[HardDrive]

So I was going to build a built in bookshelf. Space is 8' tall, 96 wide, 12 inches deep. So I figured I would build myself a pair of 48" wide boxes, attach them to the wall, and trim it out.

But then I got this idea (this is the part when my wife typically sighs and starts google for 'hit men'), what if instead of building the boxes first, I build it completely into the space. Have 1 x 1.5" wood supports that run along the wall horizontally, and are screwed into the studs behind. 1 x 12" on the sides, with the 1 x 1.5" providing the supports for the shelves. A 1 x 2" piece of oak would be attached in the middle on the front for a center support, and the whole thing would be trimmed out to look flush. This is going to be painted, so screws can be covered up with putty.

The questions:

-Is my idea above stupid?
-If I don't rip plywood to make the shelves, what wood stock would you use, keeping in mind that they will be painted?