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Vinyl Cafe #2

Home from the Vinyl Cafe : A Year of Stories

stuart mclean

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We May Not Be Big, But We're Small, reads the framed motto by the cash register in The Vinyl Cafe, a quirky second-hand record store in Canada. The stories in this book chronicle the misadventures of the Vinyl Cafe's proprietor, Dave. Dave, and his wife Morley, would, no doubt, tell you that life is what you make it. Unfortunately, that means a compilation of mistakes, misunderstandings and muddle. After all, what father's humanity wouldn't be challenged by a USD563.30 bill for a sick guinea pig? Whose backyard hasn't been placed under siege when a rare bird takes up residence? Luckily for Morley and Dave the chaotic melody of life is underscored by the harmonious sounds of family, friends and neighbours. People like Kenny Wong who runs Wong's Scottish Meat Pies down the street from the record store. The book introduces a multitude of characters in twenty hilarious hymns to common foibles and everyday absurdities.

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1998
Series
Vinyl Cafe
Literary awards
stephen leacock memorial medal, 

This edition

Format
262 pages, Paperback
Published
January 1, 2005 by Granta Books
ISBN
9781862077744
ASIN
1862077746
Language
English

More editions

About the author

Profile Image for stuart mclean

stuart mclean

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Librarian Note: There was more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

From the Vinyl Cafe web site: Stuart McLean was a best-selling author, award-winning journalist and humorist, and host of CBC Radio program The Vinyl Cafe.

Stuart began his broadcasting career making radio documentaries for CBC Radio's Sunday Morning. In 1979 he won an ACTRA award for Best Radio Documentary for his contribution to the program's coverage of the Jonestown massacre.

Following Sunday Morning, Stuart spent seven years as a regular columnist and guest host on CBC's Morningside. His book, The Morningside World of Stuart McLean, was a Canadian bestseller and a finalist in the 1990 City of Toronto Book Awards.

Stuart has also written Welcome Home: Travels in Small Town Canada, and edited the collection When We Were Young. Welcome Home was chosen by the Canadian Authors' Association as the best non-fiction book of 1993.

Stuart's books Stories from the Vinyl Cafe, Home from the Vinyl Cafe, Vinyl Cafe Unplugged, Vinyl Cafe Diaries, Dave Cooks the Turkey, Secrets from the Vinyl Cafe and Extreme Vinyl Cafe have all been Canadian bestsellers. Vinyl Cafe Diaries was awarded the Canadian Authors' Association Jubilee Award in 2004. Stuart was also a three-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour for Home from the Vinyl Cafe, Vinyl Cafe Unplugged and, most recently, Secrets from the Vinyl Cafe.

Vinyl Cafe books have also been published in the U.S., the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.

Stuart was a professor emeritus at Ryerson University in Toronto and former director of the broadcast division of the School of Journalism. In 1993 Trent University named him the first Rooke Fellow for Teaching, Writing and Research. He has also been honored by: Nipissing University (EdD(H)); University of Windsor (Lld) and Trent University (DLH). Stuart served as Honorary Colonel of the 8th Air Maintenance Squadron at 8 Wing, Trenton from 2005 to 2008.

Since 1998 Stuart has taken The Vinyl Cafe to theatres across Canada, playing in both large and small towns from St. John's, Newfoundland to Whitehorse in the Yukon.

Close to one million people listen to The Vinyl Cafe every weekend on CBC Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio and on a growing number of Public Radio stations in the United States. The program is also broadcast on an occasional basis on the BBC.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
40(40%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
27(27%)
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100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
stefxstefani
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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An improvement from the first book in the Vinyl Cafe Series is mainly attributed to the organization of the format.

For starters, this time the shorts focused solely on Dave and Morley. This, combined with the greater development of the characters and the family dynamics, elicited a stronger connection to them.

Moreover, organizing the shorts by seasons made the narrative flow much better and gave the impression of a complete story. It felt like episodes in a season rather than just random entries. Overall, it made for a more enjoyable and complete read.

I'm realizing that Dave is somewhat of the dumb dad archetype seen in shows like The Simpsons or Family Guy. His pride, forgetfulness, incompetence, or naivety leads to extremely over-the-top and ridiculous situations. It's humorous, though sometimes a bit eye-rolling. However, it definitely makes for the most memorable shorts, with "Dave Cooks the Turkey" or "Burd" being the highlights.

But I would argue that the best writing is the less ridiculous material like "Holland" or most of the summer section when they are on trips and the family dynamics are on display. The stories also serve as a reminder that women truly hold the fabric of community, family, and households together. I have no idea what we would do without women, and what Dave would do without Morley.
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BlerdGirl
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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To many of us, this series of beloved short stories holds a special place in our hearts. It was the soundtrack of our childhood car rides and road trips across Canada's diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to peaceful countrysides and winding backroads.

I vividly remember my dad sitting at the wheel, with a smile on his face, as he turned on the CBC radio. The moment Stuart McLean's ardent voice filled the car, narrating the charming stories of Dave and Morley, Stephanie and Sam, and the Vinyl Cafe, our whole family was instantly captivated.

We would listen intently, hanging on to every word, and often erupt in fits of laughter over the family's hilarious antics, quarrels, misfortunes, and witty exchanges. The warmth and familiarity of these stories always had a magical charm, drawing us in and making us feel like we were part of their lives.

Even when reading these stories on the page, the experience is just as engaging, funny, and heartwarming. They have a unique ability to tug at our heartstrings with their poignant and wistful portrayal of Canadian family life, while also maintaining a delightful sense of absurdity and trusty hilarity.

The truly extraordinary thing about these stories is how they manage to make the ordinary seem so compelling. They remind us that there is beauty and humor in the simplest of moments, and that family is the most precious thing in life.
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ChatNoir_24
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Sitcom writing for Canadian audiences can be a truly exciting and fulfilling endeavor.

Canada has a rich and diverse cultural landscape, which provides a wealth of inspiration for sitcom writers.

To appeal to Canadian viewers, it is essential to understand their unique sense of humor, values, and experiences.

Canadian sitcoms often feature relatable characters and storylines that touch on everyday life in the country.

They may also incorporate elements of Canadian culture, such as hockey, maple syrup, and polite behavior.

Successful sitcoms for Canadian audiences manage to strike a balance between being entertaining and thought-provoking.

They can make viewers laugh out loud while also addressing important social issues or themes.

In conclusion, sitcom writing for Canadian audiences requires a deep understanding of the country's culture and people.

By creating engaging and relatable content, writers can connect with Canadian viewers and bring a smile to their faces.
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AquarionLife
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I'm not really one for short stories. I have a preference for a book that has a single, continuous plot. I often feel that short stories are somewhat of a letdown. You get deeply invested in them, and then suddenly, bam! They're over just like that. It's as if you're left hanging.

However, this particular book is truly ideal. Yes, it is a collection of short stories, but the beauty of it is that they all revolve around the same family. This allows you to gradually get to know each and every character over the course of a year.

The night I began reading this book, I was so engrossed that I stayed up till 1:30 a.m. and managed to get halfway through it. It's a fun, quick, and thoroughly enjoyable read. I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions, which is always a great sign of an entertaining book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an engaging and light-hearted read that still manages to have depth and substance. It's a wonderful collection of stories that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
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NightcoreRayRay
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Here is another outstanding compilation filled with hilarious and touching short stories. It showcases the greatest one of them all, namely "Dave Cooks the Turkey." However, there were also some unexpected favorites. Among them were "Emil" and "Summer Camp." These stories have the power to make you laugh out loud and touch your heart at the same time. They offer a diverse range of themes and characters that will keep you engaged from start to finish. Whether you're in the mood for a lighthearted chuckle or a more profound emotional experience, this compilation has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the wonderful world of these short stories.

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Mulanchis8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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To be honest, I have been deeply immersed in reading and relishing so many Vinyl Cafe collections lately. In fact, they have become so numerous that they are starting to blend together in my mind.

Stuart McLean's humorous and delightful stories revolve around Dave, the owner of the Vinyl Cafe, which is known as "The World's Smallest Record Store" with their catchy motto, "We May Not Be Big, But We're Small!" Then there's Morley, his long-suffering wife, and their children Stephanie and Sam.

Most of the stories involve Dave getting himself into a wide variety of embarrassing situations. These scenarios are realistic enough to resonate with most families, yet they are also just outlandish enough to elicit loud laughs. Occasionally, the humor is infused with just enough pathos to even bring a tear to one's eye, which is the hallmark of a truly great storyteller.

The stories are wonderful on the printed page, but I would highly encourage those who are interested to seek out McLean's CDs or YouTube postings. His delivery before a live audience adds an extra layer of charm and authenticity to the stories. I wholeheartedly recommend any Vinyl Cafe collection to anyone looking for a good laugh and a heartwarming story.
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
ryama
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Some stories are in other books, but nonetheless fun to re-read.

These stories have a certain charm that keeps pulling us back for more. They might have been forgotten for a while, but when we stumble upon them again, it's like rediscovering a hidden treasure.

Re-reading these stories allows us to see them from a different perspective. We might notice details that we missed the first time around, or we might have a new understanding of the characters and their motives.

Moreover, re-reading can also bring back memories. It can transport us to a different time and place, and make us feel the emotions that we felt when we first read the story.

In conclusion, even though these stories are in other books, they are still worth re-reading. They offer us a chance to escape, to learn, and to remember. So, the next time you come across an old favorite, don't hesitate to pick it up and start reading.
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sunasideup
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This collection truly abounds with a plethora of hilarious moments and captivating images.

I made the selection of this text specifically due to the experience of listening to a Christmas CD where McLean was retelling his story titled "Polly Anderson's Christmas Party".

It is indeed a humorous tale, yet when presented on the page, it seems to lack some of the pacing that I find so enjoyable when hearing it narrated aloud.

The story has the potential to be even more engaging if the pacing could be adjusted to better match the rhythm and flow that occurs during a live reading.

Perhaps with some minor tweaks and a more careful consideration of the pacing, the written version could capture the same level of charm and entertainment as when it is heard.

Nonetheless, it still contains many elements that are sure to bring a smile to the reader's face and add a touch of festive cheer to the holiday season.
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