This is a very sturdy bookcase, and overall, we're happy with our purchase. The reason this only got 4/5 stars, is twofold. Firstly, The wood was COVERED with small styrofoam pieces that were a pain in the neck to remove.  They were very static, which made it difficult to wipe off before we could begin putting it together.  Secondly, the backing to this bookcase is VERY flimsy, and uneven, which proved difficult in the last step, of screwing the backing to the bookcase itself.  We made do, by jerry-rigging/maneuvering it, in such a way.  Overall, this is a great bookcase & we'd recommend it