Road Less Read — Zachary Kai

Broad Band by Claire L. Evans

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I picked this up because it's this month's IndieWeb Book Club pick. Wouldn't have found it otherwise, and that's exactly why book clubs matter. If you've got a place on the internet, why don't you join us in reading? Or, even choose a book for a future month?

Review

The internet history they've sold is a lie of omission. Men in garages, alpha nerds, brogrammers: the mythology is so loud it's easy to miss everyone else.

I'm not having it. And I'm glad the author isn't either.

This feminist tech history restores credit where it's owed: to the women who built our beloved internet. She profiles folks like Grace Hopper, who democratized computing by defending machine-independent programming languages, and Elizabeth "Jake" Feinler, who kept the early internet running single-handedly.

And culture would have you believe contributions like this are mere footnotes?

The research that went into this is rigorous and must've been overwhelming, but you'd never know it, reading it. Her journalist's instinct for the human story just shines.

This is for the web wanderers, the IndieWeb believers, the people who think the internet was supposed to be something better.

A corrective, a love letter, and a necessary reminder: women were always here.

•--♡--•

Books I Didn't Finish | Road Less Read

Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Not every book and I are right for each other or right for each other at this particular moment. Here are the ones I set aside, organized by genre. Perhaps some will get a second chance.

Table Of Contents

Books To Read | Road Less Read

Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

For so long I've tracked books I wish to read via Goodreads alone, despite having a perfectly suitable book blog for the last seven years. I'm remedying that here. This combines my general to-read list with 2026's catch-up project: getting around to series and authors I've adored but fallen behind on.

Table Of Contents

To Live by Yu Hua

Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Some books aren't meant to be enjoyed. They're meant to be survived.

Review

Written by a Chinese writer who grew up inside the Cultural Revolution, who clearly never forgot what that cost ordinary people, it follows Xu Fugui: a prodigal son who becomes a man who loses everything and then keeps losing more. Over four impossible decades, Fugui watches his entire family die. One by one. The novel ends with him and an old ox, both of them still stubbornly, inexplicably alive.

I'll be honest. I didn't like this book.

Nor would I recommend it to someone who needs comfort right now.

But good literature doesn't owe you comfort: it owes you truth.

And Yu Hua is ruthlessly, devastatingly honest about what it costs to exist.

This is a book about endurance as dignity. If you can hold it.

•--♡--•

When I'm In Your Arms by Sarah Wallace & S.O. Callahan

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Returning to this world was like putting on my favorite hoodie: warm, super comforting, and so beautifully soft.

Review

Same Old Hollywood. Same quiet queerness.

This time, different characters, and what characters! The leads have an immediate, easy chemistry. I rooted for them, not because the story demands it, but because I wanted them to create a life together. It's wonderful when a romance allows that.

These writers always do something deceptively simple: they write people who feel real, in a world that feels safe, and let the romance do what it's supposed to.

Just two people, circling each other, figuring it out.

If Together On Parade introduced me to this world, When I'm in Your Arms is the one that made me want to stay.

•--♡--•

Together On Parade by Sarah Wallace & S.O. Callahan

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A delightfully queer historical romantic fantasy set in 1930s Hollywood, by the people who've become my favorite authors in the micro-genre.

Review

Old Hollywood's always been a setting that promises both glamour and heartbreak. This book delivers on the former but softens it beautifully, and sidesteps the latter (which is precisely the point.)

Like their previous co-written series, this is set in a world where queerness just...exists. No one fights, they just live. I'll admit I struggle with queernormative fiction, not because it's 'unrealistic' but rather because it feels so radical. It's life-and-hope giving in the most extraordinary way possible.

Working that into a story is a gift for the reader, and the authors do it well.

I have no preferences in relationship arcs, but here, the shift from friendship to romance is handled beautifully: a slow, inevitable turning toward each other.

The chemistry is warm rather than electric, which suits perfectly, because it isn't about discovery so much as recognition.

This is a book you devour in a day or two and one that sits for weeks afterwards.

•--♡--•

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Review

Douglas Adams is best known for Hitchhiker's Guide, but this is the stranger sibling.

