Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
40(40%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
27(27%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I just absolutely adored this book.

The stories within its pages are not only humorous but also have a warm and homey feel to them.

It's like a gentle embrace that lifts your spirits and makes you forget about the troubles of the day.

Each story is unique and engaging, filled with characters that you can easily relate to.

Whether you're looking for a light read to pass the time or something to give you a boost of happiness, this book is a great choice.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a heartwarming story.

It's truly a pick-me-up that you won't want to put down.
July 15,2025
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This book was truly lovely.

I have always had a great affection for the Vinyl Cafe books, and this particular one did not disappoint in the slightest.

The stories within its pages are filled with charm, warmth, and a touch of that special magic that author Stuart McLean is so adept at creating.

Each character is vividly brought to life, and their adventures and misadventures draw you in and keep you engaged from start to finish.

The Vinyl Cafe series has a unique ability to make you laugh out loud one moment and then tug at your heartstrings the next.

This book is no exception, and I found myself completely immersed in its world, reluctant to put it down until I had reached the very last page.

Whether you're a long-time fan of the Vinyl Cafe or new to the series, this book is definitely one that you should not miss.

It's a wonderful addition to a beloved collection and a testament to the power of great storytelling.

July 15,2025
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Every Christmas, it is an absolute must for me to engage with "Dave cooks the Turkey" in some way.

I have a deep affection for Dave and Morley, and I will never grow weary of delving into their antics and adventures.

Their story always brings a smile to my face and a sense of warmth to my heart during the holiday season.

Whether it's reading the book for the umpteenth time or watching a dramatization of it, I can't get enough of their charming and humorous escapades.

Their relationship and the way they interact with each other is both endearing and entertaining.

I look forward to this annual tradition with great anticipation, knowing that it will always bring joy and laughter to my Christmas celebrations.

It has become a cherished part of my holiday routine, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

July 15,2025
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This is such an incredibly funny book.

I don't typically find myself giggling while reading, but this one managed to make me chuckle right from the start and all the way to the end.

Having been a listener of the Vinyl Cafe on CBC, as I delved into the pages of this book, I could vividly imagine the sound of Stuart McLean's voice.

If I had to offer any complaint, it would be that the book began with what was likely the funniest story. As a result, it set up a certain expectation of continuous laughter that wasn't entirely met throughout the middle sections. However, all was redeemed when, right at the very end of the book, I found myself laughing out loud once again.

It was as if the author had saved the best for last, bringing the story full circle and leaving me with a sense of satisfaction and amusement.

Overall, this book is a delightful read that combines humor and heart in a truly engaging way.
July 15,2025
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It's truly difficult not to read this book without imagining the late Stuart McLean's voice.

This book is like a reprint of his radio show, bringing back those wonderful memories.

Stuart McLean had a unique charm and talent that made his radio show a favorite among many.

His stories were engaging, filled with humor, and often touched on the human experience in a profound way.

Reading this book is like sitting down and listening to him tell his tales all over again.

It's a bittersweet experience, as we know that he is no longer with us.

But through his words and his stories, he lives on in our hearts and minds.

Stuart, you are deeply missed. :-(

We can only hope that this book will continue to introduce new generations to your wonderful work and keep your memory alive.

July 15,2025
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Wonderful heart-warming and funny stories from the everyday life of a regular Canadian family. Loved it!


In this engaging collection, we are treated to a series of charming tales that unfold within the walls of a typical Canadian household. The stories are filled with the kind of ordinary yet extraordinary moments that make up our daily lives. There are heart-warming scenes of family members coming together to celebrate special occasions, offering support and love during difficult times.


And then there are the hilarious incidents that will have you laughing out loud. From the antics of mischievous children to the comical misunderstandings between family members, these stories capture the essence of the chaos and joy that comes with living in a family.


Overall, this collection of stories is a delightful read that will leave you with a warm feeling in your heart and a smile on your face. It reminds us that even in the most ordinary of lives, there are countless moments of beauty, humor, and love waiting to be discovered.
July 15,2025
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This second collection of Vinyl Cafe stories is truly filled to the brim with classics.

