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Ever read a book without knowing a single thing about it? No synopsis, no genre tag, no friend telling you, “Oh, you’ll love this—total fantasy vibes.” Just a book, sitting there, daring you to take a leap of faith. It’s both thrilling and mildly chaotic. But honestly? It reminds me a lot of how we meet people.
The Chaos (and Joy) of Reading Without Expectations
When I pick up a book with zero context, just knowing it’s fiction, I’m signing up for an adventure. No spoilers, no expectations, just me and the unfolding story. One time, I grabbed a book that a favorite bookish influencer raved about. The eerie opening had me convinced it was a supernatural thriller. Plot twist: it was actually a historical mystery. And somehow, that unexpected shift made it even better.
But sometimes, reading without context is straight-up frustrating. I once started a book gifted to me and had no clue what was going on. Just pages and pages of random daily life stuff. I wanted to give up. Turns out, it was a slow-burn, reflective sci-fi novel, and the “mundane” details were the entire point. Did I scream internally? Yes. But when it finally clicked, it felt like I had been let in on a secret.
How This Relates to Literally Everyone You Meet
This whole “reading without preconceptions” thing? It’s not just about books. It’s about people. Think about it—when you meet someone new, you don’t get a table of contents or a neatly packaged summary. Sometimes, your first impression is so off.
People lean on reputations, social media personas, or just the vibes they give off to shape how others see them. But what happens when we don’t have that shortcut? We fill in the blanks ourselves. And just like with books, we can get it completely wrong.
What Books Teach Us About Bias
Patience Pays Off. Some of the best books (and people) take time to understand. Slow starts don’t always mean boring—they might just need space to reveal something deeper.
Open-Mindedness is a Cheat Code. The best twists, whether in books or friendships, come when we don’t box people into our expectations.
Context is Everything. Someone’s story doesn’t always make sense at first. Maybe they’re not dry or distant—maybe they’re just in chapter one of something complicated.
So, next time you pick up a book (or meet someone new), consider this: What if you get curious and look past the cover or the first few pages? You might make an unexpected connection.
Want to Change Your Narrative?
Just like a book that holds its meaning until the final chapters, some people aren’t immediately understood. Maybe you struggle to share your story, or maybe others make assumptions without knowing the full picture. Through coaching, I help individuals find their voice, embrace their stories, and connect with others in a way that feels authentic. Whether it’s in leadership, personal growth, or workplace dynamics, you don’t have to stay stuck in the wrong chapter. Let’s turn the page together.
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