Elastic CAN damage books. (I'm a librarian.) People can do what they like with their own stuff, but don't assume that innocent old elastic isn't enough to warp and bend a book, especially a soft cover. If the elastic is strong enough to support the weight of the book, it (like a bungee) can destroy the paper. The strength of the book covers and the force of the elastic need to be in perfect equilibrium for this to both work and not wreck the books.

So, for me, this is whimsical but not fun enough to ruin my books.

I think this looks interesting, especially for a child's bedroom. But, for someone like me who uses a bookshelf more practically, this would be a bit of a hassle.

ok, I didn't think it could get worse than the invisible bookshelf, but this did it. Why? What is the purpose of this? To get people to say, "hey why are your books upside down?"

and why would i hang my books upside down again?

reiskid, I am so with you on that thought!

This is a little too "Poseidon Adventure" for me...

So for this to work I always have to store books of the same dimension in the same spot, and I need to conceal the ends by putting the dust jacket on the book once it's been put in it's elastic holder?

Pointless and irritating.

I like it.

reiskid --

I agree -

It seems that AT is posting far too much lately on visual gimmickry and needless/etherware products rather than useful storage/decorating/lifestyle solutions & inspiration for real people.

This could make a fun prank if one bought some cheap books at the dime store so that it didn't affect any of the victim's collection. It could also maybe work in a gallery, but I don't think the extra whimsy would fit my decor...

I like this too. There's no reason to use books you love - why not find inexpensive garage sale books with unique covers for a great display? Many times libraries de-accession books by getting rid of them for under a dollar a piece in book sales.

Maybe I'll do it and then put one of those 'backward' clocks on top.

I don't get it.

Dumb idea.

Geez, lotsa cranky people in these comments.

While this isn't something I'd personally create in my home, I appreciate AT's whimsical and unique decorating ideas. To each his own.

Keep them up!

It's just books people. lol It's cute, it's "new"... either love it and use it, or dislike it and b*tch. :D

I'm quite obsessive compulsive about things being the proper position, i.e. I organize my dollar bills to face the same direction rather than just throw them in my wallet. Having my books upside down would simply frustrate me. If I could justify a good reason for having them upside down, sure; but this just seems silly to me.

Trying too hard.