How to take your bookshelf from drab to fab ✨
Building your book collection can take some time, but think beyond just books to decorate your shelves. Plus, I share some of the latest news from the publishing world and what I’m currently reading.
Hello, readers! It’s been a while, but I’m currently dusting off the cobwebs of my Substack newsletter. I haven’t been completely MIA on the Internet: you can still catch my posts on my bookstagram, TikTok, and X account. (I recently joined BlueSky, so follow me there too!) Today, we’re talking all things bookshelves! Fortunately, I got the decorating bug from my mom so I’ve always enjoyed making a space my own and experimenting with decor. My bookshelves are some of my favorite pieces of furniture in my new “big girl” apartment, and I wanted to share some tips to help others fill up their shelves. So, let’s get into it!
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Pick out a bookshelf that suits you
Your bookshelf should complement your space and vice versa. Consider things like material, color, and size when shopping around. Here are some affordable places to look for bookshelves that I recommend:
Facebook Marketplace (it’s where I got my antique green bookcase, which I’m absolutely in love with, for only $250!)
Now, if you’re ordering your bookshelf off the internet there’s a good chance you’ll have to assemble it yourself, which is why I suggest if you're not so handy buy a shelf already put together or bribe a friend with food to help you put yours together 🤭.
*Disclosure: I do not receive any compensation from the stores mentioned above.
Decide how to organize your books
There are various ways to organize your bookshelf — alphabetically or by color, size, or genre.
I haven’t been using a specific system for organizing my books, but one of my favorite ways is by color, which I find aesthetically pleasing. However, this can be time consuming, especially as you expand your book collection.
Recently, I was introduced to the website, Libib, which helps you catalog the books you own. If you’re someone thinking of getting glandular with your organizing, this site can be useful!
Bring other items into the mix
Bookshelves don’t have to just display books. I use mine to showcase cute knick-knacks, awards, my Lego flowers, special edition books, etc. Don’t be afraid to showcase your personality!
Switch things up!
As the seasons change, consider changing up your bookcase. For example, for the Christmas/winter season put your Christmas decor (or holiday-themed books) on display! Fall is another great season to play around with décor as well. And if you’re like me and an Aries, spring is the perfect excuse to adorn your shelves with some gorgeous flowers 😌,
Brandy’s First Memoir Promises An Honest Look At Fame And Resilience (Essence)
Whoopi Goldberg, Ketanji Brown Jackson Among Literary Nominees for NAACP Image Awards (Black Enterprise)
BookTok shaped a new generation of readers, authors. What happens if TikTok is banned? (USA Today)
How a Scrappy New Publisher Landed 25 Books on the Best-Seller List in a Year (The New York Times)
Behind PW's 2025 Magazine Redesign: Bookish but Not Old (Publishers Weekly)
The Unbearable Whiteness of the Goodreads Choice Awards (Book Riot)
My reading goal this year is 40 books, and so far, I’m off to a good start! Follow me on Storygraph to keep up with what I’m reading. Here are mini reviews of recent reads, plus a look at books I’m in the middle of finishing.
➡️ Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli
Contemporary fiction
Rating: 4 stars ⭐️
I appreciated how this novel offered a glimpse into the life of a young adult who spent most of their childhood unwillingly being a part of her stepmother's social media empire. I think the cultural differences between Anuri and her stepmother Ophelia allowed for a multilayered story. I also loved how the book showed the importance of friendship and platonic love. This book left me feeling hopeful, but also intensely sympathetic — and slightly enraged — for children who are part of a machine they have no say in.
➡️ Skin & Bones by Renée Watson
Contemporary fiction
Rating: 3.75 stars ⭐️
I really loved the unique format of the book. It was like a mix of short stories and poetry that came together to create a cohesive story. I really felt like I got to know Lena, the main character, and step into her life. I think Watson beautifully showcased what it is to be a Black woman living at multiple intersections as it pertains to your race, gender, and size, all of which I heavily relate to. The downsides to me with this book were the romantic relationships and how forgiveness around that was handled. But that’s probably me just being petty. 🤭
Currently reading
➡️ Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds (Young Adult fiction)
➡️ Quicksilver by Callie Hart (Romance/Fantasy)
➕ If you’re looking for more books to add to your TBR, check out this list of 2025 releases from the Substack, Black Lit!
See you s(w)oon,
Allyson 💕