Bookstores are setting up readers on ‘Blind Dates’ with Books, which mask a book’s cover to let bookworms discover what’s inside.

A concept that had been popular in libraries and bookstores around the world, the recent trend is exciting twofold: an attraction to the element of surprise for the reader, and a new way to sell overlooked titles for the bookstores. Before Valentine’s Day in 2022, The Strand started selling “Blind Date Books” - but as people kept buying them long after and new genres were added, it became a mainstay. Today when entering the store, guests are greeted with a slew of titles and fun illustrated covers to choose from - or you can purchase online too!

We visited the Strand to meet the artists behind the covers, to ask guests why they choose to have a Blind Date with a Book, and to see what all of the mysterious fun is about!!! Many thanks to Strand’s Comms Director Paul Colarusso, and artists Guinevere Fullerton, Guadalupe Perez, Katherine Zavala, and George Olsen for being so hospitable! And Thank you SOOO much to photo editor Brent Lewis for the opportunity, and to Hank Sanders for such a fun time + delightful story!!!

The New York Times - Bookstores Are Setting Up Readers on ‘Blind Dates’ With Books