Hi everyone! For February at our local library we are putting up a ♥ Blind Date Display.♥ I am pretty excited about the concept, which is to take people out of their comfort reading zone and try a new genre or a new author. We will have a whole display up of books wrapped in brown paper with only the scan code uncovered for check out. Other than that you have no idea what you are checking out to read. We will put a little “singles ad” on the outside of each book so they have a little idea about who they will be dating…. for instance:
I am VERY excited about this!
This afternoon I will be going in and setting up the window at the library to let people know about this and encourage them from February 1st – 15th to come in and check out a blind date. 🙂 Once they return the “date” they will have an opportunity to the end of February to fill out a little “Rate Your Date” survey with fun questions like, “Would you date this author again?” “How was your date as a whole, did you find you had things in common? ” Stuff like that.
Here is where YOU come in. 🙂
I am working on compiling a list of books for the library staff that would make for great dates. As we will be pulling these books off the shelf we do not want to use the uber popular books that are hot right now, but instead books that may expand the reader. You know, the favorites of your past. A book that might make the reader, “Go wow! I have truly been missing out!”
My challenge to you that I hope you will accept is to leave in the comments titles of books that you think would fit this “blind date” event. I will enter each person who responds with a book title between now and January 17th into a drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card. IF you can also give me a fun singles ad to go with the book you suggest you will receive two entries. 😀 We want to have enough books to keep filling the shelf we set up as they are checked out. I will be encouraging my book club to go in and give it a try as well. 🙂
So there it is. I was working on ideas at home and then thought, who better than to ask the readers what books would make for great blind dates?
Thanks in advance! I so look forward to what books you will come up with!
Book Journey 
Ooh, my first thought was Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn.
Maybe: I’m charming and very clever (if I do say so myself). I might be for you if you like old-fashioned letter writing with a touch of dystopia.
Such a great book! I think I read this one from your gushing 😀
I just glanced at my shelves and I noticed Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier…
Maybe: My opening line will make you pause and go ‘wow’. I promise I can draw you in from the very beginning. I have my creepy aspects, but you also will find me compelling and a bit worthy of sadness.
You know… I have yet to read this one. 😯
You must read Rebecca. One of my favorites!
Can I do another one?
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
I like long walks through the gloomy, misty streets of Barcelona and talking about books.
Awesome – you can do as many as you want – they are all so helpful 🙂
I have a couple: Praying For Strangers by River Jordan, The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus by Sonya Sones,The Longest Trip Home by John Grogan and Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani.
Oh Lucia Lucia!!!!
Blind Your Ponies by Stanley Gordon West
If you like small town life, cheering for the underdog and meeting a great group of people … Give me a try I might just surprise you and have you thinking about me long after our date.
There is a girl in our Friends group who swears by this one. Great pick!
What a wonderful idea! I adore Toni Morrison and feel that her novel a mercy [sic] is a beautiful, lyrical story. Not sure it would work for a “date” though. If I were to feature it, it would be something along the lines of, “Like the Pre-Revolutionary War frontier, I am not for the faint of heart, but the lyricism of my prose is a mercy and the love of a mother reveals that letting go is sometimes the best way to hold on.”
You never know… this could be the book they are waiting for 😀
I think that Sea Creatures by Susanna Daniel would be a lovely thoughtful date. Once you read this book you will be thinking about the characters for a long time…you just might even ask yourself why you never read her before.
Please don’t enter me in your contest…just give my spot to someone else!
Oh so stalker worthy? NICE!!! 😀
This is absolutely awesome!! What a wonderful idea!!
My first suggestion is: How Lucky You Are by Kristyn Kusek Lewis
Think your friends have it all – think again!
Second suggestion: You Don’t Know Me by Susan May Warren
Don’t open the first page if you don’t have time to finish it. You will be on the edge of your seat through the whole book.
Hope you can use one of these – hope someone else is opened to something new.
The books you describe here – I now want to read them! 😛
The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller. I love this book – and the movie!
