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May 2024 by Brian Parker
Neat one-of-a-kind specialty bookstore tucked away back here that sells signed copies at cover prices. Do they then get resold for higher prices on-line? Hopefully not. There were some gems in there and a nice push for local regional authors' works too. Although I consider myself a bibliophile and a voracious reader, I probably wouldn't come back to just peruse unless it was something very specific (like their Nikki Giovanni book, say) I had in mind. Other authors I've read have name dropped this place so it had been pinned for me for some time now.
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April 2024 by Jason Martin
did not have what i was looking for but what a neat store. never saw a compete inventory of sighed books before.
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April 2024 by Cheyenne DeBusk
I have ordered signed books from Alabama Booksmith twice now, and I'm so impressed! The books come with a slip saying that the signatures have been authenticated, the communication about shipping through Jake is prompt and informative, and the books come in great condition FAST! They're awesome!!!!
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March 2024 by David Voitier
If you like signed books, stop in here. The mostly modern collection is very neatly displayed and accessible with a great selection of authors. And you're paying dust jacket price for a signed copy... pretty cool.
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February 2024 by Rebecca Thomas
Jake always emails when he gets new books. When I choose to buy them he either holds them for me or mails them right outThis is probably the best bookshop in the world.!
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December 2023 by Jorge Villasante
Bought a book from the fine folks at The Alabama Booksmith and I'd recommend them to anyone. Their service and care are honestly unmatched. I was informed about my order in every step of the process and it shipped quickly and was very well protected. It was a wonderful experience. Thank you, Jake!
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August 2023 by Wall of Books
Awhile back, an order I received from them was DAMAGED in transit - it just wasn't well protected for shipment via USPS. I let it go, but on my next order I *VERY* POLITELY ASKED THEM FOR EXTRA PACKING MATERIAL... AND THEY CANCELED MY ORDER!Really? So, you KNOW your books ARE LIKELY GOING TO ARRIVE DAMAGED? Res ipsa loquitur.
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July 2023 by Gottfried Kibelka
All books in this lovely bookstore are signed by their authors and most of the books are first editions. Amazingly they are sold at cover prices. That alone makes for a gem of a bookstore but wait until you meet Jake Reiss, the owner, a well read, eloquent connoisseur of the arts and a certifiable bibliophile. It never disappoints to strike up a conversation and to listen carefully to his suggestions.
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July 2023 by Dustin Woldt
A++Excellent packaging and great communication throughout.Will buy from again!
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June 2023 by Kendra S.
I've never felt more compelled to write a positive review than now due to the amazingly perfect experience I had with this book store. I became aware of Alabama Booksmith via a tweet an author tweeted about his signed book being available at this store. I am out of state and I called and they couldn't have been nicer on the phone; they sounded happy yet kindly explained they were sold out but were hoping to get more and they took my email in case and said they'd contact me. Sure enough about a week later I got an email saying they had one for me. They also explained there was a minor ding to make sure I knew before I ordered so I could decline if I wanted. I accepted and paid and the book arrived even better than expected. The packaging was PERFECT. They packed in bubble wrap then a special cardboard box that protected the book from damage in transit. The email communication before and during the shipment was excellent. They kept me aware every step of the way. I have ordered more than 200 books from major bookstore retailers, to other independent bookstores, to Amazon, to stores like Target etc. and this is THE BEST experience I have ever had. Thank you Alabama Booksmith for having such integrity.
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May 2023 by Daniel Blackshear
While it's a unique bonus to find books that are signed by the author, the true experience is supporting such an amazing small business that seems to really value customers. I know I'll continue to spend way too much money here and never have any regrets. Thank you, Mr. Jake!
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March 2023 by Ranjit Dighe
A bookstore like no other. Every book is signed by the author and sold at regular price. Even if author signatures don’t matter much to you, this policy means the books are impeccably curated and reflect the passions of the owner and staff. The owner is charming and delightful to talk to. A highlight of my last visit to Birmingham!
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March 2023 by Vicki Henyon
Interesting little book shop. All the titles they carry are signed, but at the regular cover price. They do have a special collection area where the prices go up. The lady that was there was very friendly and let us browse at our own pace, available if we needed her. Left spending too much money... ?
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February 2023 by Sunshine C.
This is a wonderful bookstore, where every book is signed. We found it by pure chance while in Birmingham for a conference, and we plan to become ongoing online customers. The owner and staff were helpful and kind, and the amount of inventory of signed items was impressive.
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February 2023 by Sarah Colson
The owners were so kind and helpful and this place is just magical.
