Whenever you go in a library, you’re bound to find all kinds of interesting books out there. You might see novels that might tell you a compelling story. You might want to know something more about a subject like animals, science, or history. Some might be manuals offering advice on certain aspects of life like dating or parenting guide. While some may be books geared for our own entertainment. Nonetheless, what all books have in common is that their cover usually serves as a marker on the shelves. And over the years I’ve done posts like these, I’ve found plenty with covers that can be downright strange. So for your reading pleasure, I give you another installment of insane book covers. Some of these might not be safe for work by the way.
- Two Guys Noticed Me and Other Miracles by Marjorie Sharmat
And she seems to prefer one over the other. With the guy she’s more partial to sporting a mullet.
Since when is it a miracle that 2 guys notice you?
2. Snakes on a Sudoku: Official Snakes on a Plane Puzzle Book by Francis Heaney and Conceptis Puzzles
Other similar titles are Crocodiles on a Crossword, Wendingos on a Word Search, and Cockroaches on a Cryptogram. Also, that Samuel L. Jackson quote doesn’t really do this book justice.
In the words of Samuel L. Jackson, “I’ve had it with these mother fucking snakes no this mother fucking sudoku.”
3. Surf Safari Nurse by Jane Converse
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “Nurses go on an awful lot of thrilling, sexy adventures in Romance Novel World. I’m pretty sure it’s a trick played by the nursing industry to recruit the unsuspecting. You never see ‘Bedpan Duty Nurse’ or ‘Love Among the Gangrene Cleanup Crew.'”
Apparently, nurses prefer surfers for some reason.
4. Thong on Fire: An Urban Erotic Tale by Noire
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “This sounds more like a Chiller Channel Original Movie than an erotic novel. He lurks in the shadows outside the University For Totally Hot Chicks Who Study, Like, Science and Stuff. Just when they think it’s safe to sit down, the THONGBURNER strikes!”
A scorching story not for those with flammable underwear.
5. Chap Foey Rider: Capitalist to the Stars by Hayford Pierce
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “This looks thrilling. I can’t wait to get to the part where he files for a small business loan…in space! (Original title: Cousin Blobby and Ming The Merciless Go To The Goddamn Bank.)”
No, this isn’t about the life of Elon Musk.
6. After the Downfall by Henry Turtledove
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “Admit it, Turtledove. You wrote this just so you could commission a painting of a Nazi riding a unicorn.”
Even Nazis love to ride their unicorns.
7. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Enhancing Self-Esteem
However, we have too many idiots with very high self-esteem like Donald Trump. Seriously, the guy is a complete narcissistic sociopath who thinks he can get away with shit.
For the idiot who needs to believe in themselves.
8. Pigeon Wigs and Extensions by Chlorine Windle
Pigeon wigs? For God’s sake, these birds look totally ridiculous in those hairstyles. Why do books like this even exist?
Now those pigeons at the park can look fabulous.
9. When You Touch Yourself an Angel Dies: How Your Child’s Filthy Habit Is Destroying America and What You Can Do About It by Douglas and Rosalie Gale
For God’s sake, you’re going to shame kids over masturbation? How is that destroying America? I don’t understand it since I can think of a hundred worse things like Donald Trump and white supremacists.
Talk to your kids about the evils of masturbation.
10. The Caves of Death by Victor Norwood
From the Museum of Bad Book Covers: “Maybe they’d be a little less deadly if you wore pants, Thongbad the Mighty.” Yeah, because he’s basically dressed like a guy in a 1970s porn movie.
About a mighty man who’d slay a fire-breathing dragon in a pair of skimpy leopard print underwear.
11. Everything Happens to Stuey by Lillian Moore
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “Wow, this book looks incredibly exciting! I can’t wait to…ZzzzzZZZzzz”
And yet, he’s shown fixing an alarm clock.
12. Eat and Stay Slim by Better Homes and Gardens
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “I assume the plan consists of soaking all your food in the bizarre swirly mustard/poison concoction in the gravy boat. “That’s disgusting. I’m not eating that shit!” There! You cut a lot of calories!” Actually a great way to stay slim is to cook and eat at home.
Now you can cook your way to weight loss.
13. The Adolescence of P-1 by Thomas J. Ryan
Also, I wonder if the rocket has any kind of subtle symbolism. Like as sexual awakening.
