‘Mystery’ books prove a hit with market shoppers

BLIND dates can be unsettling and sometimes forgettable, but Amanda Parker has a better option: a blind date with a book.

That’s the catchphrase for the small business she established almost a year ago, Booked in Ballarat.

What it means is that people visiting her market stall can browse individually wrapped books and make a choice judging by the hand-written description Miss Parker provides, along with the genre and the author’s gender.

Otherwise, the buyer will get a surprise when they unwrap their selections.

It’s her way of keeping books in circulation and contributing to sustainability.

“A lot of people appreciate the effort (that has) gone into it because of the write-up; it’s all hand-written,” Miss Parker said.

“I’ve had my kids come into the stall and we’re all astounded by how popular it is. People love the effort that’s been put into each book.”

Miss Parker moved to Ballarat from Gembrook about 18 months ago and works in the renewables sector.

And while she does not claim to have originated the concept, she said her interest in sustainability was a big factor in setting up Booked in Ballarat.

She said she wanted to be active in the community, particularly by getting involved in local markets.

“I love the community contact – talking to people – and I love books,” she said.

“This enticed me because I get to be creative, I get to do some handwriting, which I love, I love books, and I love the mystery of it.

“Because I work in renewables, for me this was all about sustainability as well. I always wrap in recyclable paper and it stops books from going into landfill.”

Miss Parker’s stall can be found regularly at the Ballarat Farmers Market at the botanic gardens and the Buninyong market, with occasional pop-up appearances at other events.

A big reader herself, Miss Parker usually buys her stock from others like her who are downsizing, decluttering or relocating.

She then spends hours wrapping each book in the appropriate paper and writing out each description.

Miss Parker has also started donating “mystery” books to places like hospitals and oncology treatment centres.

Her website is bookedinballarat.com.au and she has a presence on Facebook and Instagram.