Skip to main content
fecit
← Public Library

Surprise-cover book pick

by MASTER

A quick routine to choose a book using only its cover when you want a spontaneous read or to stop indecision about what to start next.

Save to your Fecit app
Open this routine in the Fecit app and add it to your library.
Open in AppApp StorePlay Store

What's inside

Surprise-cover book pick

A quick routine to choose a book using only its cover when you want a spontaneous read or to stop indecision about what to start next.

⏱ 15 min★ Easy
Target

You have several unread books on a shelf or table and haven't picked the next one because you keep checking descriptions and comparing options.

Obstacle

You keep reading blurbs and comparing options instead of choosing; the variety of covers and fear of wasting time stalls the decision.

Expectation

One book selected by its cover alone and placed in your reading spot, ready to open.

Steps
  1. 01
    Set quick constraints
    Decide and record up to two exclusions (e.g., no non-fiction, no long novels) and commit not to read blurbs or reviews for this pick; write them on a note or in your phone.
    ⏱ 2 min
  2. 02
    Scan covers and shortlist
    Visually scan at least ten covers on the shelf or in the store and pick three that attract you most based only on their covers; mark each by touching the spine or placing a temporary bookmark.
    ⏱ 10 min
  3. 03
    Choose quickly
    Pick one of the three at random (coin flip, roll a die, or pick the one your eye lands on first) and do not open to read the back or inside.
    ⏱ 1 min
  4. 04
    Retrieve and set up
    Take the chosen book to your reading spot, return the others to their places, set the book face-up where you'll start, and set a 15-minute timer to begin the first page.
    ⏱ 2 min