Spin Photos Into Pop Art

Hardcovers look better sans jackets, but save the jackets somewhere.

My recent column on organizing bookshelves for function and beauty sure created a fine little fuss. Wow, people are passionate about their books, which, of course pleases the author in me. (Ahem, that reminds me, my second book, House of Havoc, hits stores Feb. 1. Be there.) However, from a design standpoint, the fact is not all books are beautiful. Chaotic bookshelves create bad visuals.

Okay, so knowing I was treading into dangerous territory, I offered some suggestions for how people might arrange their books more beautifully. The point that ruffled the most pages was my take on whether to leave on or remove a hardcover book’s jacket. I admitted I was torn. But, because books look better without their jackets, I ultimately voted for removing them. Well, Holy Lords of Literature, did I hear from readers, many who, like me, love both books and good design. They had some really terrific comments:

I just read your column in the News and Observer, (Raleigh, NC). I would like to tell you what I did with my book jackets when I was faced (ordered) with getting our books organized. I took a pair of scissors to the covers, cut out and glued what I wanted to keep on the first or last pages and covers of the book. That way, I always have those pieces with the book, but not the torn jackets.

Paul May

Rolesville, NC

As a retired librarian who worked for 38 years in public libraries, I was interested in your column titled “A less formal bookshelf.”  It is interesting how people organize books.  As a senior, I sometimes have trouble remembering authors, but always remember book titles.  So I have organized some books alphabetically by title, even though that is completely opposite of my training. I do love the paper covers, though, and would not part with them for anything.  They add color and excitement to my bookshelves, help me find a specific book because I recognize the covers, and make a book more valuable should I decide to sell it.

Joyce Gunn
Pittsburg, CA

I appreciated your column about neater bookshelves, which I read in The Denver Post.  I have been in a quandary about mine for two years and your tips have encouraged me.  Regarding book covers, which I, too, am reluctant to remove, how about tucking them into the pages of the book?  They will be right there for you and won’t show from the front.  I am planning on trying that – right after Christmas! Thanks for your columns.  I enjoy them very much.

Karen Thomas

Denver, CO

I just read your article in today’s paper about arranging bookshelves and had to chuckle.  Having many bookshelves and many more books, I have faced the dilemmas you discuss—how to sort, how to place to be both decorative and functional.  I “putz” with them regularly, which in itself I find entertaining and satisfying. I, too, separate the hardcover and paperbacks, placing the paperbacks lower where they are less visible.

Let me, if I may, contribute my solution to book jackets. I have removed them all. I fold them along one edge of the binding side and place them inside the back cover of the book.  While they do stick out of the book slightly, they do not show on the shelf, whether the books are placed vertically or horizontally.  When my husband or I remove a book, the jacket remains on the shelf and gives us an easy reference for where it should be replaced. Just thought I’d share—it works for me.

Lee Feldmeier

Livermore, CA

Happened to see your column in today’s Arizona Daily Star

Tucson, AZ

Noted and footnoted.