Less galaxy-hopping, more...a sofa stuck impossibly in a staircase. An Electric Monk who believes things so you don't have to. A detective whose method is everything is connected, so following a random cat is as valid an investigative technique as any.

The plot is difficult to ascertain, which is seemingly the point. Time travel, software, murder, and an ancient ghost collide in ways that shouldn't work but do.

He writes like someone who trusts the reader to keep up while he takes the scenic route through every digression that catches his eye.

Odd, perhaps, but reading this feels like the internet before the internet. Dirk's 'fundamental interconnectedness of all things' is how the web was supposed to work...links everywhere, everything touching everything, no straight lines.

Reading it for a web community's book club felt almost too perfect.

If you love Hictchikers, try this! It's the same brain doing something braver and more tangled. A book rewards the second read even more than the first.

•--♡--•

The Persistent Signal: Call For Participation

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Somewhere, right now, a feed is updating. No algorithm curates it. It just arrives. RSS is perhaps the quietest of internet rebellions. And it's still running.

I want to know how you use it. Not in the abstract, but in practice. This survey is for anyone who still tends their feeds: whether three subscriptions or three hundred.

Table Of Contents

The Timeless Way Of Building by Christopher Alexander

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This was the March 2026 IndieWeb Book Club pick, chosen by Nick Simson. A book about architecture in a web community's book club? Trust the process. If you've got a place on the internet, why don't you join us?

Review

Christopher Alexander wrote this in 1979 about buildings and towns, but programmers and web designers adopted it as gospel decades later. Reading it now, in 2026, for an IndieWeb book club...the circle completes itself beautifully.

His core argument: the best spaces aren't designed from above. They emerge from patterns, from people using and shaping them over time. A living room that actually gets used. A street corner where people naturally gather. He calls this the "quality without a name" and spends the whole book circling it without pinning it down. That's not a flaw. That's the point.

As someone who builds websites by hand and makes zines with scissors and glue, I felt seen by this book in a way I didn't expect from a 1970s architecture text. The IndieWeb itself is Alexander's philosophy in action: small, personal, human-shaped spaces on an internet that keeps trying to be a shopping mall.

It's dense. It's long. It occasionally reads like poetry pretending to be a textbook. But if you care about why some spaces feel alive and others feel dead...this will rearrange your thinking.

The kind of book that makes you look at everything differently. Walls, websites, and the worlds between them.

Links Elsewhere

•--♡--•

Self-Directed Education Resources | Road Less Read

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The best education is the one you're in charge of. These are free resources I've loved (or wish I'd had) for self-directed learning. Nothing here costs money. Use them at whatever pace works for you.

Table Of Contents

The IndieWeb Movie Club | Road Less Read

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I know this is a book blog, but this monthly movie club celebrating film and the independent web involves writing, so it counts, doesn't it? My site, my allowances!

Table Of Contents

The Art Of Explanation by Ros Atkins

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Review

A BBC journalist writing about clarity shouldn't surprise anyone...but this surprised me. It isn't just 'be clear' and left at that.

He reverse-engineers the whole process: how to think about what you're saying before you open your mouth, and why most of us skip that step.

His method is deceptively simple. Set up, gather, distil, organize, link, tighten, deliver. It's not just for communicating in professional contexts, it's almost my own (aspirational, at least) creative process reflected back at me. Turns out explaining something well and telling a good story share the same basis: know what matters, cut what doesn't.

What I love most is his insistence brevity isn't 'over-simplifying.' It's respect.

The book is practical without being dry, structured without being rigid.

Something you finish in a weekend and then start applying on Monday. Whether you're blogging, giving talks, or trying to send an email.

If you communicate in any capacity...read this. Your words will land better for it.

•--♡--•

The Bear Blog Carnival | Road Less Read

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A monthly carnival on Bear Blog, where a host picks a theme and the community writes responses. Originally run by Cris, now continuing on the Grizzly Gazette.

Table Of Contents

The Hacienda by Peter Hook

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This was the January 2026 IndieWeb Book Club pick, chosen by Mark Sutherland. Not a book I'd have found on my own, and that's the whole beauty of reading in community. If you've got a place on the internet, why don't you join us?