I’m it was absolutely hellish if your name is P-1.
14. The Agoraphobia Workbook: A Comprehensive Program to End Your Fear of Symptom Attacks by C. Alec Pollard Ph.D. & Elke Zuercher-White Ph. D.
Then again, agoraphobes are usually out of their comfort zone when they’re out of the house. Still, you have to wonder what’s inside this book.
If you’re afraid of the outside world but have to interact with it, this book is for you.
15. How to Survive an Atomic Bomb by Richard Gerstell
Actually my advice to surviving an atomic bomb is basically to hold your loved ones close and kiss your ass goodbye. Because your odds of survival are highly unlikely.
A survival guide to getting through World War III.
16. How to Avoid Matrimony by Herald Froy
Depicts a cave woman with a wooden club chasing a guy. Seriously, I’m sure there’s plenty of sexist bullshit inside it. And you thought hookup culture was just a millennial phenomenon.
Recommended for the rogue men who want to play the field.
17. Awaken the Genius in Your Child Through Positive Attitude Training by Nicola M. Tauraso, M.D. and L. Richard Batzler, M.D.
Yet, you have to wonder why they chose a cover depicting a girl being struck by lightning without being electrocuted. Obviously, she must be a mutant. Time to call Professor X.
Think your kid is a genius? Use positive reinforcement with this book.
18. Billi Gordon’s You’ve Had Worse Things in Your Mouth Cookbook by Billi Gordon
Aunt Jemima caricature aside, a cookbook with a title like that doesn’t really inspire confidence in this woman’s cooking talents. Seriously, I’m sure the recipes inside won’t look remotely appetizing.
Well, at least she’s honest.
19. The Beast with the Red Hands by Sidney Stuart
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “The shadowy figure skulked out of the darkness, and an unearthly chill went through the room. Lady Ebonyheart Ravensblood turned around in shock, dropping her cursed amulet on the floor. Her face twisted into a grimace of disgust. ‘Steve, take those stupid red mittens off. I don’t care how cold it is. You’re seriously ruining the atmosphere here.'”
Like Twilight but with more death and blatant relationship abuse.
20. Beauty Contest Nurse by Dianna Douglas
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “Sure, she’s killed several patients due to gross incompetence. But she’s so pretty!”
“But, doctor, I can’t assist you in the operating room today. I don’t want to damage my manicure.”
21. What Makes a Teenager Say….Sometimes I Feel Like a Blob by Ethel Barrett
Note: when you want to draw a blob, don’t use brown. Because when you draw a brown blob, it resembles a turd.
Because some days you just feel like shit.
22. Brainwashing Is a Cinch by James Maratta
Okay, this seems pretty disturbing. Besides, I can see how easy it is to brainwash people during the 2016 campaign. Seriously, the fact Donald Trump manage to win the presidency with 63 million votes scares me to this day.
The #1 recommended self-help book for any aspiring cult leader and fascist demagogue.
23. Vampire Voles: A Welkin Weasels Adventure by Gary Kilworth
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “Terror in the pasture! SEE animals with tiny little bites on them! THRILL to the amazing hero weasel armed with his wee wooden stakes! BEWARE…no small-to-medium size vermin is safe from…VAMPIRE VOLES!”
They may look cute but these critters want to suck your blood.
24. Cat Massage by Maryjean Ballner
Indeed, this is another crazy cat book. Not sure how you can give a kitten a pat down.
Want to learn how to massage your cat? This book is for you.
25. Castles in the Air by Christina Dodd
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “I think I may have found the greatest romance novel of all time. Why? Count the princess’s hands.”
Here’s a medieval romance between a knight and his 3-armed lady.
26. The Real McCoys and Danger on the Ranch
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “They look awfully cheerful for people in danger. Maybe they don’t realize they’re driving off a cliff.”
Apparently, they don’t seem aware of it on the cover.
27. Cry Havoc by James D. Forman
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: ” This rare treasure of a novel tells the rip-roaring story of the McKenzie brothers and their loyal dog Hosehead fighting the Nazis, who apparently took that ‘Great White North’ thing a bit too literally.”
Apparently, you might want to avoid the giant hell hound.
