Stuart McLean is truly a Canadian National Treasure.

His ability to weave together the tales of Dave, Morley, the Vinyl Cafe, their kids, and neighbors is nothing short of remarkable.

Listening to him tell these stories is one of the great joys in life.

Each character comes to life with vivid details and unique personalities.

The Vinyl Cafe serves as a backdrop for countless adventures and heartwarming moments.

McLean's storytelling style is engaging and captivating, drawing listeners in and making them feel like they are part of the story.

Whether it's a humorous anecdote or a touching family moment, his stories have the power to make us laugh, cry, and reflect on our own lives.

He has a gift for finding the beauty and humor in the ordinary, and his stories are a testament to the power of human connection.

Stuart McLean's work will continue to be cherished by Canadians and fans around the world for generations to come.

Funny, exhilarating and full of wit, these short stories are truly a delight to read. But what makes them even more special to me is that they are SO Canadian. They offer a perfect portrait of the day-to-day Canadian life, capturing the unique charm, values and experiences that define this great nation.

From the small-town settings to the diverse cast of characters, each story feels like a slice of real life. Whether it's a humorous encounter at the local coffee shop or a heartwarming tale of community support, these stories have a way of making you feel like you're right there in the middle of it all.

I've loved every moment of reading these stories and I can't wait to share them with others. They are a wonderful reminder of the beauty and richness of Canadian culture and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great read.

What a wonderful read!

The book is divided into five sections, with each section dedicated to a different season. Interestingly, winter is featured twice.

All the stories center around Dave, Morley, and their children Stephanie and Sam, as well as their friends. Reading these tales brought back a flood of memories of my own life with my parents, siblings, and friends throughout each season. There were trips to the cottage in the summer, filled with fun and relaxation. Christmas festivities were also a highlight, with all the joy and excitement that comes with the holiday season. School experiences, too, were vividly brought to life in the stories. I'm certain that those who have read this book felt the same way, and for those who might pick it up in the future, they will find that these stories resonate deeply with them.

One of the stories, told from Dave's perspective, is about how he met Morley. It was incredibly cute and romantic, making it a real standout. I also liked hearing about Dave's career working in a record store between the ages of 18 and 25. When I was living in Ottawa during that time, my friends and I would often head to various record stores. The key word here is "records." I still have about 400 of those circular pieces of vinyl, which hold a special place in my heart.

I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy light reading and are looking for an escape from the troubles of today. It's a charming and heartwarming read that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Wonderfully funny, light, and thoughtful at the same time, this work is truly a gem.

I was completely captivated by McLean's writing style. It is so engaging and unique that it effortlessly draws the reader in.

The way he creates likeable characters is simply amazing. These characters are not forced or artificial; they feel real and relatable.

I highly recommend you read this whenever you find yourself in a bad mood.

The cozy feel of the stories has a magical quality that can lift your spirits. It did wonders for me, and I'm sure it will do the same for you.

So, don't hesitate. Pick up this book and let yourself be transported to a world of laughter, warmth, and thought-provoking ideas.

You won't be disappointed.

Last year, our book club faced several challenges while attempting to discover a "happy" book to share. Oh, if only we had considered reading a book from the Vinyl Cafe collection of short stories! We would have had a truly enjoyable discussion!

The stories within this collection are uproariously funny and revolve around the lives of Dave, Morley, and their children, Stephanie and Sam. These heartwarming tales, along with descriptions of their everyday antics, leave the reader with a smile on their face and reflecting on their own family situations.

Many CBC listeners have tuned in to hear Dave tell these stories on the radio, but they can also be savored in a series of books. "Home from the Vinyl Cafe: A Year of Stories" commences in the winter with the hilarious account of Dave's struggles in cooking the Christmas turkey and concludes the following winter with his escapades when he accidentally mixes up the adult and children's punch bowls of egg nog!

My personal favorite is "The Birthday Party," which occurs in the spring when Dave is left in charge of his son's birthday party. The story kicks off with an incident at the liquor store where Dave storms out in a huff. When he realizes he has forgotten his credit card, he opts to cancel it rather than face the clerk. This sets off a chain reaction of issues - the vegetarian boy eats meat pies, the partygoers watch a scary zombie movie, and there is a lumpy cake baked by Dave. The sleepover reaches its climax when all but one of the kids are picked up in the middle of the night, a situation that many parents can surely identify with!

As a cat lover and a parent, I could definitely relate to the "Road Trip" story when the cat accidentally ends up in the car. I found myself literally laughing out loud while reading "A Day Off" when the couple plays hooky from their jobs only to have Dave's mother-in-law arrive to take care of them. These everyday stories not only promote laughter but also encourage pleasant reflection.

Unfortunately, Stuart McLean passed away this past February at the age of 68 due to melanoma. However, his stories will continue to be cherished by Canadians for years to come. He had shared his tales at the Sanderson Theatre in Brantford a few years ago, and I will always regret missing that opportunity. If you're seeking a quick pick-me-up, add a Stuart McLean book to your collection and experience his short stories one day at a time!