Review

Peter Hook, bassist of Joy Division and New Order, co-owned Manchester's legendary Hacienda nightclub. This is his account of how it rose, raged, and collapsed. The subtitle says it all: How Not to Run a Club.

I knew almost nothing about the Hacienda going in. Didn't matter. Hook writes with such blunt, self-deprecating honesty that you don't need the context...you just need a tolerance for chaos. And there's so much chaos. Financial disasters, drug culture, legendary DJ sets, violence, and a band that kept pouring their album royalties into a venue that never turned a profit.

What hooked me (sorry) is that it's really a story about people building something they believed in despite every signal telling them to stop. As someone who makes things on the internet for the love of it, that resonated more than I expected from a book about a Manchester nightclub.

It's messy, funny, occasionally heartbreaking, and structured through financial records that read like a comedy of errors. Not polished. Not trying to be. That's what makes it work.

Read this if you've ever poured yourself into a project that made no financial sense but mattered anyway.

Links Elsewhere

•--♡--•

The IndieWeb Book Club | Road Less Read

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In October 2025, I was fed-up with my reading's state. No fault of the excellent books, nor a lack of time or motivation to read. Rather…community. Where was it?

Austin Kleon forever says create what you wish to see in the world, so I revitalized the IndieWeb Book Club. And I'm so glad I did.

Table Of Contents

The IndieWeb Carnival | Road Less Read

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This is a monthly blog carnival celebrating writing and the independent web! Each month, a host selects a theme and invites the community to write on their websites.

Table Of Contents

Books I Read In 2024 | Road Less Read

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

All the books I read in the year. And wow, it was a lot. I tend to read copious amounts, but this...is perhaps the most in one year since I started tracking in 2019. Enjoy.

Table Of Contents

Books I Read In 2025 | Road Less Read

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

It's the year's end! I'm concluding these last 365 days with a list of books I've read. Found some new authors I never knew existed, tried new books. Was a delight.

Table Of Contents

Books I Want To Read In 2026 | Road Less Read

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

As I identified a few months ago, I've long struggled with starting a million projects and not finishing them. This...also applies to book series and authors I've adored.

In 2026, I'd like to play catch-up: at last getting around to books that've fallen by the wayside, despite being keen to read them! They're organized alphabetically by genre.

Table Of Contents

Books Read | Road Less Read

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Here you'll find all books I've read in chronological order, from when I started tracking my reading in 2019. If you read often, I encourage you to do so too! It's fascinating to look back on.

Table Of Contents

The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin P. Williams

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I picked this up because it's this month's IndieWeb Book Club pick, decided upon by Al Abut. As he says, it seems we've got a theme of the myriad ways to approach making things. I hadn't heard of it until now! If you've got a place on the internet, why don't you join us in reading? Or, even choose a book for a future month?

Review

Usually, it’s a thoughtful piece of fiction or a non-fiction treatise from an unexpected angle that changes the way I see the world. This time, it’s an instructional manual, of all things.

Never would’ve picked this up if it weren’t for the IndieWeb Book Club, but that’s the point.

This changed how I see everything graphical: websites, zines, book covers…anything with type. She splits design into four principles, and suddenly you can articulate why something works or doesn’t.

It’s revelatory for anyone who creates but never studied design. Hence the title!

I didn’t know I needed this clarity. She writes with humor and zero pretension, using before-and-after examples. Such vast improvements for minor changes!

Sure, this won’t teach you all the tricks in a professional’s toolkit, but it’s a wonderful place to start A much-needed bridge between ‘I know what I like’ and ‘I know why it works.’

Esoterica & Links Elsewhere

Book Stats: Read Dec 2025 | 200 Pages

Get A Copy: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Libro.fm

Links: Open Library | Worldcat

Reviewed On: Goodreads | LibraryThing | The Storygraph

•--♡--•

The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This was the very first IndieWeb Book Club pick...chosen by yours truly. I revitalized the club because I missed reading in community, and this felt like the right book to start with. If you've got a place on the internet, why don't you join us?

Review

Rick Rubin has produced albums for everyone from the Beastie Boys to Johnny Cash, and somehow this book sounds exactly like neither and both. It's not a memoir. It's not a how-to. It's closer to a philosophy of making things, written in these spare, meditative fragments that read like someone whispering encouragement in a quiet room.

