Tall Tales Book Shop, Inc., Atlanta

As the author of FIRST LOVE LAST DANCE (a memoir that takes place largely in Atlanta) I visited the store to do a reading/signing. Marlene publicized the event well ahead of time and had things organized and ready for me. On one of the coldest days in history we had a good turnout. Everyone liked the reading and the surroundings. As a first time writer the reception that I have received around the country has been mixed. It would be one thing to open your arms to the already proven crowd pleasers but it is another to have the kind of personality and graciousness to do it for an unknown. Marlene, the owner, is the best. She made me feel like a celebrity. I wish her only good things and lots of book sales. (we ran out that day)

There are FAR too few independent stores in Atlanta. Talk about chain-store/strip-mall city! Yikes, Atlanta, where's your charm? As far as I can tell, the only charm in this city is hidden away in small nooks like Tall Tales Book Shop. Thank goodness somebody in this city cares enough to have and keep a cozy and welcoming little place like this. The staff are smiling, helpful people who searched and searched for a title I wanted until finally finding it and ordering it for me. The bookstore itself is packed with titles - a booklover's dream. Skip the Borders - they get enough business. Find beauty, charm *and* the titles you want and support your independent book store at Tall Tales.

I absolutely love this store. The staff is always cheerful and helpful and they always find what I need. I'm impressed with the fact that they find out-of-print books so quickly, and are so eager to do so. They're especially good at finding children's books when the other stores are out of stock. They tend to be busier during the weekend, but not so much so that they can't give you the attention you need.