Probably a great pick – I have not read the book or seen the movie… I know…. whats up with me? 😀
The Truest Pleasure by Robert Morgan
Like the hills of Appalachia, a look at historical domestic life, and an exploration of faith? I might be the one for you.
Nice one Hannah!
What a fun idea!
I would choose Angelmaker by Nick Harkaway. “Ready for an adventure? I’ll make you laugh and I promise to get you home by curfew…hopefully still alive.”
Your singles ad makes me want to date this book! 😀
I need to add one more suggestion: Where Love Finds You by Marilyn Grey
Read this only if you are young at heart.
Love it!
Totally love this idea. I wish that you could also do this in the kids section but I guess it would be harder to do. LOL!
I have heard of school libraries that have done something similar for kids and called them “mystery books”
Thats fun too Christina!
Millie that is fun!
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas. I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read the second book, but I need to read the rest in the series. I plan on buying all of them for my book collection.
Singles Ad: “I am very responsible, and I tend to be the sibling who takes care of everyone else in the family or not family.”
I would also recommend books 2-4 in the Friday Harbor series by Lisa Kleypas:
Rainshadow Road
Dream Lake
Crystal Cove
Also, Gallagher’s Pride by M.K. McClintock. Each book in the series has a new love story.
Singles Ad: “I am on a quest for revenge, but my stubbornness and duty to family makes me a great protector to the headstrong Scotswoman in need.”
Gallagher Series by M.K. McClintock:
Gallagher’s Hope
Gallagher’s Choice
Thanks Rose!
Love this idea! I have two suggestions:
The Night Circus
Looking for a fun night filled with magic, intrigue and some friendly competition? Then I might be the book you are looking for!
The Language of Flowers
There is more to me than meets the eye, so roll up your sleeves, get out your gardening gloves and let’s see what your garden says about you!
The Night Circus would be a fun one to do!
I had these in mind too Jennifer hahaha!
Maisie Dobbs by Winspear. the singles ad could read, “Tired of drama mamas in your life? Looking for a sensible, slightly unconventional lady who likes to learn, explore, and dig into a good mystery?
Nice one – I have yet to read these books!
I would use one of the John Green books, like The Fault in Our Stars, or the more fun An Abundance of Katherines.
OOH John Green – excellent pick!
Oops, forgot to add my singles ad for John Green:
Try me once and you will be hooked on me!
No kidding 🙂
How about The Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster, or The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery. Norman Juster is waaaaaay more than a YA book, and The Blue Castle is NOT Anne of Green Gables. And the “ad” for both…..”and now for something completely different”
Love the ad!
I had to laugh when I saw this post. I am currently writing “personal ads” for my library’s Blind Date Wtih a Book winter reading program. We started the program last year and it was a big hit so I am doing it again this year.
Here are a couple suggestions:
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
I’m a different kind of love story. I’ve been described as quirky, clueless, laugh-out-loud, charming, and one of a kind. I’m a little socially inept but if you are a fan of The Big Bang Theory, then we might just be compatible too.
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
Senior gentleman seeks someone to share a last minute trip. Must love adventure, history, and have a good sense of humor. By the way, I’m not sharing my vodka. You’ll have to bring your own!
Awesome – I am listening to the Rosie project right now 😉
I e-mailed you my blind date book titles and personal ads from last year and what I have written so far for this year’s reading program. Hope it helps!
Thanks so much!
Thank you so much – I dropped them off at the library this afternoon. This will be so much fun 😀
I am still working on mine. I will start wrapping my books up tomorrow. I love the idea of Blind Date With a Book and I think I’d participate if I could.
The Ivory and The Horn by Charles de Lint.- I am a good first date, you will meet most of the people that I know. And we will show you a world that exists that you have never thought of.
The Poisoners Handbook by Deborah Blum- I love a good mystery, my favorite TV show is CSI and all of the spinoffs.
Everything I Need To Know I Learned From Dungeons and Dragons by Shelly Mazzanoble – My mother is crazy and addicted to self help books, I have never read one. I love the sound of dice on a table.
