The Indie Bob Spot: A Cappella Books

A Cappella Books - Atlanta, GA

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As I travel across the country to bookstores I'm always stumbling over little obscure bits of trivia and coincidences. Today was one of those days at A Cappella Books in Atlanta. Earlier in the day I was at The Alabama Booksmith near Birmingham, AL and met Jake R., the fine owner there. Then in Atlanta, in the afternoon and some 140 miles away, I met his son Frank R., the fine owner at A Cappella Books. This has been the father-son bookstore tour day. Frank told me though that this ownership lineage will most likely stop with him because his wife probably wouldn't let one of the daughters continue the business. Of course, bookstore lovers everywhere could only hope genetics would suggest otherwise!

Frank was just as pleasant and great to talk to as his dad. I don't know how much he's learned from him but he seems just as knowledgeable about the business. Like his dad, Frank has been in the business for 25 years and even though they're in the same profession, they've never worked together. I was encouraged to hear Frank share with me that the business is doing reasonably well and that things are trending upward for independent bookstores in general.

This is a small, corner lot bookstore in a largely residential area, the best location this store has had in its 25 year existence. You can get new, used, out-of-print, and vintage books here. They are very selective about the used books they will take but if they do, you'll receive cash or will be able to trade for used books already in the store. They're working on expanding into a room next door for most of their vintage books and will also use this room for author events. They also have a great back patio that can be used for book parties, among other things. Unlike many other indies, there are no sidelines here so the books are the thing.

Even though this place is small it packs a punch. It really feels like there are a lot of books here in a small space. And on the day of my visit there was a steady stream of business. A good nucleus of locals, some tourists, and on-line orders all contribute to the success at A Cappella Books. The parking is free and on the street but you'll be able to park fairly close.

If Georgia is the Peach State, I think I just found a "peach" of a bookstore. I know, I know, that's totally corny. It has to be "corny," I'm from Iowa (stop it Indie Bob you're nauseating the readers!). But I digress. Atlanta is a great destination, and now you have a great bookstore to visit when you go there. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: A Prayer For Owen Meany, John Irving. I can see why this is many people's favorite book. Epic and inspirational. Tale of two friends from childhood through adulthood in the Viet Nam years. One of whom has a sense of destiny. Impossible to describe this book in a couple of sentences. Highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: Flora & Ulysses, Kate DiCamillo. Needed something different after Owen Meany, this is it. A middle-grade reader.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: A Stranger In My Own Country, Hans Fallada. Get In Trouble, Kelly Link (you never know when you'll bump into an author in these places! A gift from Han Vance. Thanks Han). GIFTED: A Cozy Infinity, Tony Paris. The story of A Cappella Books. The Pinch, Steve Stern. An ARC. Thanks Frank.