First off, these bookends are *adorable*. The 'peekaboo' cat design is whimsical and instantly adds personality to any shelf. I placed mine in my home office, and they’ve become a conversation starter—guests always smile when they spot the little black cats 'hiding' behind my books.
The metal construction feels sturdy and premium, with just enough weight to hold my collection of 10-12 medium-sized books without tipping. That said, the rubber grips on the bottom *did* peel off easily (a common complaint in reviews). A dab of superglue fixed it permanently, but it’s worth noting for those who aren’t DIY-inclined.
While they’re slim (about 1.2 inches wide), they work well for paperbacks and lighter hardcovers. My hefty cookbooks? Not so much—the bookends wobbled under the weight. But for novels or decoratively propping up a few favorites, they’re ideal.
One quirk: The cats face one direction, so you’re locked into their 'peeking' orientation. I’d have loved a double-sided design for flexibility, but it’s a minor gripe for such a charming piece.
At $25-ish, they’re pricier than basic bookends, but the quality and charm justify it. Perfect for cat-loving bibliophiles—I’ve already gifted two sets!