A Cappella Books
A Cappella Books is no longer in Little Five Points. They have moved to Inman Park. You can find them at 208 Haralson Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 and (404) 681-5128
It is hard to find these days a book shop that will describe a certain town and its people through its novels and other written work. But in Atlanta’s Little 5 Points (L5P) neighborhood, a book shop as such can be found.
Years after Frank Reiss graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens (UGA) he decided to open A Cappella Books in 1989, a book shop that seemed like the embodiment of Little 5 Points’ history, culture, lifestyle and its people through its collection of books and novels. It is L5P’s life and soul.
The shop may not seem as your standard or normal bookstore that sells brand new paper backs or hard covers. A Cappella sells both used and brand new titles. Reiss has also ventured into publishing some out-of-print selections and a new book by Peter Case which showcases his memoirs.
Reiss carefully chooses which books to sell, like Jean Genet’s Querelle or selections about indie music – you see, Little 5 Points is Atlanta’s indie capital. Now how does Reiss know which books would speak best about Little 5 Points? He solicits the help of his neighbors to organize reading events and meet-ups to gather feedback on what’s keeping L5P’s book-loving community hooked or interested at the moment.
Think of A Cappella as Little 5 Points’ local library and Reiss as its librarian, only that the books in this “library” are of course, not free but are all worth spending money on.