This plugin gives the look of a magazine-style website with thumbnails and excerpts in a clean layout. Thumbnails are generated automatically, and there is a settings page to set an unholy amount of options. (Really, it’s out of control and I’m sorry.) The latest release also has a “featured post” add-on so you can specify any post you want or just the most recent one to be put in the featured post box. You can also add a css popup for the image that includes the post title and 
Are you using Thesis from DIYThemes.com? Easily place your Recent Visual Posts by simply inserting your desired Thesis hook on the settings page. No code changes needed.
This plugin uses a slightly modified version of the excellent Image Extractor plugin found at <a href="https://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/image-extractor/" rel="ugc">wordpress.org/extend/plugins/image-extractor/</a>.
<h3>I need more help!</h3>
Make sure you check out the <a href="http://oktober5.com/visual-recent-posts-plugin/" rel="nofollow ugc">plugin homepage</a>. If you need my help, check out the <a href="http://oktober5.com/forums/" rel="nofollow ugc">plugin forums</a>

Visual Recent Posts

Displays your recent posts with auto-generated thumbnails and excerpts; also includes a featured post and popup box option.

Chaser324

<a href="http://chasepettit.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">Live Demo</a> 
<a href="http://chasepettit.com/2011/08/featured-posts-grid/" rel="nofollow ugc">More Info</a> 
<a href="http://chasepettit.com/2011/08/featured-posts-grid/" rel="nofollow ugc">Comments/Suggestions</a> 
<a href="http://chasepettit.com/about/" rel="nofollow ugc">About Author</a>
This plugin will display a grid of posts in any desired location within a template or post. 
The appearance is highly customizable via the admin options menu (colors, drop shadows, & more).
If there are any additional features or bug fixes you would like to see in future versions, feel free to contact me.
If you find this plugin useful please remember to rate it and comment.

Featured Posts Grid

A javascript based display of post titles and thumbnails in a grid layout.

Visual Recent Posts vs Featured Posts Grid