As a writer, I found myself underlining constantly. Not because the advice was tactical, but because it kept reframing how I think about the work itself. Creativity isn't something you do. It's something you notice, collect, and shape. That shift matters.

Rubin treats every creative discipline as the same practice at its core: paying attention. Whether you're producing a record or drafting a novel or designing a zine layout at two in the morning. The source is the same.

Some will find it too abstract. Too spiritual. I get that. But if you've ever been stuck and needed someone to remind you that the work is the point...not the outcome, not the reception...this is that book.

The perfect book club opener. It made me want to make things, which is the highest compliment I can give.

Links Elsewhere

•--♡--•

Barnes And Noble Statistics: 78+ Trends, Insights, & Data

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Here's the most fascinating insights and statistics:

Home : Resources : Barnes & Noble Stats

By Zachary Kai

Key Takeaways From This Report

The biggest Barnes & Noble in the United States is the chain’s Union Square store in New York City, which is 26,000 square feet.

The revenue for the financial year of 2019 was US$ 3.552 billion.^[6]

The company operates bookstores in 50 states across the USA.

Barnes & Noble stores earned $208,323 in October 2022.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. is the largest retail bookseller in the United States, and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products in the country.

Barnes & Noble had 24,000 employees in 2019..

The company’s total assets as of April 30, 2019, were $1.706 billion.^[7]

Barnes & Noble became a publicly traded company in 1993.

The company was sold to Elliott Management Corporation in 2019.

Barnes & Noble customers are 45.70% male and 54.30% female.

About This Report Of Barnes & Noble Statistics

This analysis contains research & facts on their market size, cash flow, net income, revenue statistics, stocks, practices, average value, popularity, the number of shops, and more.

To gather the data, we used the following sources: Book Industry Study Group, the Company’s Website, Exploding Topics, Facebook, Google Trends, IBISWorld, Instagram, LinkedIn, MarketWatch, Pinterest Trends, Reddit, Statista, Tumblr, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Access Company Data, Info & Facts

Here’s a table of the essential company information for Barnes and Noble.

Barnes & Noble Key Business Information

Company Name	Barnes & Noble, Inc.
Founded	1886
Company Age	137 years
Founders	Charles M. Barnes, William Barnes, G. Clifford Noble
Headquarters	New York City, New York, United States
Industry	Retail, Bookselling
Audience	Book lovers
Products	Books, E-books, Magazines, News, DVDs, CDs, Toys, Gifts
No. Stores	594
Parent Company	Elliott Management Corporation (since 2019)
CEO	James Daunt (as of 2021)
Revenue	$3.39 billion (Fiscal Year 2020)
Employees	Approximately 24,000 (as of 2021)
Website	barnesandnoble.com
Podcast	Podcast
Blog	Blog
Telephone No.	1-800-843-2665
Contact Form	Via their help desk.
Live Chat	Via their ticketing system.
Facebook	@barnesandnoble
Instagram	@barnesandnoble
LinkedIn	Barnes & Noble, Inc
Pinterest	@barnesandnoble
TikTok	@bnbuzz
YouTube	@barnesandnoble
Stock Ticker	Formerly traded on NYSE under the symbol BKS (Privately held since 2019)
Key Competitors	Amazon, Books-A-Million, Half Price Books, Independent Bookstores
Market Share	Approximately 8% of the U.S. book market

Financial Statistics & Key Datapoints: How well is Barnes and Noble doing?

Barnes & Noble generated a total revenue of $3.5 billion in the fiscal year of 2020. This is a decrease of 6.6% compared to the previous year, which had a revenue of $3.8 billion.

They reported revenue of $3.48 billion in its 2019 fiscal year, down from $3.66 billion in 2018. Between 2012 and 2019, the company’s revenue dropped by nearly two billion dollars.^[2]

The net increase in cash for the fiscal year ending on April 30, 2019, was $64 million.

Barnes & Noble’s net income for the fiscal year of 2020 was $10 million. This is a significant decrease of 93.1% compared to the previous year’s net income of $146 million. The decrease in net income can be attributed to the decrease in revenue and increased expenses related to COVID-19 safety measures.

