Review on 📚 Sauder Beginnings 5-Shelf Bookcase in Cinnamon Cherry Finish by Nikki May

I have a lot of bookshelves. I bought this to replace the smaller bookshelf in my daughter's room, only to find upon putting it together that it doesn't fit more books than the one it's replacing. I know what to expect from a cheap bookcase (cheap chipboard, faux laminate, chunky cardboard backing) but this set of shelves has other cons that aren't worth your money: 1) cheap - top, top board and bottom. The fixed shelves are not covered with the laminate that covers the rest of the chipboard bookshelf. it's outrageous and looks awful. I've never come across this in all my years of building inexpensive bookshelves. Who leaves open areas with simple chipboard? I know this is intentional because it says so in the build instructions. 2) Due to the position of the fixed shelf (right in the middle), two shelves are left with a big gap between them. This space would be better served by adding another shelf BUT the company is not providing one. I contacted them to order one and they said their product was only tested and approved for the original configuration and they could not sell a new shelf. I think I could lie and say one of them was damaged and maybe they would send a replacement. Instead, now I have to build my own shelf, which is the last thing I want to do for this cheap bookshelf disaster; 3) Side panels are two pieces that you connect to a solid shelf (most likely easier to ship) rather than a long board. It is a bit more difficult to assemble and there is an issue with the fixed shelf position. I hate that. Just don't buy it. I spent too much money on it and I can't do anything about it. Don't be me Buy a slightly more expensive shelf that isn't that disappointing.