Blind Date With A Book: Autobiography Edition
Have you ever spent hours looking for a new book to read, only to give up and watch television instead? Picking a new book can be hard work. We often judge books by their bright covers or the famous names printed on the front. Sometimes, this means we miss out on brilliant stories that we would have loved.
That is why I am so excited to share this autobiography blind date with a book idea with you.
Instead of showing you the cover and telling you the title, I am going to give you a few clues about the story. You get to choose your next read based on what sounds interesting to you. Once you find a description that catches your eye, simply click the link to reveal the mystery book and buy it.
Grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let me help you find your next favourite read.
Why a blind date with a book is exactly what you need
Making decisions is tiring. By the end of the day, deciding what to have for dinner is hard enough. Choosing a new book should be fun, not another stressful task. A blind date with a book makes reading exciting again.
It also stops you from sticking to the same old things. Most of us have a comfort zone. Maybe you only read crime thrillers, or perhaps you stick to historical romance. Trying a blind date forces you to step outside that bubble. You might end up reading a book you would normally walk right past on the shelf.
It is also a wonderful treat for yourself. Waiting for the book to arrive in the post feels like receiving a secret gift. If you are looking for ideas for other people, this concept also makes a lovely present. You can check out our guide to books that make great gifts for adults for even more inspiration.
The unexpected health perks of reading
We often think of reading as just a hobby, but it is actually a fantastic way to look after your health. The benefits are backed up by plenty of science.
The Reading Agency, a UK charity dedicated to tackling life’s big challenges through reading, has gathered some amazing facts about adult reading habits. Their research shows that regular readers report much higher life satisfaction than people who do not read. In fact, adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report feeling satisfied with their lives. You can find more of these fascinating statistics on The Reading Agency’s research page.
Reading is also a brilliant way to combat feeling isolated. About 19% of readers say that picking up a book actually stops them from feeling lonely. When you read a good book, you connect with the characters or the author.
It is also incredibly relaxing. According to research carried out at the University of Sussex, reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. The study found that it is even more relaxing than listening to music or going for a walk.
Despite all these benefits, The Reading Agency notes that half of all adults in the UK do not read regularly. If you want to get back into the habit, a blind date with a book is a fun way to start.
Why choose an autobiography?
Sometimes the truth is far more interesting than fiction. Autobiographies give us a peek behind the curtain. We get to see how successful people grew up, the mistakes they made, and the lessons they learned.
When you read about someone else’s struggles, it reminds you that nobody has a perfect life. Even the most famous actors, musicians, and sports stars have faced terrible times. Reading about how they overcame their problems can give you the push you need to tackle your own.
They are also incredibly easy to read. Because they are written like a personal conversation, you feel like you are sitting in a pub listening to a friend tell you a story.
If you want to read more this year, picking an autobiography is a great step. You can even add it to your list of yearly reading challenges. One of our top challenges is to read a biography of someone you find interesting.
How this blind date works
The rules are simple. Below, you will find seven autobiography profiles. Each profile gives you a few hints about a famous person who has written a brilliant autobiography.
Read through the clues. See which person sounds the most interesting to you. When you have made your choice, click the “Reveal your blind date” link. This will take you straight to the online shop where you can see who it is and buy the book.
Try not to peek at all the links! Trust your gut and choose the story that grabs your attention.
Meet your matches: The Autobiography Edition
Autobiography Book Number 1: The relatable comedian who loves cake
The Clues:
This author is one of the UK’s favourite funny women. She is completely honest about her love of comfortable trousers, biscuits, and a good cup of tea. Her book is not your typical glamorous celebrity story. Instead, it is a hilarious look at being a totally normal, average person who just happens to be famous.
She talks openly about her divorce, her previous jobs, and how she found confidence later in life. It is like having a chat with your funniest friend. Expect to laugh out loud on the bus or train while reading this one.
Reveal your blind date and buy here
Autobiography Book Number 2: The beloved sitcom star with a secret struggle
The Clues:
You definitely know this actor from one of the biggest television shows of the 1990s. He made millions of people laugh every single week. But behind the scenes, his life was completely different.
This brave autobiography tells the whole truth about his lifelong battle with addiction. It is incredibly sad in places, but also filled with hope and his trademark sharp humour. If you want a book that is brutally honest about the highs of fame and the terrible lows of illness, this is the one for you. We also featured it in our recent book reviews roundup.
Reveal your blind date and buy here
Autobiography Book Number 3: The national treasure who says exactly what she thinks
The Clues:
If you want a book that will make your jaw drop, pick this one. This veteran actress has been in countless films, including a very famous magical franchise. However, she is best known today for going on talk shows and telling the most outrageous stories.
