As is true for many fans of his work, his novel 'The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay' instantly became one of my all-time favorite books (being a comic-book nerd and all) and in a strange way actually inspired me to get involved in publishing.The New York Times bestseller, now available in paperback - a big-hearted, exhilarating novel exploring the profoundly intertwined lives of two Oakland families. Michael is one of my all-time favorite authors, so there is always a bit of intimidation when tackling one of his books, but I feel like I've handled it well. The biggest challenge with designing any Michael Chabon cover is attempting to match the wit, intelligence, and surprising accessibility of Michael's writing. What was the biggest challenge in designing this cover? I've designed a few other covers for Michael as well, including The Yiddish Policemen's Union (one of my personal favorites) as well as his recent non-fiction book, Manhood for Amateurs. I'm now based out of Seattle, and have a one-man studio where I design book covers, and the occasional book interior, amongst other fun things. I've been designing book covers for nearly a decade now, and began my career in New York with HarperCollins Publishers. What is your previous design experience, with books and otherwise? So, I guess I went the route of attempting to explain the complexity of family by using a complicated pattern on the cover that pulls from the story's recurring location of Chinatown, using a Chinese paper cut style. There is an overall theme of family to the book. The book is a rich tapestry of characters from all walks of life, and numerous cultures.

What was the mood, theme or specific moment from the text you depicted with this cover?

The novel is a complex character study of a unique family that Michael crafts in a very accessible way. We get a glimpse into his current life through vignettes featuring his wife, his estranged son, and his ever-plotting father, 70s blaxploitation and kung-fu action star, Luther Stallings. Set in the Oakland and Berkeley areas of California, the novel follows Archy Stallings and his ailing record shop, Brokeland.

'Telegraph Avenue' is a novel that follows a handful of characters linked together through bloodlines and friendships.

Telegraph avenue novel