Remember the failed bookcase project of my first National Clean House Month attempt? Here’s a flashback to the mess. Well, I’m here to report the mess is no more. I could not roll into 2011 with my reading life not in order, so I hunkered down with two Hefty stretch garbage bags (to toss the non-reading clutter) and a system for flow.
The first bookcase in my bedroom starts with novels in alphabetical order by author’s last name. It then moves to short story collections then essay collections.
The new bookcase is now on the other side of my bedroom and holds memoirs in alpha author order then general non-fiction.
Finally, my office bookcase holds writing craft books, poetry collections, business books and old textbooks that are still relevant to my work.
In the midst of the mess, I found one case of duplicate books–one hardcover and one paperback–where I purchased the second copy because I had no order to know I already had it. I also found three books in a suitcase I’d forgotten I purchased. Needless to say, I now have several more books added to my “need to read” list.
What the experts say about killing the clutter is true. I feel a lifted burden by having the books in order and no longer overwhelmed about my 50 book/journal reading goal for the year.
Barbara McDowell 
This is something I really need to do as well. I told my husband today that I’m going to sift through my books, decide which ones I no longer want and finally get my bookcases organized. January is a good month for this!
Good luck with your project Laura! I put mine off by doing a clothing purge (which was good onto itself), but am beyond joyed I finally put the time in. No longer wanted books to donate to libraries or sell back are a bonus as well.