What is blind date with a book

This year, Valentine's Day might look a little different. What's usually a big date night out might just be a cozy night in. Galentine's Day might just be you and your favorite female authors. That doesn't mean Valentine's has to turn into "Single's Awareness" night. If you're looking for love this Valentine's - look no further than the Library. Not only is February 14 also Library Lovers' Day... we've got you covered with books that will warm, steal, and maybe stop your heart. And who knows? You might just find the perfect literary companion.

#Take a Chance on a Blind Date with a Book

So, if you're not planning some elaborate romantic dinner at home with your significant other... May we suggest a fun alternative? Blind Date with a Book is a February favorite here at the Library and in libraries and bookstores across the world. It's a great way to discover new genres, authors, or series that you'll love. In fact, if you stop by your favorite branch, it's extremely likely that you'll find a fun "Blind Date" book display. They are easy to spot; they'll be the ones with the paper-wrapped book covers.

While a blind date with a book typically requires you to physically be at a participating location, or to have the mystery book shipped to the library location or your choice... in these times of social distancing: we've had to get creative. So, if you're up for a fun little adventure through our catalog, you might just find a hidden treasure that you'll want to put on hold and pick up curbside. Some of these titles might even be available in eBook format for instant download. What will you discover?

#Find Your *Digital* Dream Date

Below are seven "wrapped books" labeled with the following genres: horror, romance, mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy and nonfiction. Under each book, you will find a button labeled with the corresponding genre. Each button takes you to a mystery title in our catalog. Not feeling your first match? Try, try, try again! Every button has ten possible books it could link to at random. Have fun!

I recently found myself in Blackwell’s looking at books I can’t afford, a weekly occurrence, when I stumbled upon a shelf of ‘blind date’ books. 

The concept is essentially to not judge a book by its cover. The books are all wrapped in pretty paper with a short description, sometimes this is a short blurb or a few keywords to describe the themes of the book. The idea is to pick up a book with themes you’re attracted to and read something you normally wouldn’t. 

This has become increasingly popular over the past year with Blackwell’s, Oxfam and plenty of Etsy stores jumping on the bandwagon. The Mancunion even had our very own “Blind date with a book” at Christmas. Our version was more to share some of our favourite books with each other without revealing the title and, in the name of sustainability, we encouraged using second-hand books or one that you’re ready to let go. 

Whilst it’s an interesting concept and you may end up reading something you would never normally pick up, there’s a sceptical part of me that wonders if it’s all just a marketing strategy to get rid of unpopular books or extra stock. 

The book that I chose when wrapped up and unknown was £7.50 and when unwrapped the original pricing was £9.99. This got me thinking, why would bookshops sell a book for less than it’s worth? 

The description read “A timely post-apocalyptic novel set in an America where climate change has ravaged the country. The story follows a family struggling to survive despite poverty and political upheaval.” Any guesses? 

This sounds interesting (the reason I picked it up), but is it going to be my next favourite book, or am I going to be taking it to a charity shop, unread, in the next few months? Is the phenomenon of a blind date with a book a positive initiative encouraging people to branch out, read more and not judge a book by its cover, or is it yet another marketing strategy? Maybe it’s both.

Either way, this marketing ploy has me hooked and I can’t wait to read Blackwell’s Mystery Book 11. Stay tuned for a review. 

For most people, blind dates can be a hit or miss – they could be fun, or they could be awkward. However, when it comes to books, everyone has a book soulmate. Whether you have a favorite genre or author, or if you prefer digital or hardcopy, there’s something for everyone.

Many librarians, bookstore owners, and educators are taking the concept of blind dates and applying it to selecting a new book. First, they wrap a book in brown paper and tie a bow around it. On the paper, they write a few clues about the book, and participants choose their “date” based off whatever appeals most to them.

We’re bringing that same concept, but a virtual version!

Here’s how to play:

Imagine this: your favorite comfy spot, snacks, a cup of coffee, and a great book.

Now, take a look at the 10 great selections we’ve presented below. Each one includes 7 clues about the genre, theme, and plot. Scroll through and choose the one that appeals the most to you. Then, click on the link under the book to “choose your date,” purchase, and enjoy!

Let us know which book you chose and how your “date” went!

Choose Book 1.

Choose Book 2.

Choose Book 3.

Choose Book 4.

Choose Book 5.

Choose Book 6.

Choose Book 7.

Choose Book 8.

Choose Book 9.

Choose Book 10.

About the Author

Jacqueline Gonzalez is a writer and editor and currently resides in Corpus Christi, Texas. She has a BA in English from Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi and an MA in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a contributing writer for The Bend Magazine and Visit Corpus Christi, and she is currently working on her first short story collection. Outside of writing, she enjoys reading, watching true crime documentaries, and spending time with her family, dog, and cat.

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