28. Woman Doctor by Sloane Britain
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “I can believe ghosts physically manifesting from psychological unrest. Interdimensional space travel, sure. But a woman doctor!? Ridiculous!”
Finally, a book that’s about a woman doctor. Hooray for feminism!
29. Dreamhouse by Christopher Fahy
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “Pfft. That’s not scary. Every house in Maine has a doll like this in it. You get used to it pretty quick.”
“Come and play with me.”
30. E-Mail Addresses of the Rich & Famous by Seth Godin
Wonder if this guy’s ever heard of doxing. Because he’s practically doing it. Would like to know how many people sued this guy.
Now you can send an e-mail to your favorite celebrities.
31. Entertaining to Please Him by Taylor Bradford
Because men prefer a woman who’d be a perfect doll and hostess at the party. Seriously, look into her eyes and you’ll find nothing there.
The #1 bestseller in Stepford.
32. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Jay Gatsby isn’t a hardboiled playboy. Also, he picked the wrong Daisy. Seriously, I read the book.
“When it comes to loving…He knew which Daisy to pick!”
33. The Official Gay Man-ual: Living the Lifestyle (or at Least Appearing to) by Kevin Dilallo and Jack Krumholtz
To be honest, there’s really no right way to be a gay guy. So you man’s men around here, you do you.
Are you a gay man who’s come out of the closet? This is the book for you.
34. Global Warming: a Pop-Up Book of Our Endangered Planet by Sandy Ransford and Illustrated by Mike Peterkin
Look, I know that global warming needs urgently addressed. But doing it with a pop-up book isn’t really the way to go.
It’s basically Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth for kids.
35. Have a Happy Measle, a Merry Mumps, and a Cheery Chicken Pox written and illustrated by Jeanne Benedick with Candy Benedick and Rob Jr.
Look, I know this book was probably written decades ago. But now that we have vaccines for all of these, we shouldn’t let them make a comeback. Yet, anti-vaxxers think vaccines cause autism despite evidence to the contrary.
Because being sick with incredibly contagious diseases is fun.
36. The Truth About the Homosexuals by Dr. Hugh F. Pyle
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “The horrifying truth: they could have designed us a much nicer looking book cover, but our pride in being crazy assholes to everyone is more important than such worldly concerns. I really have to wonder what the F stands for. Nah, I think I know…”
For an anti-gay book, the pink glitter doesn’t help matters.
37. Why Not the Best? Why One Man Is Optimistic about America’s Third Century by Jimmy Carter
Of course, you’ll find a lot of naïve platitudes in here. But understand that Carter was much younger and innocent then.
Wonder what today’s Jimmy Carter would think about this today.
38. How Not to Kill Your Husband by Kevin C. Hutchin, M.D.
Listen, if your marriage is so bad that you’re thinking about getting this book, you might need marriage counseling. If you’re Amazing Amy from Gone Girl, well…
Husband giving you trouble? This is the book for you.
39. Knight Moves by Walter Jon Williams
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “If there isn’t at least one “horse’s ass” joke in this, I’m going to be very disappointed.”
Catered to anyone who likes a woman’s chest and a horse’s ass.
40. Knitting with Balls: A Hands-On Guide to Knitting for Men by Michael Del Vecchio
Funny how he’s got needles in one hand and a couple of yarn balls in the other. Still, wonder what projects they have in it. Camo tea cozies?
Finally, a book about knitting for men.
41. The Legacy: A Birthright of Living Death by John Coyne
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “This is Mr. Wibbles. He is a 5-time grand champion Persian cat, and his hobbies include loafing on the sunny spot on the floor and chasing the ball with the bell in it. Do not piss him off.”
This time, Fluffy means business.
42. Liberace Cooks! as told to Carol Truax
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “*crunch* Ow! Who put these goddamn rhinestones in the spaghetti!?” Also, kind of unusual to see Liberace dressed in plaid shirt like a normal person.
Know how to make a rhinestone salad.
43. Looking Forward to Being Attacked by Lt. Jim Bullard
This cover basically tells women to be afraid, be very afraid. I guess there’s something about carrying guns. At any rate, that’s no way to live.
Because someone could try to kill you at any moment and anywhere.
44. Church Members Who Make God Sick by John R. Rice D.D., Litt. D.
Wonder what kind of church members make God sick. Is it the self-righteous hypocrites who see nothing wrong with shaming and screwing the poor? Let’s hope so.
