamnet. It is awe-inspiring.

[@neverbored]

Carolyn, there is a video on the internet of an octopus holding a little brush and cleaning his own aquarium glass) so it's very realistic)

[@karinereads]

this video could go on and on, and I wouldn't be sick of it. you guys are so cute ❤

[@Blue_Caribou]

I tend towards the UK covers for one specific reason: why do US covers always have to include "A Novel" on the front cover? It's stating the obvious to a degree that really grates on me. Even where (as with The Cat Who Saved Books) I love the US cover, that unnecessary clutter on the front really bothers me. It's like the printed on "as seen on netflix" "stickers" - redundant and irritating.

[@TheTvnutty]

I really struggle with photographs of real things on fiction books, so UK covers win out for me most of the time because the US has a bias towards printing real photographs. But, some of these American covers were lovely! Would love to see you react to the lessons in chemistry cover, because the US one really is…. Something….

[@Justfactsnofiction-ql2fj]

To quote Carolyn : “I loved this so much!” 🫢 What a great way to start my Saturday- such original content with two super lovely people! I appreciate you both and your views. It was nice to hear Leon’s side of things too👍🏻 Don’t let this be the last of these!!!!!!!! For my money, the UK covers are so much better, as are television programs- much of what we have here in the US is copied from British shows. I watch shows from the UK 90% . I wish shipping (books) wasn’t so pricey because I would love to explore more authors from across the pond. I prefer physical paper books…. Thanks again and Happy Reading!

[@gg_23452]

you guys are so cute! definitely looking forward to part 2. For me also the UK covers won 😅

[@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk]

The only problem with watching other book tube channels is that it only increases the tbr! Happy reading.

[@Hyplxx]

I'm Australian and we get a mix of US and UK coves. For Normal People, I have the UK cover, but instead of green it's like an orange-y red.

[@jmschnepp]

You have to read Remarkably Bright Creatures!!!! I'm in love with Marcellus (the octopus).

[@chiming_]

You will probably love the US edition more after you have read the book. I think the US cover depicts the “personality” of the castle much more vividly. Please read the book. It’s fantastic 😊

[@Beery1962]

Two I've read recently: Paul Bowles' "The Sheltering Sky" - UK first edition book cover is so much better than the US one. Same with Arthur C. Clarke's "Expedition to Earth" (despite the fact that the UK first edition cover is a horrible puke green. Side note: my wife and I are also transatlantic - I'm an Englishman married to an American woman, but we live in the US (unless I'm confusing you with another book-focused KZbinr, I seem to recall you folks live in England)

[@shelleytaylor1778]

I often prefer the uk covers and go out of my way to order them!

[@littlefiddlechick1513]

My I suggest a book called Mr. Fix It and Miss Sue by Hannah Cruz? I think you guys will like it.❤

[@shadowolf13]

I loved “The Cat Who Saved Books!” I agree the US cover is way better and really captures the theme of the book

[@ba-gg6jo]

You are one lucky bugger Leon. All the best to you both from the UK.

[@ticketyboo2456]

She is pushier and more opinionated than British women.

[@rubyanddelilahandnani]

@@ticketyboo2456that’s good. Good to be opinionated.

[@projekt3658]

Such a lovely couple! 😂🎉❤😊

[@thaliafernandez1378]

I would love a part 2 😍

[@annadolan4821]

As a Canadian we get both idk how they pick

[@runrgrl35]

I just picked up a copy of Hamnet from my local used book shop( I’m in Northern California) and it was the UK edition. I lucked out cause I agree that the UK cover is so much better!😉

[@kurlykaitlyn]

Ah I’m in nor cal too! Northern cali girls just love Carolyn 😄💗

[@runrgrl35]

@@kurlykaitlyn 😉❤️

[@rondoflicflac]

You two are the cutest ❤

[@mattpen]

The funny thing is that no matter which cover I prefer I basically will always get the US version because UK books bindings are so tight and stiff that I hate reading the actual book.

[@ajb0625]

Ooh okay this wasn't on the list but I NEED to know your votes on whether you like the US or the UK cover of In Memoriam better because they are so so different but I think both succeed in being beautiful and telling readers what the story is about!

[@annieplant7865]

i have a different coverfor never let me go and its by far my favourite over these

[@moniqueprins6426]

Midnight library ... they are 00's. 00:00:00 = midnight. 😊

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Ooohhhh interesting!!!

[@That_b1tchygirl_Calypso]

I looooooove this But u did my pools dirty on the ✨”LiLo”✨

[@deborahracette9755]

I'm with you all the way EXCEPT for Hamnet! I love the portrait cover!

[@TheLinguistsLibrary]

Here to support my favorite lit couple!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

🫶

[@itsjustamy1876]

that was so much fun to watch :)

[@Beery1962]

It's funny how it seems so many books have covers with faces where something is covering part of the face. I always find those covers somehow disturbing. Maybe that's the point, but it seems to me it would hurt book sales.

[@rednblackedits5294]

The calm energy in this video is amazing!!!! I love your calm sweet voices. An amazing way to escape the chaotic moments of life. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Aw so glad! 🥰

[@kimbarbeaureads]

I played along: 1. US, 2. UK, 3. US, 4. UK, 5. UK, 6. Tied with a slight edge to UK, 7. US, 8. US, 9. UK, 10. UK (up and down font) 11. UK 12. UK, 13. UK, 14. Neither I don't like any of them

[@anisa2273]

You both are so cuteee and UK covers for the win!

[@jenniferlovesbooks]

I never realised they were in the sardine can?!

[@highland-cow]

no A levels! not a thing in ireland! they’re in 6th year and doing their leaving cert :)

[@Elfi_design]

😂 Funny, I have almost always opted for the other than you guys 😂

[@elenavezzulli7789]

I agree with you for the majority of the cases 🇬🇧

[@jwi1085]

Every now and again, you two should read the same book and a discussion and reveal your thoughts to each other only afterwards. You could write each other a few follow up questions after reading.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

That’s a great idea!!!

[@jwi1085]

@@CarolynMarieReads of you ever make it into a video idea, let me know!!!!