By Jane Nguyen, The Asian Iowan
Lizde Terrazas of Des Moines calls herself a “book cupid.” She matches enthusiastic readers with books at pop-ups and other events around the Metro. Blind Date with a Book is a trend among avid readers wanting to add a little “spark” to their reading. The books are wrapped in plain paper with clues offering a tiny glimpse into what lies beneath.
Lizde gives hints by writing the genre, synopsis, setting, or names of characters on the outside of the package. Readers can choose their “date” after reading the clues, or Lizde can choose the perfect book based on the readers’ genre preference. To alleviate the issue of selecting a book the reader has already read, Lizde offers to review their Goodreads list or asks the reader to describe the types of books they enjoy and have already read. “This is to encourage readers to step out of their comfort zone and pick a book you might not typically read,” explains Lizde. Once in a while, a daring reader will select one of the few books without any clues written on the outside.
To prepare for book events, Lizde buys new and gently used books to wrap up like a gift. With each book, she includes a few small items, such as bookmarks, stickers, a highlighter, and pens. At the events, she also sells other “bookish” items such as reading lights, zippered book pouches, and annotation kits.
As Lizde explains, “It’s the perfect gift idea for a book lover, or if you are in a book slump and aren’t sure what to read next.” Blind Date with a Book by Lizde is a passion project for her. “The people who really know me know how much I love to read and love talking books,” she said.
As a first-generation Latina, Lizde helped take care of her three younger siblings and assisted her mom with navigating the language barrier, interpreting at school and during doctor appointments. After her family moved to Iowa from the border of Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, 21 years ago, she attended Capitol View Elementary School in Des Moines and discovered her love of reading. She recalls that the first series of books she read was “Little House on the Prairie” in fourth grade. Now a mother of two, she shares her love of reading with her son and daughter, encouraging them to read for enjoyment as well.
For as long as Lizde can remember, she has loved to read. “I have dipped into a little bit of everything, and romance is still my favorite genre,” said Lizde.
When asked why she reads, Lizde said she reads because she enjoys hearing someone else’s story. “If I read a good thriller, I’m at the edge of my seat, almost yelling at the book,” she said.
Lizde’s busy schedule, which includes working in healthcare and taking classes towards her associate’s degree, doesn’t leave her much time for reading, but she typically reads three to five books a month. She carries a book with her in the car so she can sneak in a few chapters while waiting at soccer practice or dance class. Lizde doesn’t belong to a formal book club but has attended the monthly book clubs at the Des Moines Public Library.
Lizde has been playing book matchmaker for a little over a year. She wrapped up a few books as gifts for some friends, and her friends encouraged her to start selling them. At first, Lizde was skeptical, but the idea took off. It began as a hobby and has continued to grow.
The most requested book genre for Blind Date with a Book is Smut, according to Lizde. This fan fiction takes romance to a new level.
If you are looking for a blind date with a book or wish to buy one as a gift, you can follow Lizde on Facebook at “Blind Date with a Book by Lizde” and blinddatewithabook_bylizde on Instagram. She is at Silent Book Club at the Iowa Distilling Company in Cumming every fourth Tuesday from 6-8 pm. For every cocktail purchased, readers get a chance to win a Blind Date with a Book. Lizde is also willing to meet locally to deliver books.
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