While some books may have plain covers, their stories can be unforgettable; others might have captivating covers but lackluster content. At the Sharjah International Book Fair, a modest pile of books wrapped in brown paper, fastened with twine, entices visitors willing to embrace the unknown. This ‘Blind Date with a Book’ idea at the Little Puffin Publishing House stand encourages readers to move beyond judging books by their covers.
‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’
Hanes Medanceli, the booth’s sales manager, explained the message they aim to send: don’t judge a book by its cover. Instead, it aids indecisive customers in choosing books spontaneously.
“The beauty of the blind date is that some customers are unaware of what’s inside. They rely on TikTok. So, we’re exploring a way to sell books not influenced by social media,” he said.
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All featured books are standalone, meaning they aren’t part of a series and are enjoyable on their own. They cover various genres, including romance, mystery, thriller, crime, and fantasy. Buyers have two price options: Dh35 for paperback and Dh45 for hardcovers.
Medanceli noted the popularity of these items among Sharjah Book Fair attendees, having sold half the stock by Monday. He also shared that during the Riyadh International Book Fair, the entire collection sold out in just three days.
A beloved concept
Technically, the concept isn’t new. Other UAE bookstores, such as Prelovedbooksuae and BookWorld, offer books without revealing titles, only genres. A New York Times article from November 2024 highlighted a South Carolina bookstore that introduced “blind date books” eight years ago.
Hanes Medanceli, booth sales manager. Photo: Hind Aldah
Medanceli mentioned that the book selection process involves staff picking titles from existing shelves, considering both old and new releases, to appeal to various age groups.
Feedback from visitors has been positive, with many appreciating the initiative and saying, “Even if the title and cover aren’t appealing, the story inside is delightful.”
