books on shelf — Word of this bookstore makes it across the country, and authors frequently visit to sign books. (Alabama Booksmith)

Plenty of people in and around Birmingham will sing the praises of Alabama Booksmith, but it seems word of this one-of-a-kind bookshop has spread far beyond the Magic City.

Garden & Gun, a popular magazine that celebrates the modern South, published a feature of Alabama Booksmith and its owner, Jake Reiss, in the February/March 2026 issue.

The article focuses on the little things that make the Homewood bookstore unique:

Its small selection made up of exclusively signed books
How the books are displayed face-out so customers can see the covers
The international clientele despite low foot traffic

But most importantly, the piece highlights the store’s 90-year-old owner and operator, Reiss.

“Reiss looks nowhere near his age. Beneath his gleaming scalp bounces a ponytail. He is trim, and his gait reflects little of time’s handiwork. More important, Reiss combines the enthusiasm of an optimist with the indefatigability of a salesman.”
Ivan Maisel for Garden & Gun

Reiss reads every book that he sells in his shop, Garden & Gun writes, allowing him to provide personalized recommendations to his customers — many of which he is also familiar with.

Alabama Booksmith in Homewood (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

He has also grown close to several authors over the years. Garden & Gun name drops a few, like Rick Bragg, Winston Groom, Pat Conroy and Ann Patchett.

Customers can frequently find authors like those at the Booksmith, which regularly holds author events and book signings.

Give the article a read for yourself on the magazine’s website. It might be time to pay the old Alabama Booksmith a visit, or plan the first of many trips to check out its offerings. You might just find your next favorite read recommended by Reiss himself.