BY ITS COVER

THE BASTARD OF ISTANBUL by Elif Shafak

The cover: a traditional Islamic design of repeating floral patterns, in cerulean, turquoise, and a deep Tyrian purple. The title: “The Bastard of Istanbul.” The cover and title together certainly make me want to know who the bastard is, not to mention how and why a bastard of Istanbul becomes “the” bastard of Istanbul. Perhaps it’s a “Fear Factor” type deal in which all of the bastards in Istanbul vie for the prized title, though it certainly could be more of a Quidditch Cup setup. I guess the only way to find out would be to actually read the thing.





THE DOUBLE BIND by Chris Bohjalian

A lithe blonde on a crisp spring day is pictured riding her bicycle in front of a white picket fence. It is not until one actually purchases and reads the book (or, in case, the dust jacket) that one realizes that “The Double Bind” is actually the story of the “savage attack” of the female protagonist while riding that very bicycle. Oh, that silly publishing house!





THE MEASURE OF A MAN: A SPIRITUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY by Sidney Poitier

Mr. Sidney Poitier’s hands are clasped together in a contemplative pose; the image is taken in a solemn black and white. His eyes point towards you, though not directly at you. Seemingly looking though you, he peers into your soul and evaluates every problem you may think you face. Then, speaking in a heady and wise voice, he declares: “Yes, you may have some troubles. I see. But I have born the fardel of having effectively represented an entire generation of African Americans for the past 40 years.” Never has this journalist been so humbled by a book cover.



Ruben L. Davis