Last month, our campus library decided to play matchmaker—not with people, but with books. The Blind Date with a Book showcase promised students mystery, intrigue, and a little literary serendipity. For all the single students (and the committed bookworms and English majors) looking for a new literary love, the bookshelves were stocked with novels wrapped in brown paper with hints of their true identities scrawled across the covers, waiting for their perfect matches.
The concept was as equally simple as it was thrilling: instead of judging a book by its cover—the cardinal sin which, let’s be honest, we all do—readers had to pick their next read based solely on a vague, brief description. No author name, no title, just a scandalous clue. The library staff curated a vast mix of genres, authors, and themes, ensuring that there was a little something for any student, whether it be fantasy, non-fiction, memoirs, or even graphic novels. To sweeten the deal, each book also came adorned with heart stickers, a bookmark, and even a tea bag or hot cocoa, which added a much-needed touch of warmth during our chilly weather.
At the center of it all stood a shining plaque, boldly declaring: “Will it be love at first line?” The following process was simple: browse the descriptions, grab the book that intrigued you most, check it out at the information desk, and take it back to your dorm to see if sparks would fly—or if it was just another bad date. Each book also included a “Rate Your Date” card, where students could reflect on their match and, if returned, be entered into a raffle for a sweet treat.
Some of the descriptions were enticing, others humorous, and a few downright ominous:
“Think adventures, but with extra sarcasm: A globe-trotting romp with an eccentric character who combines irreverence with razor-sharp wit.”
“Hold your breath as you read! A chilling look at the world of tomorrow, where humanity’s greatest fears become reality.”
“Neighbors, secrets, and unexpected inferno—Nothing stays buried in suburbia for long.”
“A tender and evocative tale of young love and rebellion against societal norms. It’s summer in New York, and everything is about to change.”
And then there was mine:
“Perfect for anyone who has ever wondered ‘What’s the Point?’ and found no easy answers – Classic Fiction.”
I tore off the wrapping and found myself face-to-face with Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar—which, if you’re familiar, is not exactly a warm and fuzzy Valentine’s read. If a blind date is typically supposed to be a fun flirtation, then this was more of a deep existential interrogation with prose that’s both sharp and unsettling in the way only truly great literature can be. Romantic woes? Sure. But lighthearted fun? Not so much.
That said, it was in no way a bad date for me, just more like going back to your ex. I’d read The Bell Jar before—along with Ariel, Plath’s diaries, and pretty much every little scrap of writing she has ever written. And in a slightly fanatical twist, I keep a picture of Plath in my wallet, which I whip out at parties to elicit a raucous laugh from literary snobs and depressed art kids.
Meanwhile, my friend was much less fortunate. Their book? Orson Scott Card’s Shadow of the Giant—the sequel to Ender’s Game. Now, unless you’ve read the first book (which they had not), this book might as well be a cryptic message from an alien civilization. So, our respective blind dates had wildly different conversational styles.
The event wasn’t just about discovering a new book—it was the joy of the unexpected. Some students found new favorite authors, others expanded their literary tastes, and a few, like me, stared into the murky abyss of their reading choices and pondered life itself. And isn’t that what a blind date is all about?
As the library staff wrapped up the event (and likely tallied up how many Rate Your Date cards had existential ramblings versus glowing praise), I found myself hoping they’d bring it back next year. And if they do, I’ll be there. Ready to take another chance.
So, the next time you’re at the library… will you dare to go on a blind date with a book?