Man, someone must have an axe to grind for the Lord.
45. More than Magic by Kathleen Nance
From the Museum of Bad Book Covers: “Warlock Lord Abraxxas Sexington carefully prepared for his dark magic ritual, making sure all the reagents were in place. Mandrake root, check. Basilisk eyes, check. Store brand cologne and Hawaiian Tropic man-chest oil, check and mate.”
Want to make love with this hot wizard?
46. Nothing’s Impossible! Stunts to Entertain and Amaze by Jeff Sheridan
Warning: Performing some of these stunts will result in grievous injury that will send you to the emergency room. Also, the guy’s like “No, not the dining chair! Dear God, not the dining chair!”
Want to impress people at a party? This book is for you.
47. You’re Either One or the Other: A Children’s Book about Human Sexuality by Joy Wilt, Illustrated by Hergie
But keep in mind that Gender is a spectrum and social construct. Also, trans and intersex people exist.
Also called, My First Sex Ed Book.
48. The Pantyhose Craft Book by Jean Ray Laury and Joyce Aiken
From the Museum of Bad Book Covers: “Why, what a lovely and unusual quilt you’ve made, Muriel. I’ve never seen one quite like it. What’s that fabric?”
Got a lot of ripped up pantyhose you don’t know what to do with? Do craft projects with them.
49. Preparing for Contact by Lyssa Royal and Keith Priest
Then again, it might not be a romance. He might be probing her brain or perhaps steal her soul.
This science fiction romance is a real meeting of minds.
50. The Pride of Chanur by C.J. Cherryh
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “Shhh. Don’t tell him…he’s adopted.”
Bill Cattington always suspected he was different.
51. Still Hungry- After All These Years: My Story by Richard Simmons
Don’t like the way he’s biting on that fork. Seriously, that looks so creepy.
Learn about the life of fitness guru Richard Simmons.
52. Rosey Grier’s Needlepoint for Men by Rosey Grier
By the way, he’s a former NFL linebacker for the LA Rams. Yes, you read that right.
Because real men do needlepoint.
53. Sarah T. Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic by Robin S. Wagner
This girl seems to have a really terrible problem. Since she can’t let go of the booze at 13.
Follow the sensational story of a teenage drunk.
54. How to Sell Your Car for More than It’s Worth by Gregory C. Hill
Look at the guy posed with the car and he dresses like a shady used car salesman. And you know those guys are notorious for ripping people off.
If you got a clunker you need to get rid of, this is the book for you.
55. The Skunk and His Junk by Pam Scheunemann
It’s actually perfectly suitable for children. However, the title just results in all kinds of shits and giggles for anyone 12 and older.
It’s just a book about a skunk and his junk.
56. Mommy, Why Is There a Server in the House? by Tom O’Connor, Ph. D.
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “Well, Jenny, it’s because it’s used for…uhm…internet…something. You know what, I don’t know either, and it’s probably boring anyway. Just don’t touch it, because that large heavy thing that I don’t know the purpose of is expensive as hell.”
Parents, talk to your kids about you stay-at-home server.
57. The Pirate City by Michael Robert Ballantyne
Because all those guys seem like futuristic soldiers. Not 19th century Barbary pirates in Northern Africa.
Those guys don’t look like pirates to me.
58. The Breeze Horror by Candace Caponegro
From The Museum of Bad Book Covers: “One of my favorite cover subjects is horror books about completely un-scary things. Grrr! Those curtains’ll teach you to call them ugly and claim they clash with the wallpaper!”
Boy, Frankenstein’s monster sure has a large mouth.
59. Cornerstones of Freedom: The Story of Watergate
Man, those pictures aren’t very flattering. Still, this was a scandal when most Americans actually cared about presidential integrity. Because there was no such thing as Fox News to fill white conservative voters with so much outlandish conspiracy theories and have white supremacists on their primetime shows.
Kids, now you can learn about the story of one of the darkest moments of American history.
60. Y2K-9: The Dog Who Saved the World by Todd Strasser
Now if this dog hacker can go after the Russian hackers backing Donald Trump. That would be great. Still, you can’t take this seriously.
About a dog hacker who’s such a good boy.
The Lone Girl in a Crowd 