'The ultimate read for everyone who's ever yearned to open a bookshop'
 Order your signed copy now AUD $24.95 + $6.20 Postage and Handling within Australia |
Fulfilling the dream of many a book-lover, Annette Freeman steps bravely
outside her 30 year comfort zone as a CBD lawyer to follow her passion
to open a splendid bookshop café in the busy heart of Sydney. Tea in the Library quickly became a sought after haven for literary debate and a cosy forum for writers. But - behind the scenes anxieties small and large were festering as were frustrations and endless challenges. Welcome to retail! "Surely someone like me, with a law degree and the fortitude and determination to trek the Himalayas, has what it takes to run a successful small business" We find the answer in this newly released book . . . . .and it's sobering news for wannabe bookshop or café owners out there. |
 Trekking the Himalayas  In Antarctica |
'For those who love to sit back with a tea or coffee and read a good
book in front of a warm fire - you will fall in love with this true story.' John Morrow's
Pick of the Week 'There are fascinating descriptions of many bookshops, in Sydney and abroad, which were visited as part of the 'research', and the literary references add to the 'bookish' tone. Fans of memoirs will be interested in the narrative of the author's early love of books. Readers who enjoy eccentric real-life characters will find plenty to amuse them. Those who like travel books will find excursions to the Himalayas and Antarctica - places were we find there are also highs and lows to be experienced." Sue Chan 'Freeman's dream of opening a tranquil, big city bookshop café unexpectedly became a test as physically demanding and mentally exhausting as her adventures to the Himalaya and Antarctica.' Sandy Bullon
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'Welcome to the story of my dream that became a reality - a bookshop café
that briefly lit up the Sydney literary and café scene. The genesis of
the dream is more of less lost in the mists of time, although I have always
had a passion for books and recently acquired a penchant for adventure. "Tea I the Library" was a bookshop café that became my passion and my burden. It was a far cry from the rest of my organised professional life. I am a Sydney trade marks lawyer, who for many complicated and shadowy reasons decided to stop dreaming and start acting on my vision of a cosy bookshop full of interesting and eclectic titles, that served great coffee and speciality teas, and that hosted literary events, discussion groups and book clubs - a meeting place for like-minded souls in the heart of a big city. However, it is one thing to dream and another to know what you are doing. Tea in The Library lasted for about eighteen action-packed months, but in the end was undone. This is the story of those eighteen months. It focuses candidly on the mistakes made and explores - hopefully with a sense of humour! - what might have been done differently. On the way we meet an eccentric cast of characters and find out what goes on behind the scenes of a gallant small business with big ideas and no experience in retail. |
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