The rating of this work is 7.6. It showcases a more humanistic approach in the writing, yet still retains the healthy dose of Dave's laughs and family magic. It's a series that readers can enjoy over and over again as they truly care about the family. The author, McLean, has a remarkable ability to lure the reader into his world. The writing is highly descriptive, and before you know it, you find yourself deeply engaged, feeling as if you are actually there. The stories in the series, such as "Dave Cooks the Turkey", "Sourdough", "Emil", "Birthday Party", "Labor Days", and "Polly Anderson Xmas Party", are all top-notch and add to the overall charm and appeal of the series.

Rating - 7.6

More of a humanistic approach in the writing but still a healthy morsel of Dave laughs and family magic - a series that can be read over and over as readers genuinely care about the family.

Very appreciative of how McLean lures the reader into his world - the writing is very descriptive and you do not realize how engaged you have become - you feel like you are there.

Top Stories

Dave Cooks the Turkey

Sourdough

Emil

Birthday Party

Labor Days

Polly Anderson Xmas Party

Charming, relatable characters are the heart and soul of any great story. They draw us in, make us care about their lives, and keep us engaged from beginning to end. Whether it's a fictional character in a novel or a real person in our own lives, we are always attracted to those who have a certain charm and authenticity.

Delightful stories about everyday life are another aspect that makes a narrative truly engaging. These stories can be about the simplest of things, like a cup of coffee in the morning or a walk in the park. But it's the way these ordinary moments are presented that can make them extraordinary.

When we read or watch stories about charming, relatable characters and their everyday lives, we are able to see a little bit of ourselves in them. We can identify with their struggles, their joys, and their hopes for the future. This connection is what makes these stories so powerful and memorable.

Another slice of Canadiana that seals Stuart McLean's status as an icon of Canadian literature is his unique ability to capture the essence of everyday life in Canada.

His stories are filled with relatable characters, from small-town residents to big-city dwellers, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies.

McLean's writing style is engaging and humorous, yet also deeply moving at times. He has a talent for finding the beauty and the absurdity in the simplest of situations, making his stories both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Whether it's a story about a family gathering, a community event, or a personal struggle, McLean's work always manages to touch the hearts of his readers and remind them of the importance of human connection.

His contributions to Canadian literature have been significant, and his status as an icon is well-deserved.

I received this book as a Christmas gift. There were several other books that I intended to read before it. When I initially began reading it, it appeared to be a bit dull and challenging to engage with.

Nevertheless, after reading a few chapters and getting to know the characters, it transformed into a highly enjoyable and light-hearted read. The four family members possess their own distinct personalities. Each chapter narrates the tale of some peculiar incident that one or all of the family members are embroiled in. Moreover, it includes numerous flashbacks that are not only interesting but also add perspective and humor.

I read the majority of this book during my vacation in Mexico. It was a rather strange contrast to be reading a book set in Canada while being in the Caribbean.

Overall, despite the slow start, this book turned out to be a pleasant surprise and a great read during my vacation.

This collection offers an in-depth look at a year in the lives of Dave and Morley and their kids.

It encompasses all the major holidays and seasons. Beginning with the engaging story of "Dave Cooks the Turkey", it takes readers on a journey through the family's experiences.

As the collection progresses, we witness the various events and adventures that unfold.

Finally, it concludes with the charming tale of "Polly Anderson's Christmas Party".

With such a diverse range of stories, you can be sure to have a wonderful time reading.

Tragically, Stuart McLean has passed away. We remember him with love and respect. Rest in Peace Stuart McLean Stuart McLean <3. His work will continue to bring joy and laughter to many for years to come.

Sometimes you truly have no idea what hidden gems you might stumble upon in the bargain bin.

I picked up this particular item about a year ago simply because I was drawn to the title. Yes, I know it might seem a bit shallow of me.

Driven by my personal history as an obsessive LP collector, I was irresistibly lured to the "Vinyl Cafe" in search of whatever stories it had to offer.

As it turns out, Stuart McLean is Canada's equivalent of Garrison Keilor. The book is filled to the brim with heartwarming short stories that all revolve around a single family. This family faces many of the same life challenges that we all encounter, but the stories are written with a charming folksy wit that makes them both fun and refreshing.

Upon further investigation, I found out that the author, Stuart McLean, hosts a weekly show where he shares his stories and welcomes musical guests. Several "Vinyl Cafe" podcasts are available for free on iTunes. If you enjoyed even just one of the stories in this book, I highly recommend checking them out. I've listened to quite a few, and you can't help but either burst out laughing or be deeply touched.

All in all, it was a wonderful discovery that has brought a lot of joy and entertainment into my life.

Dave and Morley have just the craziest life.