Her autobiography covers decades of her life. She writes about the fascinating people she has met, her early life in acting, and why she simply does not care about being polite anymore. It is naughty, funny, and wonderfully refreshing.
Reveal your blind date and buy here
Autobiography Book Number 4: The pop princess who reclaimed her voice
The Clues:
For years, the newspapers controlled the story of this massive pop star. She grew up in the spotlight, sold millions of albums, and then went through a highly publicised breakdown. After years of living under strict rules, she finally got her freedom back.
This is her chance to tell her side of the story. It is a quick, gripping read that shows how much strength it takes to survive the music industry. You will finish this book feeling a massive amount of respect for her resilience.
Reveal your blind date and buy here
Autobiography Book Number 5: The royal who walked away
The Clues:
This is arguably the most talked about book of the last few years. The author was born into one of the most famous families in the world. He grew up followed by cameras and had to deal with a terrible family tragedy at a very young age.
In this book, he holds nothing back. He talks about his time in the military, his complicated family relationships, and why he eventually decided to leave his old life behind for a new start abroad. It is a fascinating look inside a life very few people ever get to experience.
Reveal your blind date and buy here
Autobiography Book Number 6: The rock star who is actually a really nice guy
The Clues:
He has been in two of the biggest rock bands in history. You might expect his book to be full of bad behaviour, but it is actually a massive celebration of music and family.
He shares amazing stories about meeting his heroes, playing to giant crowds, and trying to be a good dad at the same time. His passion for life jumps off every single page. Whether you love heavy rock music or just enjoy a good success story, this book will leave you with a massive smile on your face.
Reveal your blind date and buy here
Autobiography Book Number 7: The quirky comedian with a new lease on life
The Clues:
This author is half of a famous British comedy duo. A few years ago, he discovered he had a very serious heart problem and needed emergency surgery. Coming so close to death completely changed his view on life.
His autobiography covers his childhood as a shy boy, his early career as a solicitor, and his accidental jump into comedy. It is deeply moving, but also incredibly silly and charming. It will make you want to appreciate the simple things, like going fishing or spending time with a good friend.
Reveal your blind date and buy here
Tips for sticking to your reading habit
If you have chosen your autobiography blind date book, the next step is actually reading it. Finding the time to sit down with a book can feel tricky when you have a busy household or a stressful job. Here are a few simple tips to help you build a lasting reading habit.
Start with tiny goals
Do not tell yourself you need to read a whole chapter every night. When you are tired, a full chapter looks like a mountain to climb. Tell yourself you will read just two pages. Usually, once you start reading, you will naturally want to continue.
Keep the book visible
If your book is hidden in a drawer, you will forget about it. Leave it on your bedside table, next to the kettle, or in your handbag. If it is within reach, you are much more likely to pick it up instead of looking at your phone.
Try listening instead of reading
If you genuinely cannot find time to sit down, audiobooks are a brilliant solution. You can listen while you do the ironing, drive to work, or walk the dog. We recently tested a popular audiobook app, so you can read my honest review of BookBeat to see if it might work for your lifestyle.
Join a community
Reading is much more fun when you can talk about it. Tell a friend about the crazy autobiography you are reading, or leave a comment on a blog. Discussing a book helps you remember the best parts and keeps you motivated to reach the end.
Autobiography Blind date with a book: Frequently Asked Questions
What if I reveal the book and I have already read it?
That is the small risk of a blind date. If you click the link and realise you already own it, simply hit the back button and pick a different profile. There are seven great choices here, so you will definitely find something new.
Are autobiographies boring compared to crime or fantasy novels?
Not at all. A good autobiography is written like a story. The books on this list have just as much drama, heartbreak, and comedy as any made up novel. Plus, knowing that the events actually happened makes the story even more gripping.
Do audiobooks count as real reading?
Yes, absolutely. The charity World Book Night actively promotes audiobooks as a great way to enjoy stories. Your brain still processes the information, you still learn new words, and you still get the emotional benefits of the story. If listening fits into your life better than reading a paperback, go for it.
I am a slow reader. Will these books take me months to finish?
The brilliant thing about an autobiography is that it is usually broken down into distinct periods of the author’s life. You can read a chapter about their childhood, put the book down for a week, and pick it up again without forgetting a complicated plot. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
Ready to meet your match?
A blind date with a book takes the pressure out of choosing your next read. It adds a bit of mystery and gives you the chance to discover a story you might have completely ignored otherwise.
By picking an autobiography, you are choosing to connect with a real human story. You will find laughs, tears, and plenty of inspiration to bring into your own daily routine. Plus, taking a few minutes to read each day is a proven way to lower your stress and boost your mood.
Scroll back up to our seven profiles, trust your instincts, and click the link to meet your new favourite autobiography. Happy reading!
