Richard Sprent has turned his life-long obsession with books into a career at his Hobart bookshop Cracked & Spineless. He’s a man so busy, he fantasises about one day being bored.

What do you love about the suburb you live in? I live in West Hobart. It’s convenient for me, because it’s close to my work. And then there’s Hill Street Grocer, where I can buy all the ridiculous ingredients I need for the ridiculous meals I cook as my medicine for winding down from my ridiculous job. Often served at 1am.

What’s the best thing about Hobart? I have one day off a week. I don’t see much sunlight. My bookshop has no windows. But at least I know that on Sundays, I can get in my car and be outside the city limits within 30 minutes.

And the worst? Trying to find something to do on Sundays.

Tell us a little about your work… I sell books. It’s my life and my obsession. I do it differently from anyone else. Books have always been my obsession, and I love the vicarious thrill of bringing others into my little world. Parents come in and tell me that their kid is now reading because of a recommendation I gave. What can be better than that?

Where’s your favourite eatery? Dandy Lane. Because their food is amazing, their staff are wonderful. And they are 20 metres away from my shop.

Drink of choice and where do you head for it? Coffee from Yellow Bernard. But I also drink a lot of juice during the day, and wine at night. You’ll find me at Hill St Grocer nearly every day buying some sort of liquid.

Guilty pleasure? Cricket. A guy who runs a bookshop who likes CRICKET?

What do you never leave home without? My phone. Social media, it’s a full time job for me.

When there’s nothing to do, I…. There is always something to do. I wish I had nothing to do. I have nostalgic fantasies about being bored…

Favourite Hobart secret? My bookshop. Duh!

What do you love doing outside work? Cooking, hanging out with my girlfriend and my son, and squeezing in a page or two of a book before I sink into my nightly coma.

Quote to live by? “This is life! We suffer and slave and expire. That’s it.” – Bernard Black ■