Hogfather by Terry Pratchet – I have a great sense of humor, I can safe the world and my granddaughter is kick ass. ( I know you can not put kick ass on a thing at the library).
I can keep going but I won’t.
I kind of like the thought of having a book describe itself as “kick ass”….
The Hogfather is an amazing take on Christmas. I love that book. Susan the protagonist granddaughter is kick ass.
You have me curious now about the Hogfather 😉
Cheaper By the Dozen by Ernestine Gilbreth Carey – Do not pick me up if you do not like children, efficiency or anything before WWI. DO not engage in eating, drinking or anything else will come out your nose when laughing.
Fun ad!!!
The Apple Orchard by Susan Wiggs
I’m charming and captivating. Spend some time with me in beautiful Sonoma County, savor wonderful meals (I’ll even share some recipes), enjoy a little romance and even learn some of my family’s long hidden secrets.
Love the recipes… nice hook! 😀
Okay, I have a good one for you, MAMA MAKES UP HER MIND by Bailey White, and here’s a single’s ad to go with it:
“Hey you, please give me a chance. I’m Southern, which pretty much guarantees I’m eccentric. Plus, I’m entertaining and charming. Some folks even say I’m quirky, and no one has ever accused me of being boring. So, if you’re looking for a fun night with lots of laughs, good stories, and surprises … pick me!”
Love it Beth!
My reading is up to maggots right now so can’t suggest anything. But brilliant and original idea 🙂
Sent from Samsung Mobile
Maggots? Is the word you meant to use? LOL… I am trying to think what you mean…. 😛
LOL! Yes, it means rubbish
Oh! You concerned me a minute 🙂 I was picturing gross bugs and couldn’t figure out how they had infested your reading 😀
Ishmael. 100 Years of Solitude.
Nice one Belinda!
Cute idea!
Thanks, we are getting excited about it!
I think this is a fantastic idea here are my suggestions:
The Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend – to make you feel like a teenager again
The Suspicions of Mr Whichar by Kate Summerscale – to meet a man with a mission
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty – True love is closer than you think
I loved What Alice Forgot! Great list!
Thanks I got quite excited and had to submit some ideas 🙂
I am glad you did 😀
Ready Player One
I’m fun, brave, and smart (or at least my avatar is). I’m on a quest to solve all the puzzles of our universe. Want to join me?
LOVE this book – anyone would be crazy not to love this one!!!!
Great singles ad!
Great idea! Double BInd by Chris Bohjalian and Beach Music by Pat Conroy.
I have not read either 😉
My one suggestion is Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book!
I loved this one too… need to think of a singles ad…. “I was once the life of the party… not so much anymore but I keep trying ;)”
Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach. With a title like that I am sure with your creativity you can come up with a catchy ad! Blind Date sounds a wonderful idea.
Great title – I am not familiar with the book… will have to look it up 😀 Thanks Mystica!
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson. The ad could be:
She is like a streak of light, or maybe a blow to the head. That sounds suspiciously like love to me!
It’s a direct quote from the book.
Great ad!!!!
I’m totally doing this for my little school library too! I’m so excited to get this started, I’m in the process of thinking of which books to collect. They have to be standalones and there are certain rules in order to participate. I’m really nervous that it may not work very well, but I’m willing to try. 🙂
Good luck!
Its our first year but hopefully we can get some takers 😀
My first year trying anything remotely different. I’m hoping it’ll gain interest. I just have to make a decent announcement for weeks coming up to the launch and also make sure nobody ruins the fun.
Glass Girl by Laura Anderson Kurk – “A ride for the soul, to open your heart to something more honest.”
It’s Complicated by Laura L. Smith – “Friendship, love, honesty with ups and downs. Can you relate?”
Two very interesting sounding reads April!
Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
Ad: I’m dark, deep and mysterious. I like family drama, a good stiff drink, and Cajun Food. Underneath my layers, I have a story that is just waiting to be heard by the right person.
Nice ad!
TY!
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan
Great choices – Memoirs Of A Geisha – we loved that one in Book Club!
