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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Another gem from Canadian, Stuart McLean. His work is truly a delight to read.

I found myself laughing out loud so many times while going through his stories. The humor is so sharp and witty that it simply couldn't be contained.

In fact, my laughter started to annoy my husband, who was trying to concentrate on something else. But I just couldn't help it!

I highly recommend Stuart McLean's works to anyone who loves a good laugh and a great story. His writing is engaging, his characters are vivid, and his plots are always full of surprises.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted read to brighten up your day or a more in-depth exploration of human nature, you'll find it all in Stuart McLean's books. So go ahead and give them a try – you won't be disappointed!
July 15,2025
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Another outstanding collection of short stories!

This particular one features his most renowned story, "Dave carves the turkey."

I actually found myself laughing out loud in public while reading it.

Stuart McClean has truly become my go-to author for light-hearted and humorous fiction.

His stories have a unique charm that draws you in and keeps you entertained from start to finish.

The way he weaves together the characters and the plots is simply brilliant.

Each story is like a little gem, filled with wit, humor, and heart.

Whether you're looking for a quick read to brighten your day or a collection of stories to enjoy over a weekend, Stuart McClean's works are definitely worth checking out.

I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!
July 15,2025
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So funnui. Il mel ha!


It is such a strange and perhaps somewhat humorous situation. The phrase "So funnui" seems to express a sense of a certain kind of weariness or boredom that has an element of oddity to it. And then the "Il mel ha!" which might be an exclamation or an expression of something that has happened to someone.


One can imagine a person sitting there, feeling this strange mix of emotions. Maybe they are in a situation that is repetitive or uninteresting, but there is also something about it that makes them want to exclaim or express their feelings in this unique way. It could be a moment of self-reflection or a reaction to something unexpected that has occurred.


Overall, this short combination of phrases creates a bit of a mystery and leaves the reader wondering more about the context and the emotions behind it. It invites us to think about our own experiences of feeling a bit "funnui" and what might cause us to make such exclamations.
July 15,2025
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Well, that was truly something remarkable!

It began in a hysterical manner, which immediately grabbed my attention and made me burst into laughter. Then, it smoothly shifted into a sweet and heart-warming phase, tugging at my heartstrings and making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And finally, it settled on an absurdly ridiculous note, but in a charming and endearing way that didn't detract from the overall experience at all.

At first glance, I thought it seemed like a northern version of Fannie Flagg, with its unique blend of humor and warmth. However, as I delved deeper into it, by the end, it definitely felt more like a combination of Garrison Keillor and Jean Shepherd. The storytelling was engaging, the characters were vivid, and the overall atmosphere was one of lightheartedness and fun.

I would rate this piece a solid 4 - 4.5 stars. It was an enjoyable read that had me entertained from start to finish.
July 15,2025
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The chapters Sourdough and Burd were truly hilarious. They had me in stitches, howling with laughter.

I laughed so uproariously that I actually thought I might need to reach for my inhaler.

The humor in these chapters was so on point and engaging. It was as if the author had a magical touch that made every word and situation irresistibly funny.

I found myself completely immersed in the story, unable to contain my amusement.

The characters and their antics were simply comical, and I couldn't help but keep turning the pages to see what would happen next.

These chapters were a breath of fresh air, bringing much-needed laughter and entertainment.

I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of a good laugh or a lighthearted read.

They are sure to brighten your day and leave you with a smile on your face.
July 15,2025
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This is truly a precious and feel-good read that offers a wonderful escape.

It's the kind of book that you can't help but get lost in, especially on a relaxing weekend at home.

When you pick it up, you'll find yourself immediately drawn into its pages, eager to see what unfolds next.

The story is filled with heartwarming moments, engaging characters, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Whether you're looking to unwind after a long week or simply want to enjoy a good book, this one is a perfect choice.

You'll find yourself laughing, crying, and rooting for the characters throughout.

So, if you're in need of a great read, look no further than this precious gem.

It's sure to become one of your favorites and leave you with a smile on your face.
July 15,2025
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Canada is home to many talented storytellers, and their magical storytelling abilities never fail to amaze. These storytellers have the power to transport listeners to different worlds, filled with wonder and excitement.

