Double Helix

U.S., Dial Books, 2004

I like this cover. I understand that the artist, Cliff Nielsen, also came up with a version that depicted Eli Samuels, the main character, but that the marketing folks at Penguin Putnam decided that Eli's physical appearance was best left to the reader's imagination. I think I agree with that—but I wish I'd been able to see that version, too, just for interest's sake.

Another little comment: I was allowed a tiny bit of input on this cover. I didn't like the typeface that was originally chosen for the title, and asked for something with a little more punch. The book designer, Kimi Weart, then came up with what you see here. “Chromosomes!” I said, delightedly. But no, it's a font used to evoke X-rays. Clever of Kimi Weart, eh?

Germany, Sauerländer, 2008.

Very likely there's merit to this cover design that I don't see. I can't imagine any kid reaching for it voluntarily. Can you? But then again, I understand there's a German edition forthcoming that is specifically designed for use in schools, with integrated lessons and footnotes and stuff, so maybe that's what Double Helix's life as a book is like in Germany, rather than it being suspense reading for entertainment and thought. And maybe what I need to hope for is those student readers grudgingly thinking, "This book wasn't as bad as I thought it would be."