I'm eagerly looking forward to discussing "Home from the Vinyl Cafe" and "Vinyl Cafe turns the Page" at tomorrow night's book club. It will be great fun to see which books and stories are brought up for discussion as we share our favorites!

This was an extremely entertaining book to peruse.

It delved into the lives of 1dave, Morley, Sam, and 1stephanie as they traversed through one year of their existence.

The narrative was filled with numerous hilarious moments. For instance, Dave's comical attempt at cooking the turkey was a scene that had me in stitches. Then there was the fiasco with the lights during the following Christmas, which added another layer of amusement.

To me, this book truly felt like a compilation of many short stories within a single volume. I thoroughly relished my time spent reading it.

Happy New Year to each and every one of you!

I'm not entirely certain what it implies about me, but I truly find Dave to be极其容易产生共鸣的sometimes it actually causes a bit of pain.

Every solitary chapter of this book has left me with a smile firmly planted on my face. It usually occurs after just a few pages filled with giggles.

And if that isn't something worthy of being sought out in a great book, then I really have no idea what else could be!

This book has this wonderful charm that makes me feel so connected to the characters and their experiences.

It's as if Dave is a part of my own life, and I can't help but be drawn into his world with each turn of the page.

The author has done an amazing job of creating a story that is both entertaining and relatable, and I can't wait to see what else is in store.

Wonderful stories for every season.

This is a must-keep book for me, and it's truly rare. The stories are short, which means I can envision myself reading some of them again. In fact, I might even lend it out to others. After hearing Stuart McLean on the radio, it was a great pleasure to read a whole series of his stories. Each story seems to transport me to a different world, filled with unique characters and interesting plotlines. It's like opening a door to a new adventure with every turn of the page. Whether it's a heartwarming tale or a humorous anecdote, Stuart McLean has a way of captivating his readers and making them feel a part of the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read and wants to be entertained by some wonderful stories.

I really enjoyed these stories about Dave and Morley and their suburban life.

It's so interesting to see how their daily conversations unfold. They are not only typical but also extremely funny.

Random topics can suddenly lead to an argument or a misunderstanding, which adds a touch of realism and entertainment to the stories.

Moreover, the love within their family is expressed in the silliest of ways, making it all the more endearing.

These stories give a wonderful glimpse into the lives of an ordinary suburban family, and I can't help but be charmed by their antics and the unique bond they share.

It makes me appreciate the simple joys and challenges of family life in a whole new way.

I look forward to reading more about Dave, Morley, and their adventures in the suburbs.

I absolutely love Stuart McLean's stories. He was a true old-school storyteller.

My husband and I have spent countless Sundays over the years. On a Saturday morning, we would sit in our living room, a cup of tea in hand, or when on a road trip, we would tune in to Stuart's podcasts. We were even fortunate enough to see him live once. What a treat that was!

This is why, I guess, we have 5 or 6 "Vinyl Cafe" books scattered around the house. Even though we are very familiar with some stories, like "Dave Cooks the Turkey", they never lose their charm.

So, I picked up "Home from the Vinyl Cafe" out of a sense of nostalgia and for a heartwarming and easy read that is as comforting as grilled cheese and tomato soup. I would have adored the opportunity to meet Stuart McLean. I bet he had an abundance of other stories just waiting to be told.

Unfortunately, they really don't make storytellers like him anymore. His unique style and ability to captivate audiences will be truly missed.

Such tasteful and good natured humour about oh so ordinary everyday life is a rarity. It is truly a gem in the world of entertainment. In our fast-paced and often chaotic lives, we tend to overlook the simple joys and absurdities that occur on a daily basis. However, when someone is able to capture these moments and present them in a humorous and light-hearted way, it has the power to bring a smile to our faces and brighten our day.

This type of humour not only provides us with a much-needed escape from the stresses of life but also helps us to see the beauty and humour in the ordinary. It reminds us that even in the most mundane of situations, there is always something to laugh about. Whether it's a funny encounter with a stranger, a clumsy moment in the kitchen, or a silly mistake we make, these are all part of the fabric of our lives and can be turned into something truly entertaining.

Unfortunately, such tasteful and good natured humour is becoming increasingly rare. In a world where shock value and vulgarity seem to be the norm, it is refreshing to come across something that is truly funny and doesn't rely on cheap laughs or offensive language. We should cherish and support those who are able to create this type of humour and encourage more people to look for the humour in their own lives.

Another remarkable collection of short stories awaits you, filled to the brim with an abundance of humour and wit.

These stories predominantly revolve around the themes of families, marriage, and friends, offering a unique and engaging perspective on these universal aspects of life.

What makes this collection truly special is that each short story can stand entirely on its own, presenting a self-contained narrative. However, at the same time, they also expand and build upon the story that precedes it, creating a seamless and interconnected web of tales.

As you delve into these pages, you will be taken on a journey through the joys, sorrows, and absurdities of human relationships, all told with a light-hearted touch and a keen sense of observation.

Whether you are looking for a quick read to brighten your day or a more in-depth exploration of the human condition, this book of short stories is sure to delight and entertain.