The company’s e-commerce sales increased by 32% in the fiscal year of 2020, compared to the previous year. This increase can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many consumers to shop online rather than in-store. Currently, only about 10% of Barnes & Noble’s sales come from e-commerce.^[1]

As of June 2021, Barnes & Noble has closed 63 stores across the United States. The company has also opened 4 new stores in the same time period.

What’s The Barnes And Noble Market Share?

In the book store industry, they account for approx 26.6% of the market share.^[5]

Impact Of The Pandemic

There has been a significant increase in book sales during the pandemic, with Barnes & Noble reporting double-digit sales growth this year compared to 2019, before the Coronavirus outbreak. The chain is seeing a surprising surge in sales from teenagers. Sales of graphic novels at Barnes & Noble are up by as much as 500%.

Across the US industry, book sales are up 12 percent through August this year compared to the same period a year ago. They’re up 20% from 2019 over the same time period. The current double-digit growth in book sales has not been seen since Amazon.

Barnes & Noble has undergone changes under new management. These changes include an interior overhaul of the chain’s 600-plus stores, and a management philosophy that empowers local bosses to decide which books they’ll stock, and a move away from its signature green color scheme. Despite having fewer stores (605 compared to 628 in 2019), Barnes & Noble’s total sales are up around 6 percent from 2019.^[8]

The chain plans to open 12 stores in February and March alone. Some of these stores will be about a quarter the size of the typical 25,000 square foot location. This shows the chain can now generate the same volume from an 8,000 square foot store as a 25,000 square foot store.

Barnes & Noble’s sales growth is driven by increased foot traffic in stores, not online sales.

Publishers are noticing the turnaround effects, with better store layouts, recommendations, refreshed selections, and lively merchandising and display. This leads to increased sales. Barnes & Noble swapped out large rectangular tables that hold stacks of books for smaller round ones that encourage browsing and buying.

Summary of Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (BNED) Former Stock Information

Note: The company transitioned to being privately held in 2019.^[4]

Company Name: Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
Ticker: BNED
Exchange: NYSE
Closing Price: $1.26
Market Cap: $66.28M
Enterprise Value: $645.26M
Shares Outstanding: 52.60M
Year-Over-Year Shares Change: +1.15%
Quarter-Over-Quarter Shares Change: -1.11%
Ownership: 27.96% Insiders, 49.85% Institutions
Current Ratio: 1.30
Debt to Equity Ratio: 3.34
Return on Equity (ROE): -33.70%
Return on Assets (ROA): -5.50%
Return on Capital (ROIC): -5.20%
Revenue Per Employee: $529,617
Profits Per Employee: -$21,950
Inventory Turnover: 2.69
Stock Beta (1Y): 2.03
52-Week Price Change: -46.61%
Short Interest: 1.04% of Shares Out
Cash & Cash Equivalents: $11.14M
Total Debt: $590.12M
Book Value Per Share: $3.35
Free Cash Flow (Last 12 months): -$65.46M
Gross Margin: 24.72%
Operating Margin: -3.55%
Profit Margin: -4.14%

What are some fun facts about Barnes and Noble?

There are about 600 stores in every state.
Their retail and online operations sell over 190 million physical books a year.
The largest magazine retailer in America, they carry over 3,000 titles.
Every year, their cafes serve 39 million drinks, bake 5.4 million cookies, 985 thousand croissants, make over 450 thousand scones, serves 1.1 million cheesecake slices and grills 600 thousand sandwiches.
Every year, they host about 100,000 community events.^[3]

Search Insights & Trends

Here’s a table of the essential search insights for Barnes and Noble’s website, sourced from Ahrefs & SimilarWeb.

Domain Rating	92
URL Rating	37
Backlinks	54.7M
Average Monthly Traffic	8.6M
Bounce Rate	54.22%
Average Visit Duration	02:51
Pages Viewed Per Visit	3.68

Search Interest Over Time

All this data was sourced from Exploding Topics.

Growth Over The Past 15 Years

Over the past fifteen years it’s experienced a 79% decrease in growth.

Growth Over The Past 10 Years

Over the past ten years it’s experienced a 70% decrease in growth.