I think The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher would be great for this. I read it years and years ago and recently read another book by Pilcher (Winter Solstice) and it really brought Shell Seekers back for me. Great book!
Such a neat idea, Sheila!
Thanks, not my idea but I am happy to help it along 😀
a fantastic idea!
Thanks Karen!
We tried this last year, but pulled it together really quickly and didn’t get a great response from readers, who seemed surprisingly reluctant to take a chance on an unknown. Thanks for reminding me we need to start planning ours soon, too! I hope to include The Uncommon Reader, a novella by Alan Bennett. It’s a book that’s been a shelf-sitter at our library lately, but I keep trying to convince people to try it.
We are hoping people will take a chance on it – it will be interesting to see how it does this first year out of the gate 🙂
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Half Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan
The Violets of March by Sarah Jio
Thanks!
Salvation on Sand Mountain by Dennis Covington
Don’t mind the snakes. They are harmless.
Fun ad 😀
I’ve done this display the past few years and I’ve learned that you want to pick books that don’t look daunting so nothing that looks too big and bulky, but also nothing in a non-standard shape. We’ve had better numbers when the books are all about the same size than when I went crazy and picked books of all random sizes.
Thanks for the advice – I will pass this on! 🙂
Island of the Sequined Love Nun by Christopher Moore
I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
OOH Ive Got Your Number! Good one!
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson (AWESOME on audio)
Ad: True gallantry never dies, not even in a changing world.
My local indie bookstore does something like this. I’ve never gotten brave enough to do it, even though they have a money-back guarantee if you hate it!
I like the Indy store idea!
Wow, what a GREAT idea! I just love the cleverness and creativity 😀
The first book that comes to me is one I read maybe 6 or 7 years ago:
THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield. Amazing writing! With twists! I’ve recommended it MANY times over the years 🙂 I’m curious to know if it’s even on your library shelf! (Adult Fiction)
These few are Middle Grade novels, which may be outside their comfort zone 🙂 I love them all (and many more):
THE WESTING GAME by Ellen Raskin is a MG novel, but is such a puzzle, it could keep anyone interested and guessing. (Newbery Medal-Middle Grade)
A SINGLE SHARD by Linda Sue Park. (Newbery Medal-Middle Grade) This book is so beautifully written and surprisingly compelling for a subject matter so simple. I’m so glad I had an event to go to (with Linda Sue) that pushed me to read it. It’s a short read, so you could easily pair it with A LONG WALK TO WATER, also by Linda Sue.
THE UNDERNEATH by Kathi Appelt. Again, beautiful writing, compelling story. (National Book Award Finalist; Newbery Honor)
I am ok with “outside their comfort zone”… blind dates are not comfortable in the beginning…LOL. I personally have the Thirteenth Tale and have yet to read it. 😯
There are only so many hours in a day, Sheila 🙂 But, when you can, DO make time for it. What a compelling read! 😀
This idea is so cute. You are always so clever.
I am nominating: Jubilee’s Journey by Bette Lee Crosby.
Elizabeth
New title to me 🙂
Oh, my gosh! I just finished reading a FABulous book called “The Feast of Love” by Charles Baxter … it is a National Book Award nominee, and it was wonderful. I think it falls more within the “literary fiction” category than any other, but … well, I didn’t do a full review, but here’s my synopsis: the intertwined stories and connections all have a theme of love – romantic love, tragic love, parental love – told in such a very REAL fashion – you will truly care about the characters and identify with their tales – all of us have shared in these experiences in some form or fashion.
Wow! It sounds kind of amazing!
Oh, what a lovely idea! I wish I had seen this sooner. Will you be making a list of books with their ads available? That would be the only way I could pull this off at my little library this year.
Oh, I love this Idea!!! wish the libraries here would do something like that!
Any way I suggest “The Sweet Gum Tree by Katherine Allred” it would go with something like :
“I’m all about Love & second chances … and to Love is to Forgive”
OR
“I’m a sweet childhood friend, and even when life comes between us … I’ll always find my way back to your heart”