I like "hard" numbers(as I call them). They make everything fit into nice neat spots. Its…read morebasically anything devisable by 5. 250 is a great "hard" number. So for my 250th review I have been waiting to review something truly great. A business that stands out and actually makes me find excuses to go. I have found that place. Jim Reed Books is such an amazing place. It is exactly what I always wanted in a book store. It is easy to say books, books are what I want in a book store, but that isn't enough. I want more. I want a feeling. I want to feel my IQ increasing with every step. This place is so much more. The owner is there everyday. He is a writer, historian, curator, and a guide. Not only does the store have books(which we will get to) but it has old odds and ends. He calls it "The Museum of Fond Memories". Perfect Name. I can't tell you how many times my wife and I would point out something or pick up something else and said "Oh my gosh, I remember these!" The signs, the toys, the posters. Everything brought back memories. Even my 13 year old son enjoyed the little time travel. The Books! This place has 300,000 items in it. Most of that is books. What an amazing collection. Things can be hard to find but just ask Jim. Some how he knows where everything is. Books are broken up into genres and that's about it. Authors may be grouped together or not. Finding things is half the fun really. Some books are new. Some are old and I mean OLD. Found a little tomb from 1863 just sitting on a shelf. In a glass case I saw a huge Lord of the Rings wrapped in leather. Was it old? No idea, I got so amazed I forgot to ask! Guess I HAVE to go back. Jim is also one of the few people in town you can trust to track down 1st editions or even the highly coveted 1st print of a 1st edition books. I am an IT guy professionally. I appreciate all manners of tech including e-readers. They have there place and purpose but nothing beats having a real book in your hand. My Kindle or Nook app on my large screen phone is convenient but a hard cover of Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five in my hand feels...right. This is a real book store with real books. and I love it. This may be the best thing I have discovered in downtown Birmingham! This is truly a treasure and I hope you will stop by and check it out.

5+ if I could, I only wish I lived closer to Jim Reed Books, they have a fantastic collection of…read morebooks, and I have been able to find some authors that are difficult to find in the U.S. even on Amazon. Mr. Reed is a fantastic resource for books and movies, he recommended a movie from an author I was looking for, I watched the whole movie straight through, the next time I was in he had a couple novels by that author. Highly recommended...

I bought one book and the person at checkout Natalie was very rude and cocky and shorted me on my…read morechange after she told me that I needed to just hand her the money for my book, even after telling me I had to wait on the manager.

Books-A-Million is the staple big bookstore in smaller towns across Alabama. (I didn't go to my…read morefirst Barnes & Noble until I moved to El Paso)... in general, the two bookstores aren't THAT much different other than the coffee Shoppe. BAM has Joe Muggs instead of Starbucks.. and I'm not gonna lie, I think I like Joe better than the bucks. Any who. This particular store is in the Gadsden Mall as opposed to a stand alone or an outlet shoppe , so it stays pretty busy. It's also a bit small and cramped and because of all that it seems messy and chaotic. It's not a peaceful place to read in a comfy chair while you sip a cup of tea trying to decide which book(s) to buy... But it's good just for perusing the shelves. They have pretty much anything for anyone and any occassion (I do a lot of gift shopping here because books are my favourite gifts to give.) The children's section is pretty big and kid friendly. They have your standard new arrivals/book club/ popular fiction, entertainment section with games and such, lots of bios, a magazine wall, self help, educational, etc. They also keep up with the required reading lists from local schools and keep those in stock so you don't have to search hard. Like I said, anything for anyone. It's not the best, but it's still a bookstore. And that's enough to make me happy.

Ok, nothing has changed here for me, just needed to make a comment -…read more Anywhere that has a Batman #4 CGC graded 4.5 on display is just cool!!! So much more to offer and they rotate stock (and or just sell it really quickly). If you're into comics, this store needs to be on your list of places to check out. Variants you will only be able to find online (maybe ebay) are displayed in a few different areas. Well worth a trip in to check them out. Always pop in here for a few minutes when we are in the area.

Cool bookstore with good prices on used books. There are plenty of books to choose from.read more

This was my first time visiting this lovely store. We loved…read morethe layout, cleanliness, and decorative little touches. There is a darling children's section with two child size recliners! We met the real De De (Deborah) and she is very sweet and helpful. I'm so glad to see this book store survived the larger book stores. D actually started at a Books A Million. Buy sell or trade options available!

DeDe is so kind and friendly. I love the variety of books and spending time looking through all the…read moreshelves to see what I can find each visit. I also love the trade in program!

What a great local bookstore! The staff are fantastic and helpful. The curated selection is top…read morenotch. I'll be a regular here from now

Fantastic bookshop that's been in Homewood for forever! I strolled in to get a couple of last…read moreminute Christmas gifts, they have a ton of great stuff! One thing that struck me as amazing was the membership you can get! It's $10/mo or $99/yr and you get 40% off all of their bestselling books (rotates weekly), 20% off everything else, and free drip coffee! If you're a big book buyer, that is soooo worth it! Or if you just love visiting coffee shops, the coffee would be worth it! They have several little tables and chairs around where you can perch to do some work. I just love how local everything is in here. Some art gifts, coffee table books, non-fiction, etc. They have a great website, too!

I came here for my birthday as I have just started my collection of records…read more I was able to snag a couple of good finds as well! Sometimes it really is just about finding the hidden treasures. I really enjoyed getting to look through all the options. This store has so many different options and things to buy. I know when I am out and about in town again I will come by for the good service and products!!

Books were so easy to find!! So many cool selections! Bought two books and was INSANELY worth it…read more Cashier, Tyler, EXTREMELY welcoming. Made the purchase very personal (positive). I really enjoyed my visit to this specific 2nd and Charles. I am so glad we chose this one. 1000000/10 would recommend! Specific Location: 815 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Visiting family and needed to address my book buying addiction. What a fantastically beautiful and…read morewell stocked store. Loads and loads of staff recommendations everywhere, a great touch for readers. Staff was super friendly. The one thing that truly angered me, however, was the fact that this store is not 5 minutes from my home, but instead several states away. Book lovers will find this store a must visit.

Very cool and unique book store! They also had some really great prices! Employees are friendly…read moretoo!

loved the welcoming atmosphere,The staff are very friendly. I was super happy that they had the…read morebook that I was looking for(Twisted Game by Ana Huang).

From the owner: Located across from True Value Hardware.read more

Such a wonderful place! There is so much yarn to choose from, including a lovely batch of locally…read moremade and colored skeins. I picked up some Harp and Dragon and can't wait to find the perfect project to use it for! It's a place you can go and hang out and do some crocheting or knitting, have a cup of tea, and simply relax with good company. I was only there briefly with my husband, but I'm already excited to go back and spend more time. It is a wonderful local place that adds even more charm to the small area. One day (sooner than later!) I want to return for an extended visit and get to know it better. The service is warm and attentive, and the quality for the value is on point.

Great selection of natural fiber yarns including seasonal weights, sock weights, and small project…read morepackages. Pat has recently added novelty knitting aids such as quirky stitch markers. Too much good stuff to list here. I purchased a summer weight yarn to knit a summer tank top. A free pattern is available and Pat's expert tips have given me a good start. Also purchased some yummy Marsala Chai- the tea selection is phenomenal. Stop in and buy a cuppa' of fresh brew!