LIFE STORIES

from Salt Magazine Summer 2022/23

OFF THE WALL

Annie Grossman

WHAT DO YOU DO? I own a bookshop! So primarily, I share the love of books and reading in the unique environment of Peregian Beach Village. I make new friends every single day, and work with my very best buddy Rachel, as well as top-notch booksellers and wonderful people, Palmira and Samantha. I am so fortunate to have a strong, loyal and brilliant team. We all love what we do and are all passionate and knowledgeable about the world of books. I pinch myself daily, as I can’t quite believe I have such an enjoyable and fulfilling work life. What would you do if you weren’t in your current career? I am fortunate to have worked in some fabulous jobs over the years, but I would like to think I may have become an African safari guide.

Peregian Beach Vill age

Where do you go to get a coff ee on the Coast? Skal, next door to my bookshop – they make a fabulous latte. When you have visitors where do you take them to show off our beautiful region? To the gorgeous Peregian Beach Village and beach, and of course a walk through the National Park at Noosa Heads. What is it you miss most about the Sunshine Coast when you are not at home? My tight and supportive community of Peregian Beach Village, and the physical beauty of our beach and bush. What is your favourite restaurant? I love Pitchfork Restaurant and their owners Matt and Debs Spencer – their food is amazing. Also, Trattoria Benati in Noosa Junction for superb pasta. What is your favourite meal? I’m a simple girl. I love lamb chops and a big pile of vegetables. Your favourite song? This is so hard, as I am a big music lover… in the rock genre, Since I’ve Been Loving You by Led Zeppelin, and in the classical vein, all of Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas. What is your favourite shop in the region? I’m not much of a shopaholic, but I love food shopping and always find good produce and interesting food items at our local Peregian Beach IGA. What is your most prized possession? My health and my two sons – my shop of course, and my beautiful house in Peregian Beach, which I have owned for 26 years. Favourite reads

Pitchfork

Who inspires you? My mother still inspires me, at the age of 96. She has taught me that every day is a gift , and that I should take risks and believe in myself. In the book industry my inspiration comes from my past employers Colin and Anne Lawford, who have unfortunately passed away, but who gave me the knowledge and the confidence to open my own business, and a great example to emulate. What is your favourite book? I am not a fantasy reader, but Lord of the Rings would have to be one of the greatest books I have read (five times over the years), and in the last couple of years, definitely The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Other stand out books would be Homer’s Odyssey, Tim Winton’s Cloudstreet and Cry of the Kalahari by Mark and Delia Owens. What are you most looking forward to at the moment? A great Christmas season, and then maybe another trip to Africa next year. Do you have any regrets? Definitely not!

On Safari

What are you reading now? I am reading Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes. It’s the story of Medusa. I love anything to do with Greek mythology. Next book will be Willowman by Inga Simpson, a beautiful Australian author. What was the best day of your life? There have been many. Certainly the birth of my children, but besides that, the day I first set foot in Africa. I had dreamed of Africa all my life, and finally made the trip in 2010. I have now been three times.

Annie Grossman is from Annie’s Books on Peregian, 8 Kingfisher Drive, Peregian Beach. 5448 2053 or anniesbooks.com.au