They use vivid language, engaging characters, and captivating plots to bring their stories to life. Whether it's a traditional folktale or an original creation, their storytelling always leaves a lasting impression.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Canadian storytelling is its diversity. Storytellers draw inspiration from a wide range of cultures and traditions, resulting in a rich tapestry of stories.

From the icy landscapes of the north to the bustling cities in the south, Canada's storytellers have a wealth of material to work with.

So, if you're looking for a magical experience, look no further than the storytellers of Canada. Their tales are sure to delight and inspire you.

July 15,2025
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I had a gift certificate at a local bookstore, and thus, I picked up this book rather randomly. The author has been likened to Garrison Keillor, which initially sounded quite promising. However, I have been extremely disappointed.

It is a series of stories revolving around a family and, at times, their record store. I had expected it to be some pleasant and diverting light reading. But in the end, it feels a great deal like a mediocre sitcom or a bad Ben Stiller movie (as for what other kind he makes, I'm not sure...).

The first story was chaotic, blatant, and not in the least bit funny. The second one was significantly better, yet still not outstanding. The third one was somewhere in between, and... well, that's about as far as I've managed to get. The only thing that has made this somewhat readable is to envision Garrison Keillor actually reading the stories aloud: that way, at least they sound like second-rate Lake Wobegon rambles. But even Garrison Keillor can't compensate for the dismal lack of variety in sentence length or structure...

Ok. Update: They really need an "I give up" option. I haven't actually read this book, at least not all of it. But it seems I'm not going to. Oh well.
July 15,2025
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My family began to give me some extremely bizarre looks by the conclusion of this book.

This was because of the numerous times I simply burst out laughing unexpectedly.

I really liked the fact that this book, in contrast to the previous one which changed characters, maintained the viewpoint on a single family.

It was truly a fantastic beach book.

The story was engaging and filled with humorous moments that had me laughing out loud.

The characters were well-developed and the family dynamics were interesting to follow.

It was the perfect book to read while relaxing on the beach, enjoying the sun and the ocean breeze.

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

It's a great way to unwind and have a good time.
July 15,2025
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This book is extremely funny!

I truly relished reading it.

Although some of the stories were repeats from other books, they still managed to make me burst out laughing all over again.

The humor in it is so engaging that it keeps me entertained from start to finish.

It's like a treasure trove of laughter.

I can't contain my excitement and can't wait to explore more of its pages.

Each story seems to have its own unique charm that draws me in and makes me forget about everything else.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good laugh and wants to brighten up their day.

It's definitely a must-read for all humor enthusiasts.

I'm looking forward to seeing what other hilarious stories await me in the future.

July 15,2025
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I have always had a soft spot for The Vinyl Cafe. Whenever I was fortunate enough to tune in and catch it on CBC, it would bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.

So, when I saw one of Stuart McLean's books, I decided to take a chance. I'm so glad I did.

The book was an absolute delight. It was filled with the same charm, humor, and heart that I had come to love in The Vinyl Cafe. McLean's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy to get lost in the stories.

Each chapter felt like a cozy little vignette, filled with interesting characters and relatable situations. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the antics and getting a little misty-eyed at the more touching moments.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story. It's the perfect read for a rainy day or a quiet evening by the fire.

I can't wait to read more of McLean's work and see what other wonderful stories he has to share.
July 15,2025
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Stuart McLean was an outstanding author whose works will truly be cherished and deeply missed.

I have a profound affection for this book as well as for The Vinyl Cafe.

The stories within are not only hilarious, capable of making you burst out laughing, but they also have a unique charm that makes you gradually fall in love with the characters.

Each character is vividly portrayed, with their own distinct personalities and quirks.

As you read through the pages, you become immersed in their lives and experiences, sharing in their joys and sorrows.

The Vinyl Cafe has become a beloved institution, and Stuart McLean's contributions have left an indelible mark on the literary world.

His talent for storytelling and his ability to touch the hearts of readers will be remembered for a long time to come.

We are truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience his wonderful works.

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