Blind Dates with a Book

I’ve seen this trend mentioned here and there in articles, videos or reddit posts. I think it is quite well-known, but in case anyone maybe hasn’t heard of it, blind date with a book is the scheme (?) of bookstores selling wrapped books, with little to no information about their contents. This is done in order for people to maybe discover stories and works they wouldn’t have read otherwise, although I suppose it is also a way for bookstores to get rid off unwanted books that don’t sell.

I know this is a well-known little trick, but I mention it because I’ve never actually seen it happening in bookshops over here in my country, neither in large chains nor in smaller indie shops – and I’m honestly a bit frustrated about it, because, regardless of the reason a bookshop decides to do it, I think it is something fun, and an interesting way of discovering books you otherwise wouldn’t have look at.

So, I’d also like to ask about your stories with blind book dates. Have you ever bought a book that way? Did you end up liking it or hating it? Maybe you discovered something amazing you wouldn’t have to otherwise. Just to ease up this frustration of mine and maybe also help share some interesting stories.