The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has introduced an innovative approach to engage readers with its ‘Blind Date with a Book’ initiative. At the Little Puffin Publishing House stand, visitors are enticed by a stack of brown paper-wrapped books tied with twine, challenging them to purchase a book without knowing its title or cover. This concept encourages readers to break free from the habit of judging books by their covers and instead embrace the unknown. Hanes Medanceli, the booth sales manager, emphasized that the initiative aims to help indecisive customers choose books spontaneously, free from the influence of social media trends. The books, which are standalone and span various genres like romance, mystery, thriller, crime, and fantasy, are available in two formats: soft paperback for Dh35 and hardbacks for Dh45. Medanceli reported that the concept has been a hit, with 50% of the batch sold by Monday, and similar success at the Riyadh International Book Fair, where the entire stack was sold out within three days. The ‘Blind Date with a Book’ idea, while not new, has been well-received by visitors who appreciate the opportunity to discover hidden literary gems. The books are carefully curated by the staff, considering both old and new releases suitable for a wide range of readers. The initiative has garnered positive feedback, with many praising the quality of the stories inside, despite the unassuming covers.