Every day seems to bring a new adventure or unexpected turn of events. They might wake up one morning and decide to go on a spontaneous road trip to a place they've never been before. Or perhaps they'll receive a strange invitation in the mail that leads them on a wild goose chase.

Their friends often wonder how they manage to keep up with their chaotic lifestyle, but Dave and Morley wouldn't have it any other way. They thrive on the excitement and the unknown, always ready to embrace whatever comes their way.

Whether it's getting lost in a foreign city or trying a new and unusual hobby, they approach every situation with a sense of humor and a willingness to take risks. And even when things don't go according to plan, they always find a way to turn it into a memorable experience.

In short, Dave and Morley's life is a never-ending rollercoaster ride of fun and excitement, and they wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

The cover of this paperback proudly mentions that Stuart McLean is the winner of the Stephen Leacock award for humour. After delving into this book, it becomes abundantly clear why he received such an esteemed accolade.

I'm not an avid radio listener, but I have had the pleasure of tuning in to Stuart McLean's show “Vinyl Café” on several occasions. I vividly recall driving on Saturday mornings to my Tai Chi class, with the charming story of “Dave Cooks the Turkey” playing on the radio.

One of McLean's greatest strengths lies in his profound understanding of human weakness. Dave, the central character, is constantly making mistakes, sometimes even outrageously dumb ones. However, it is precisely because of these flaws that he becomes so endearing. We can all relate to those moments when we've done something truly foolish, whether as kids or as adults. We've all had those experiences of sticking our tongues on frozen pieces of metal or answering the phone imprudently, knowing full well that it might be a difficult relative who will keep us on the line for far too long.

Some people may argue that McLean's stories are a bit too folksy or even shallow. But I firmly believe that there is nothing shallow about them. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Why do people always assume that humorous pieces of writing are shallow? It takes a highly perceptive and intuitive person to craft humour that truly resonates with readers.

When I'm in need of some more lighthearted entertainment, I will definitely be on the lookout for other McLean books such as “Vinyl Café Diaries” and “Vinyl Café Unplugged.” I'm eager to explore more of his delightful stories and be charmed by his unique brand of humour once again.

Whimsical but thought provoking. This statement truly encapsulates the essence of something that has the power to both charm and stimulate our minds.

It implies a quality that is light-hearted and imaginative, yet also has the depth to make us stop and think.

Such a thing can take many forms, perhaps a piece of art, a story, or a conversation.

When we encounter something that is whimsical but thought provoking, it often catches us off guard and invites us to see the world from a different perspective.

It can bring a smile to our faces while also making us question our assumptions and beliefs.

I really enjoyed it because it offered a unique and refreshing experience that engaged both my emotions and my intellect.

It was a reminder that there is beauty and value in the unexpected and that sometimes, the most profound insights can come from the most unlikely sources.

Overall, the combination of whimsy and thought provocation is a powerful one that has the ability to enrich our lives and expand our understanding of the world around us.

Once again, McLean presents a remarkable collection of short stories.

Each story is either infused with a touch of humour or is full of it. Of course, some are also reflective and/or poignant.

A few of the stories had me laughing out loud, which is quite rare for me even when I come across something funny while reading.

The collection kicks off with "Dave Cooks the Turkey", which, ideally, should be heard or at least read to be fully savoured. It also features stories for every season of the year, a common trait in such books.

Now, what I'm curious about is why four people have classified this as non-fiction. Surely, no one seriously believes that the Vinyl Cafe (the smallest record store in North America) has ever actually existed!

This is clearly a work of fiction, filled with imaginative and entertaining tales that transport the reader to a world of laughter and reflection.

It's a wonderful read that offers something for everyone, regardless of their literary preferences.

Whether you're in the mood for a light-hearted laugh or a more profound exploration of human nature, McLean's short stories have got you covered.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey through these delightful tales.

I had heard the majority of these on the radio programme. However, it was still a remarkable collection.

Each piece seemed to have its own unique charm and story to tell. The melodies were captivating, and the lyrics were thought-provoking.

It was as if the artists had poured their hearts and souls into creating this music.

Even though I was already familiar with many of the songs, listening to them again in this collection gave me a new perspective.

I found myself noticing details that I had missed before, and I was able to appreciate the music on a deeper level.

Overall, it was a great listening experience, and I would highly recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys good music.

I borrowed this item from the DCVI Library. It was a great resource that I was able to make good use of.

On February 27, 2020, I finally got my own copy. This was a significant moment for me as I could now have easy access to it whenever I needed.

Having my own copy means I can study it at my own pace, make notes, and refer back to it whenever necessary. It's like having a personal library at my disposal.

I'm really glad that I was able to borrow it initially and then obtain my own copy. It will surely be a valuable asset in my learning and research.