The stories within this book take us on a journey with Dave and Morley and their kids throughout the seasons. It commences with the charming tale of "Dave Cooks the Turkey" and then progresses through the beautiful spring, the warm summer, and the colorful fall. Finally, it concludes with a couple more engaging winter stories.

The stories are not only heartfelt and poignant but also consistently humorous. There were numerous occasions when I found myself unable to contain my smile while reading this book, and on several instances, I couldn't help but burst out laughing. Stuart McLean was indeed one of a kind, and his absence will be deeply felt. His unique storytelling ability has left a lasting impact on readers, and this collection is a wonderful testament to his talent.

July 15,2025
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This was a truly good-natured, charming, and heart-warming read.

It was light and airy, like a gentle breeze on a sunny day.

The story was filled with cute comedy that had me laughing out loud at times.

It was truly a breath of fresh air in the world of literature.

The characters were well-developed and endearing, and the plot was engaging and entertaining.

I found myself completely immersed in the story from beginning to end.

It was the kind of book that you can pick up when you need a pick-me-up or just want to escape into a world of fun and laughter.

I highly recommend this read to anyone looking for a light-hearted and enjoyable book.

It's sure to put a smile on your face and warm your heart.
July 15,2025
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Simple and sweet short stories.

I happened to come across them on a bookshelf at the charming cottage.

The moment I laid my eyes on them, I knew they would be the perfect read for that idyllic setting and my current mood.

The cottage, with its cozy atmosphere and the gentle breeze flowing through the windows, created a magical backdrop for these delightful tales.

Each story was like a little gem, filled with warmth, kindness, and unexpected twists.

As I turned the pages, I was transported to different worlds and met a variety of endearing characters.

The simplicity of the language made it easy to沉浸 in the stories, and the sweetness of the plots left a smile on my face.

It was truly a wonderful experience to lose myself in these short stories, and I felt a sense of peace and contentment as I read.

They were the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world and a reminder of the beauty and goodness that exists in the simplest of things.

I will always cherish this find and the memories it has created.

July 15,2025
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It's truly bittersweet.

The reason is that I can no longer read anything new by Stuart. I have this special affinity for authors who manage to become like friends through the medium of ink and paper.

Whether such a friendship could have occurred in real life or not doesn't really matter. His stories and the characters within them are so relatable.

Sometimes, they are just like me, and often, they remind me of people I know or have known in the past.

I highly recommend reading his works. You'll definitely have no regrets.

Additionally, listening to some of his related podcasts is a great option, especially for road trips.

They are perfect companions until your eyes start to get a little blurry from all the driving and listening.

Stuart's creations have had a profound impact on me, and I'm sure they will on you too.
July 15,2025
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I truly wish that this were just a single novel!

I had a great affection for the characters, and there were several moments throughout the book that made me giggle. However, I wasn't overly fond of the format where each chapter was its own short story.

I found myself simply eager to finish it so that I could move on to the next book.

Nonetheless, the chapter in which he got his tongue stuck to the pole on top of the roof really had me laughing out loud!!!

It was such a hilarious and unexpected scene that it stood out among all the others.

Despite my reservations about the chapter structure, this one moment of pure comicality made the reading experience somewhat memorable.

I just hope that future books in this series, if there are any, might offer a more连贯 and engaging narrative flow.
July 15,2025
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This book wasn't my typical choice of reading material.

However, that doesn't imply that it wasn't well-written. The author managed to evoke a sense of nostalgia from my childhood, which was quite charming. There were several stories that made me burst out laughing, while the rest were pleasant anecdotes that kept me engaged.

Reading this book was similar to attending a succession of dinner parties and being entertained by a host and hostess who had a knack for presenting the ordinary aspects of their lives in a humorous light. At times, the stories were uproariously funny, at other times they were sweet and endearing, and in some cases, they made the hosts seem like really nice people.

Nevertheless, you don't really get a deep understanding of the characters or discover the reasons behind their actions. It's simply a collection of snapshots from their lives. I rated it a three out of five because the stories were well-written and enjoyable, but as I mentioned earlier, it's not my usual genre. Moreover, for me, there was nothing particularly enlightening or thought-provoking about the stories.

I don't think I'll read any other books from this series, but I would definitely recommend this one to those who have a penchant for this particular genre.
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