It was 38 years ago today (Sgt Pepper (Andrew) told the band to play)

Did you know that on the 21st of February Andrew's Bookshop will be turning 38 years old! To celebrate, we thought we'd have a bit of a chat with the Andrew of Andrew's Bookshop.

How did Andrew’s Bookshop first begin?

Andrew: I knew I’d always wanted to work for myself. I’d found two boxes of books under my parent’s house and took them to sell at the Wantirna market. I then advertised in the local newspaper for second hand books to buy but I didn’t have a car so I’d have to hitch hike to pick purchase them!

What got you into the book business?

I did the markets for about four years and then thought it was a good time to expand. We opened a shop in Ringwood in 1981 which was a great experience in learning how to run a shop. We finally moved to Ivanhoe in 1983 and this [current location at 183 Upper Heidelberg Road] is the third shop that we’ve been in. Back then, you weren’t allowed to have tables on the pavement permanently but the Trader’s Association had four days a year when you could sell stock on the streets. It took some running around to get a permit permanently from the council – including being told ‘You will never get a permit!’ but after months of persistence and local campaigning we finally managed to get a hold of one.

What’s the best part about running a bookshop?

Probably the ever changing titles that we stock and working with our very talented staff to improve the shop for our customers.

Which book has had the biggest impact on your life?

Well, there’s been a couple! I can remember reading Under Milk Wood by Welsh poet Dylan Tomas in school and his writing just gives you a different view point on the world. The E Myth by Michael Gerber is as excellent one as well full of practical ideas on how to improve your business. I suppose the Bible is a big one too.

What was the last book that you read?

I’ve nearly finished reading the Broker by John Grisham - it’s a light enjoyable read.

If you could meet any author, who would it be?

I’d like to meet Timothy Ferriss author of The Four Hour Work Week - he travels the world and only has to work four hours a week…

And lastly, the eternal question – watch the film and then read the book or read the book and then watch the film?

I’ve done both! It depends on what film and book. Dances with Wolves by Michael Blake was an interesting one as you could compare the two and what was left out from the film. 

BOOKS

Under Milk Wood by Welsh poet Dylan Tomas

To begin at the beginning: It is spring, moonless night in the small town, starless and bible-black….”

The E Myth by Michael Gerber 

'What if, instead of one pile of chaos, you had two kinds of clarity? If you had a guide to help you see what your business could look like, and a roadmap that laid out the exact steps to take to get there from where you are today. And you didn’t have to do it alone.'

The Broker by John Grisham

"In his final hours in the Oval Office, the outgoing President grants a controversial last-minute pardon to Joel Backman, a notorious Washington power broker who has spent the last six years hidden away in a federal prison. What no one knows is that the President issues the pardon only after receiving enormous pressure from the CIA."

The Four Hour Work Week  by Timothy Ferriss

"If you could 10x your per-hour output...how would your life and business change?"

Dances with Wolves by Michael Blake

"I am Wind in his hair! Do you see I am not afraid of you?"