Growth Over The Past 5 Years

Over the past five years it’s experienced a 41% decrease in growth.

Growth Over The Past 2 Years

Over the past two years it’s experienced a 28% decrease in growth.

Growth Over The Past Year

Over the past year it’s experienced a 7% decrease in growth.

Global Search Interest By Region

Here’s a table of the countries who search for Barnes & Noble the most, sourced from Google Trends.

Country
1. Peru
2. Ethopia
3. United States
4. Bosnia & Herzegovina
5. Costa Rica
6. Canada
7. United Kingdom
8. Australia
9. Netherlands
10. Philippines

Social Media Statistics & Research

Here are the results of research on the reach Barnes & Noble has across their social media presence.

Popularity By Platform: Amount Of Followers

The Popularity Of Barnes & Noble Hashtags Across Social Media

Here’s how popular the hashtag #barnesandnoble is across social platforms based on how many posts there are.

Platform	No. Of Posts
Facebook	411,000
Instagram	1,821,666
TikTok	39,000

References

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/15/arts/barnes-noble-bookstores.html
https://www.statista.com/statistics/273460/revenue-of-barnes-und-noble/
https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/about-bn/quick-facts/
https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/bned/statistics/
https://www.ibisworld.com/us/company/barnes-noble-inc/8661/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnes_%26_Noble
https://www.readyratios.com/reports/BKS_barnes-noble-inc
https://nypost.com/2021/09/19/covid-has-sparked-a-book-craze-and-barnes-noble-is-cashing-in/

About The Author: Zachary Kai

Hi! I run Road Less Read, curating my scifi, fantasy + YA favorites from reading 100+ books a year!

Copy + Share: roadlessread.com/notes/bandn

Previous: 40+ Book Crafts, Books Décor, Bookish Craft DIY Ideas

40+ Book Crafts, Books Décor, Bookish Craft DIY Ideas

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Not everyone is a master artisan, but we've got to start somewhere! These easy crafts are perfect for anyone who wants to dip into the world of book crafts.

Easy Crafts Using Books

Not everyone is a master artisan, but we've got to start somewhere! These easy crafts are perfect for anyone who wants to dip into the world of book crafts without feeling overwhelmed.

Altered book page art.
Bookmarks.
Book page bouquets.
Photo frames.

1. Page Art

Transform those beautiful words into visual masterpieces with page art. All you need is a book page, a design or stencil, and some ink or paint. Trace your design onto the page and watch as your favorite quotes come to life in a whole new way. For a tutorial to help you get started, see this link, or this roundup post of ideas.

Pro tip: try layering multiple pages or using different colors for added depth and dimension.

2. A Bookmark: something To keep your place

Why settle for a generic bookmark when you can create a masterpiece to keep your place in style? Here’s a simple example to spark your imagination. It’d be fun for kids too.

Variation: back your creation on sturdy recycled card for added durability, or add a tassel for a touch of elegance.

3. Bouquets: Myriad ways To Customize

Who says you can’t mix books and botany? Create a bouquet that’ll never wilt and make your fellow bookworms green with envy. Follow this tutorial for step-by-step instructions.

Tip: mix in colored paper for a pop of vibrancy.

4. Photo Frames: designs Galore!

Capture the magic of literature and immortalize your memories by crafting one-of-a-kind photo frames. For inspiration and a tutorial, visit this link.

Variation: use multiple pages to create a collage-style frame, or add embellishments like buttons or ribbons.

5. A Miniature Necklace Or Pendant

Why wear your heart on your sleeve when you can wear your favorite book around your neck? Create a tiny tome that’ll turn heads and start conversations. Check out this tutorial to get started.

Tip: personalize your necklace by writing quotes from your favorite novel on it.

6. A Box

Looking for a novel way to store your treasures? Craft a charming book box that’s as functional as it is conversation-worthy. For a step-by-step guide on how to make these things, look at this tutorial.

Variation: create various sizes of boxes for a nesting effect, or add dividers for organization.

7. Paper Decorations

Unleash your creativity and transform old book pages into an array of delightful decorations that’ll add a literary touch to any space with something like these ideas:

Feathers
Hearts
Lucky clovers
Stars
Leaves
A garland
Flowers
Pinwheels

Pro tip: mix and match different types of decorations for a stunning, eclectic display.

