Milk Tea Can't

As soon as you discover Fraser walking backward and barefoot on the Meadows, Edinburgh Castle splashed by Hogmanay fireworks, you will be hooked.

You will be further compelled when you find out Edinburgh is a character in the novel, her worried eye on Fraser that ominous night.

Allow yourself to be both warmed and appalled with the characters you will meet, all in some way dealing with core human concerns that resonate with us all.

Taking place in such a charming location, this is a book that celebrates the spirit of the city and its people whilst exposing the underbelly that can destroy all of us.

This is a book that will generate important conversations.

About the Author

Alan's early career included supporting large corporations, like Yellow Pages Australia and Simplot, where he encouraged teams and managers to improve their performance which flowed onto them becoming better people, teams and leaders.

His acumen in helping people transform was also applied in small business, learning institutions and charities and it was not unusual to see him out on the streets supporting young homeless people and helping young leaders to be better leaders.

A student of literature, he was praised as a teacher of English to senior students at the prestigious Korowa Anglican Girls School, in Melbourne Australia. His first book Five Gifts Flourishing is featured on his website, followingforsyth.com and is currently being employed as a vehicle to assist young people in their personal and leadership development.

Alan is celebrated as a leader in community and charity, more recently founding and chairing the Men of Leith Men’s Shed, a vital charity in Edinburgh Scotland. He also has a strong academic background with a flair for turning ideas into action. His undergraduate qualifications in psychology combined with extensive postgraduate qualifications in organisational change, ontology and mindfulness provide a rich background to his pursuits as a writer and speaker.

He recently returned to Melbourne, Australia following six years in Scotland. Having completed his second book, Milk Tea Can’t, he will continue to enjoy writing, travelling with his wife, creating and performing his poetry and offering live music performances on the streets of Melbourne. He will of course continue to provide direct help to charities, in particular those with a focus on the empowerment of young people.

What The Readers Say

Great read. Characters are so well developed that I got emotionally involved . Kind of book where you want to keep reading to see what’s going to happen next. Modern day family & human issues that could happen to anyone anywhere in any city.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating
Neil , Melbourne Australia

Thought provoking ,  showing human nature in all its offerings,  do yourself a favor , sit down and enjoy the ride that is Milk Tea Cant.

Michael, Melbourne Australia.

Wow. This is heavy-hitting stuff. There is gold in here.
Dane Picken, Screen Writer & Filmmaker, Australia.

An important and timely book, very engaging and well written.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on goodreads.com.
Ash Humphrey, Melbourne Australia.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character's struggles, events, reactions, and choices were easy to relate to. Every chapter motivated me to read on with a curiosity about what was coming next. This book, for me, is an excellent story about people, life choices and relationships. A great read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on goodreads.com.
Lawrie Horder, Melbourne Australia.

"I found this book to be thought provoking and compelling. Through the main character Fraser and set in the background of Edinburgh, the story touches on many human concerns; relationships, mental health, religion, sexuality, the dark side of the web and homelessness. As the story unfolds and the characters develop, it reminds us of the weaknesses, strengths and vulnerability in all of us. An excellent read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating
Yvonne Junor, Melbourne Australia.

An intriguing and captivating story of a dysfunctional family. Couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed the book. Alan slowly draws you into the web of a dysfunctional family as introduced by the city of Edinburgh in each chapter. Each of the family members’ history, character, interrelations, and interactions with others are revealed until you cannot put the book down as the crescendo builds into a number of climatic and life-changing outcomes for each one. Some of the characters will appall, some will inspire, and some will resonate with you as the story unfolds and life choices are made where getting ‘back on the rails and off the rails’ are explored. The plethora of human possibilities are presented to the reader to captivate and draw you in. A powerful read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating
Max, Melbourne Australia.

Reading this novel felt like an immersion in the maelstrom of life in Edinburgh city. The characters, the cultural norms, even the language are brought to the fore as we explore the dysfunctional lives of a some of the city’s residents. In walking the path with these wee folk, we gain insights into the day to day suffering that we humans can inhabit, our inability to see past our own stuff- wants, craving, desires and addictions. On occasions we see the sun shine with new possibilities, only to revisit the grey wet blanket of despair. We ride the waves with these Edinburgh folk as they try to pay attention to what is most important in their lives. We, as readers, are invited to reflect on our own lives and the ever present possibility of happiness from within and with each other. A novel to perturb the spirit.
Mark, Melbourne, Australia.

What's in it for you, the reader?

1. Becasue each of the characters exemplify core concerns that exist in our communities such as dysfunction in their families, lost identity, addiction, homelessness and suicide balanced carefully against love, hope and strength, readers resonate with these characters and their experiences. They become real to them.
2. Set in one of the most beautiful cities of the world, the reader is treated to a cultural tour of Edinburgh. This of course includes its seedy side and several insights as to the historical development of Auld Reeky.
3. Alan Forsyth is a highlly creative author willing to explore what is new and different. In Milk Tea Can't he uniquely includes Edinburgh as a character, observing and commentating on the events and characters in the novel and of course on her own city. Perhaps she a cross between a Shakesperean chorus and a contemporary influencer.

Milk Tea Can't - Documentary

Geoff McDonald, documentary film maker has produced a snappy documentary on Alan Forsyth and Milk Tea Can't.

Click here to watch

To find out more about the unique and talented Geoff McDonald,the Ideas Architect,experience his thought provoking podcasts and documentaries click below.

(https://geoffmcdonald.com/geoff-mcdonald-ideas-architect/)

Music from Milk Tea Can't

A playlist of the included music from the book, available on Spotify

The next novel

Alan Forsyth's new novel has just been completed.

The Place For A Village

Will be released across the year. Be prepared to find out more about this epic and solid creation.

Contact the author

Want to get in touch with Alan Forsyth?

Just fill out the form below: