The 7 types of bookshelves and what it says about you

Our bookshelves provide an intimate portrait of who we are. It’s why people love a Shelfie. It's also why the so-called ‘bookshelf wealth’ trend has grown. We all have books we are proud to show, and some we might tuck away.

Apparently, there are seven common bookshelf types, ranging from the meticulous alphabetical bookshelf to the creative and eye-catching colour-coded shelf, and what each says about the people behind them.

Richard Price on Writing: The Art of Building a World One Detail at a Time

Richard Price has long been known for his razor-sharp dialogue and immersive storytelling, whether in novels like Clockers or in his work on The Wire. 

In a recent interview with The Guardian, he reflected on his process—deeply rooted in observation, research, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

The Young V&A Bookshop

The Young V&A is an inspirational, active, and fun place for kids (and adults). 

It is brilliantly curated and designed in every corner. Better still, it has a friendly little bookshop, where I came across these rather lovely-looking editions today.

Rereading Generation X by Douglas Coupland

For the past week or so, I’ve been rereading Generation X by Douglas Coupland. I first picked it up years ago, and I’ve always remembered it as a sharp, funny, and strangely moving portrait of a very specific cultural moment. But this time around, I wanted to see if it still held up, and honestly, it’s just as brilliant as I remembered.

Yes, it’s called Generation X, but its wit, originality, and storytelling cut across generational lines. Coupland coined a term and captured a mood, a sense of drift, irony, and uncertainty, that feels just as relevant today, even if the cultural backdrop has shifted. The book manages to be both a time capsule and eerily prescient.

The brilliance of Susie Steiner's novels

I discovered this late, but I have to share how good the late Susie Steiner's Manon Bradshaw books are. They are so worth your time.

The new bookshelves are finished

It’s taken a long time, but finally, books are out of the loft and up on the new bookshelves. Reading chair also very comfy.

It makes me very happy to have these bookshelves. I now need to start organising my bookshelves into an actual system.

I've always loved this Ernest Hemingway, quote from On Writing:

"My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way."

A reminder that great writing doesn’t have to be overcomplicated. Clarity, truth, and emotional impact often come from simplicity—not from forcing complexity.

Whether you're writing fiction, essays, or anything in between, focus on saying what matters in the best and simplest way.