Intermediate Crafts

Feeling more confident in your book crafting abilities? It’s time to level up!

8. A Multimedia Journal

Why settle for a regular journal when you can create a multimedia masterpiece? Combine book pages with materials like fabric, paint, and photos to create a customized journal.

Tip: Use pages from a variety of books or sheet music for an eclectic look. There are many ways to make it yours.

9. A Wreath

Welcome guests into your home with a stunning wreath made from book pages. With a little patience, you can create a piece of wall art that’s a testament to your love for literature. Discover how to create a literary wreath with this step-by-step guide.

Variation: Add seasonal decorations or switch out the color scheme to match your home’s décor.

10. A Charging Station

Tired of tangled cords and messy charging areas? Craft a clever charging station from an old book to keep your devices organized and your space clutter-free. Learn how to create one with this tutorial.

Tip: Customize the size and design of your charging station to accommodate multiple devices.

11. A Paper Vase

Add a literary touch to your flower arrangements. This project combines the beauty of books with the elegance of a vase, creating a unique centerpiece sure to impress. Get inspired by this paper vase tutorial.

Variation: Experiment with different shapes and sizes to create a collection of paper vases.

12. Colorful Greeting Cards

Ditch store-bought cards and create personalized, bookish greeting cards for your friends and family. Incorporate book pages, illustrations, and quotes to craft memorable cards for any occasion. Spark your creativity with this bookish greeting card example.

Pro tip: Mix and match materials like ribbon, washi tape, and stickers for added flair.

13. Aged Pages

Give your crafts an antique feel with aged pages. This technique can be applied to a variety of projects, adding a touch of vintage charm to your creations. Master the art of aging pages with this step-by-step guide.

Tip: Experiment with different types of tea or coffee to achieve varying shades of aged paper.

14. An Envelope

Make your snail mail stand out with custom book page envelopes. These unique envelopes add a touch of whimsy to your correspondence and are sure to make the recipient feel extra special. Learn how to create book page envelopes with this tutorial.

Variation: Add a coordinating book page liner for an extra dose of bookish charm.

15. Candle Holders

Illuminate your space with the warm glow of candlelight, accentuated by beautiful book page candle holders. These delicate creations add a touch of romance and sophistication to any room. Illuminate your crafting skills with this candle holder tutorial.

Variation: Incorporate colored or patterned paper for added visual interest.

16. Treat Bags

Add a literary twist to your next party or event with book page treat bags. These charming little bags are perfect for party favors or small gifts, and they’ll delight your guests. Craft a book page treat bag with this helpful tutorial.

Tip: Customize the bags with decorations matching your event’s theme.

17. A Mail Holder

Organize your incoming mail with a stylish and functional book page mail holder. This practical craft not only helps keep your space tidy but also adds literary flair to your home. Follow this step-by-step guide.

Variation: Create multiple mail holders with different book themes to sort mail by category.

Advanced Crafts: Are You Up for the Challenge?

Take your bookish creativity to the next level. These require skill, but you’ll be amazed at what you’ll accomplish.

18. A Book Wall

Why limit your love for books to the shelves? Transform a plain wall into a stunning book-themed focal point in your home. A book wall is an eye-catching way to display your favorite covers and add a touch of literary elegance to any room. Follow this tutorial to create a book wall.

Tip: Mix and match different genres and cover designs for a visually striking display.

19. A Planter

Merge your passions for literature and gardening. This DIY project turns old books into beautiful, functional planters to add greenery to your home. Check out this guide to create a book planter.

Variation: Use different sized books to create a tiered arrangement for an eye-catching centerpiece.

20. A Hanging Bookshelf

Show off your favorite reads with a hanging bookshelf. This unique craft is both functional and visually appealing, making it an excellent addition to any book lover’s home. Look at this tutorial for step-by-step instructions.

Tip: Use different colored paints to customize the piece to match your room’s décor.

21. A Birdhouse

Bring your literary passion outdoors with a charming book-themed birdhouse. This delightful craft will add whimsy to your cozy home. Follow this guide to create one.

Variation: Paint your birdhouse with quotes or illustrations from your favorite book to personalize it even further.

