Linon Home Anna Collection Tall Narrow 5-Shelf Bookcase

I bought this because we had a piece in this same series/exact style, only short, and I liked the way it looked and its sturdiness. We got this tall bookcase to put photos of the kids, etc. (my wife wanted something like it for Christmas), as we had nowhere to put those things. It seems like it could hold books as well. I think it said each shelf holds 30 pounds, although the very top might be 15 pounds. We put it at an angle in the corner. The look is simple, and does not seem "modern" necessarily, as the black color might suggest, fitting in not only with the existing piece, but with our simple-style wood furniture. The edges are sometimes reddish rather than black, and this is fully on purpose to create a subtly "distressed" look. You have to put it together, but I enjoyed the process, all in all. Rather ingeniously conceived, really. All the needed pieces and hardware were there. All you need is a Philips screwdriver, and to pay careful attention to the pictured, step-by-step directions and the corresponding lettered or numbered hardware and pieces to put it together without problem. I paid careful attention to each step and positioning and had no problems. I am not always happy with the furniture I can afford, and hate things that don't go together well or that are wobbly or fall apart. Our previous piece by the same people has been fine, and this one seems great as well. I did not even resent the fact that it was made in China (as virtually anything affordable seems to be these days, sadly) after noticing/admiring how well it is prepared to be put together by someone who like me, who is not really "handy." The screws and pegs have guide holes. The main screws have to be put in with a hand screwdriver. The exception were the small screws for the back (holes there do not go into the material below the back piece). I switched to an electric drill/screwdriver for those to avoid the exertion and fatigue that was, ironically, resulting from those. All in all, though, I recommend this without any significant reservation and with full satisfaction. It looks great and serves its purpose admirably. I like the x pattern in the sides. Very simple and elegant piece, that can, I think, look somewhat formal or somewhat informal, blending with its surroundings. That's all I can think to say, except that my wife and I are both glad we bought it. I would not hesitate. M. B.

There were no instructions. I have searched the internet and cannot locate assembly instructions, and it appears to be a consistent problem. I have sent Brookstone an email requesting instructions. One might think it could be figured out, and that possibility exists... BUT there are 40 large screws, 16 smaller ones, 7 bolt like things, (the odd number here concerns me) 2 teeny screws.. and one lonely screw. And more pegs than I am going to count.It has a crack in it and wood chipped off around the crack. I think I can cover up the chipped part with paint...or...I know I have some black finger nail polish somewhere around here.It is not the best quality, but it was not overly expensive so if I can put it together it might fit my needs.. for the price. But with the cost of the martinis required to get me thru the assembly part... We'll see.Flo

Don't buy this bookcase. The back of the bookcase is only an eighth of an inch thick. When it arrived the box was damaged and, because the piece that is the back was packed right against that side of the box, it too was damaged. Brookstone sent another bookcase. Exact same problem with the second one. I tried a third time. The back wasn't damaged like the first two; however, the paint around the edges of the back was scraped off and one of the side pieces was damaged, with a chunk of wood missing. I tried to salvage the situation by taking an undamaged side from the first bookcase and using black paint to touch up the area where paint was scraped off. When I started assembling, I found cracks in two shelves and had to take shelves from the one of the other bookcases. About half way through assembling, I discovered a big flaw. Attaching the second side requires aligning 12 dowels with holes. It's impossible unless you happen to have a team of 5 or 6 persons who can assist you. When I called and requested a refund, I was told I have to return the bookcase. That means taking it apart and packing it up. (I threw out the two amaged bookcases.) This entire experience has been a nightmare. Spare yourself. Steer clear of this bookcase.

DO NOT BUY THIS. It is very poor quality, and the manufacturer has VERY POOR customer service. Supposed to be two boxes, 1 for sides/back pieces, 1 for the shelves. But TWICE this shipped with only the side box. It took a month to get the other box, and had to call Linon about 12-15 times over a week or two before finally got them to answer their phone. Before that left a lot of messages on their answering machine since they never answer, but they never responded. Unfortunately, that is not the worst part. The worst part is that this bookcase is very cheaply made, VERY POOR quality for the price. The wood pieces don't line up, then the Cam Lock bolts that hold it together all broke. I never had that happen assembling furniture before. I guess if you don't want to use it to hold anything but just set it there against a wall to hold it, and only put a few decorations on it instead of books it would be all right. But the price is too high for the low quality and long time to get replacement parts. After seeing the poor quality, and over month of waiting, this is being returned. In all the mess with Linon, still Amazon Customer Service was EXCELLENT as usual.

I ordered this item against the advice of all the other reviewers. The only positive I have about this package and company is that I received the product three days earlier than slated. I only received one box, however. Shelves and drawer only. No sides, no screws. Nothing. So I emailed the company (Linon Home Decor) and received an email the next day stating that the parts i needed were not in stock and were not on backorder either. So, the shelf that completes my bathroom cannot be built or ordered again because they don't know if they will have all the parts. I do not advise anyone to buy this product.