Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly bookish meme where participants discuss certain topics, share their opinions, and spread the love by visiting each other’s posts. Originally created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books, it’s now hosted by Aria @ Book Nook Bits.

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This week’s topic is:

Do Book Titles Matter?

(submitted by Hannah @ Hannah’s Library)

Prompts: How much do book titles matter? Have you ever read or not read a book based on the title alone? Do you like long or short book titles better? Do you think the title has to connect to the story in some way? What are some of your favorite book titles?

Don’t judge a book by its…. title?

When I first read today’s prompt, my instinct reaction was, Yes! Of course book titles matter! It seemed so obvious to me. BUT as I started thinking more about it, I realized I was actually torn on the question. Let me explain…

Let’s consider one of my all-time favorite books (so far): Beach Read by Emily Henry. Also one of the most discussed book titles in the Romance genre in the past few years. If you’ve read the book, you’ll probably agree the title doesn’t really fit what’s between the pages. (Neither does the cover, but that’s a discussion for another day.) The title indicates a beach-y read. Maybe something set in the summer by the ocean, right? But it’s actually set on the shores of a lake in Michigan, not some tropical locale.

BUT once I read the first paragraph, I was sucked in. I didn’t care where or when it was set or even what the title was. You may not agree about Beach Read, but I bet you’ve read a book that you loved despite the title. Basically, what I’m saying is, it’s what’s inside that counts, right?!

What’s that again?

I have come across titles that were off-putting. Books I didn’t pick up right away because the title was confusing or too long or hard to remember.

A perfect example is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. I avoided this book for years because of the title until so many of my fellow book friends recommended it, I had to take a closer look. And it’s such a delightful book! A perfect example of finding joy within a difficult subject matter. I’m still not a fan of the title, but it makes sense once you read the book. It’s definitely memorable—just not repeatable. I had to look it up again to include it today!

The length of Guernsey‘s title also kept me from being drawn to it. My instinct is to go for shorter titles. I’m not sure why. My eye wants to skim over lengthier titles. But I’m back to my initial response: it’s what’s inside the book and on the pages that’s most important! While a title can most assuredly help or hurt a book, if it’s a good book, the title ultimately won’t keep it from being successful.

Some of my favorite book titles

• The Dust that Falls from Dreams by Louis de Bernières – It’s still one of my favorite titles ever.
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer – I think this is a good example of a title helping a book. It’s simple but effective.
• The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren – This title is one that catches your attention!
• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – Another simple but effective title. It works on so many levels. I think all the titles of books in this series are wonderfully done.
• The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton – I was a huge fan of Wharton in college and I think her titles always grabbed my attention. They’re beautiful to see and hear.
• The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton – Ditto.
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – You can say the same for Austen’s novels. The alliteration helps, as well.
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson – I think this is a good example of a longer title that works. It’s simple but gives the reader information before you even read a synopsis or open the book.

Let’s Discuss!

Do book titles matter much to you? Let me know in the comments!