22. A Lamp

Illuminate your love for books with a unique book lamp. This stunning craft combines form and function, making it a perfect addition to any bookworm’s home. For instructions on creating a book lamp, check out this tutorial.

Tip: Use a book with a visually striking cover or spine for an extra pop of color.

23. A Headboard

Dream of your favorite stories while resting your head on a one-of-a-kind book headboard. This ambitious project will transform your bedroom into a literary oasis. Follow this guide to create a book headboard.

Variation: Arrange the books by color or theme to customize the look.

24. An Upcycled Purse

Make a statement with a stylish and practical upcycled book purse. This chic accessory is the perfect way to carry your love for literature. Check out this guide to create a book purse.

Variation: Use colorful fabric with handwritten book quotes to line the inside of your purse.

25. Invisible Bookends

Keep your books standing tall with a touch of magic. Invisible bookends create the illusion your books are standing on their own, adding a whimsical touch to your bookshelf. Follow this tutorial to create them.

Tip: Use clear acrylic for an even more “invisible” effect.

26. A Hanging Paper Fern

Add greenery to your space without the need for a green thumb. A hanging paper fern is an exquisite way to bring the outdoors in and showcase your love for books. This delicate craft is both eye-catching and low maintenance, making it a fantastic addition to your home décor. Follow this guide to create a hanging paper fern.

Variation: Experiment with different shapes and sizes of leaves for a more diverse and visually appealing fern.

Other Ingenious Book Craft Ideas

Let’s not stop there! Here are more ideas to put your unique spin on.

A lampshade: shed light on your literary passion.
Coasters: safeguard your tabletops and flaunt your literary style.
A clock: watch time fly as you enjoy its creation.
Earrings: a fashion statement for the true bibliophile.
A bracelet: a stylish accessory crafted from your favorite pages.
Cards: create thoughtful, handmade greetings for loved ones.
Origami: fold your way into intricate paper designs like letters using book pages.
Wallets: Carry your love for books with you everywhere you go.
Kites: Let your love for books soar.
Snowflakes: Create delicate, unique decorations with a literary twist.
DIY eReader cover: Infuse your digital reading sessions with classic charm.
A hedgehog: Isn’t this a lovely idea?

Want more? See our Pinterest Board full of them!

Copy + Share: roadlessread.com/notes/crafts

Previous: How To Wrap A Book: 20+ Unique Ways | Next: Barnes And Noble Statistics: 78+ Trends, Insights, & Data

How To Wrap A Book: 20+ Unique Ways - Road Less Read

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The worthiest of gifts! They deserve a presentation as lovely as literature. Here's my method.

Home : Resources : How To Wrap A Book

By Zachary Kai

How To Wrap A Book The Easy Way

First, gather:

Recycled wrapping paper (thicker for hardcovers, thinner for paperbacks)
Scissors
Double-sided tape
Reused ribbons for decoration

To wrap the book:

Lay the book on wrapping paper with extra inches on each side, and cut out the shape.
Center the book on the paper, fold and crease the sides over the book, covering it entirely.
Trim any excess.
Fold and crease the paper's top and bottom edges, then the corners. Tape it down.
Finish it off with a ribbon: wrap it around horizontally and vertically, and tie a bow to secure it.

Done!

Creative Ideas For Further Customization

Use different ribbons or multiple colors at once, or braid them together.
Ribbon alternatives: recycled string, twine, or yarn.
Wrapping paper alternatives: kraft paper, wax seals, handmade paper, collages, gift boxes, paper bags, recycled fabric, newspaper, orgami folded paper, magazine pages, second hand book pages, maps, handmade book sleeves, crossword puzzles, sheet music, comic strips, and coloring pages.
Add: a handmade gift tag, drawn on decorations.

Want more? See my overflowing Pinterest board.

About The Author: Zachary Kai

Hi! I run Road Less Read, curating my scifi, fantasy + YA favorites from reading 100+ books a year!

Copy + Share: roadlessread.com/notes/wrap

Previous: Top Book Blogs, Book Reviewers & Book Bloggers | Next: 40+ Book Crafts, Books Décor, Bookish Craft DIY Ideas