I had never heard of Stuart McLean until a couple of years ago.

The owner of the second-hand record store I often visit occasionally gave me a complementary CD as a bonus with my purchase.

It was supposed to be a two-CD set, but one was missing, so he gave it to me for free.

The CD was called Vinyl Cafe Odd Jobs by Stuart McLean.

McLean is a humorist and storyteller with a weekly radio show on Sundays on the CBC.

I put the CD into the car player on my way home, and the first part, Odd Jobs, was the funniest thing I had ever heard.

I play it for friends and visitors all the time, and it always makes them laugh out loud.

The Vinyl Cafe books transcribe some of the stories from his radio show to the printed page, and they all have the charm, wit, and warmth that is Stuart McLean.

The stories all revolve around a fictional family.

Dave is the owner of a second-hand record store called the Vinyl Cafe.

His wife Morley manages a local theater group, and their teenage children are Sam and Stephanie.

They all live in a fictional and unnamed Ontario town.

The stories also include their friends and neighbors.

This book contains fourteen stories, including Odd Jobs, which is one of the funniest stories you'll ever read.

It's well worth reading, but if you can get a CD, give it a listen.

He is by far one of my favorite humorists.

Lovely.

It's truly a lovely experience. It feels like spending precious time catching up with an old friend. You know, that kind of connection that just makes you smile from the inside out.

When you're with this person, memories flood back, and you find yourself sharing stories, laughter, and even a few tears. It's a moment of pure joy and relaxation.

You don't have to worry about anything else in the world. Just being in their presence is enough. It's as if time slows down and allows you to cherish every single moment.

Whether it's sitting in a cozy café, taking a walk in the park, or simply chatting on the phone, the act of catching up with an old friend is always special. It reminds you of the importance of those long-lasting relationships and the value of true friendship.

So, the next time you have the opportunity to spend time with an old friend, embrace it wholeheartedly. Because those moments are truly lovely and will stay with you forever.

After reading far too many mysteries and urban fantasy in a row, I decided to take a short break.

The first book I read was actually much deeper than I expected. It opened my eyes to a new world of literature and made me realize that there is so much more to reading than just entertainment.

Then I followed it with this. This book reminded me why I love Stuart McLean so very very much.

The man has an incredible talent for taking simple, everyday stories and turning them into something special. He has a way of making the ordinary seem extraordinary, and of making the reader feel as if they are a part of the story.

And in doing so, he makes me laugh out loud repeatedly. His writing is so engaging and his characters are so real that I can't help but get caught up in their lives.

I never regret reading one of his books. Each one is a joy to read and leaves me with a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart.

Chicken soup for the soul.

This book is not as good as the other Vinyl Cafe books that I have read.

The main reason for this is that these are his more famous stories.

If you have listened to any of them on the radio, it is very likely that they are these particular ones.

Perhaps the familiarity takes away some of the charm and新鲜感.

However, that doesn't mean the book is without value.

The stories still have the warmth and humor that Stuart McLean is known for.

They can make you laugh, cry, and think about life.

It's just that compared to the other books in the series, this one may not have the same impact.

Overall, it's still a worthwhile read, especially if you're a fan of Stuart McLean and his Vinyl Cafe stories.

A quick book, I kept putting this down to take in slowly. But it was worth it. Each story hits different, and in new ways each time.

This book is truly a gem. Despite its seemingly quick read nature, I found myself compelled to pause and soak in each word, each sentence, and each story. It's not the kind of book you can breeze through mindlessly. Instead, it demands your attention and rewards you handsomely for it.

As I delved deeper into the pages, I was amazed at how each story had its own unique impact. Some made me laugh out loud, while others brought a tear to my eye. And what's even more remarkable is that with each subsequent reading, I discovered new nuances and interpretations. It's as if the book reveals something new to me every time I pick it up.

In conclusion, this is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read. It may be a quick book, but it leaves a lasting impression that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

Lovely, touching and laugh out loud funny.

I vividly remember hearing one of these charming stories on the radio while driving through the beautiful landscapes of Canada. It was on a program called Vinyl Cafe.

This book is truly a gem. You can easily pick it up and put it down, reading at your own leisure. The reason being, although there is a through line of characters that ties the stories together, each individual story is complete in and of itself.

So, why not grab a warm cuppa, find a cosy nook, and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of this book. You're bound to have a delightful time.

It's the kind of book that can bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye, and leave you with a sense of warmth and contentment.

Give it a try and you'll see why it's so special.

I truly miss his voice telling these wonderful stories! His voice had a magical charm that could transport me to different worlds and make me experience a wide range of emotions. Every time he told a story, I would be completely immersed in it. I laughed heartily at the humorous parts, and I cried buckets at the touching moments. There is simply nothing better than that. It was like a special connection between us, through his stories and his voice. Those memories still linger in my mind, and I long for the days when I could listen to him again. The power of his voice and the stories he told will always be a precious part of my life.

If Stuart McLean read the stories in this volume on air, it was during a time when I wasn't following his show. So, they were all new to me, and that made them even more delightful.

It very much enhances the experience if one consciously imagines the words being pronounced in McLean's distinctive storytelling voice. Many of the jokes truly come alive on the page in that way!

The volume begins strongly for me with stories about family pets. There's Arthur the dog, Galway the cat who learns to flush the toilet, and, to complete the group of beasties, a fly that Dave swallows. Morley's enthusiasms are well-depicted. One story is about her idea that all their Christmas presents should be hand-crafted, and another is about a spectacularly chaotic Christmas school pageant. I've found that "spectacularly chaotic" describes all the best climaxes of McLean's stories!

The last story in the collection, "Love Never Ends", is unusually poignant, especially when you have lost a loved one. Mum told me she bought this book to read aloud to Dad after his stroke, but that she never read him this last story, and I understand why. It is completely filled with genuine pain about the end of life.

Anyway, while the experience of reading Vinyl Cafe stories is second to hearing Stuart McLean read them, it was still great fun. And I plan to pass this on to other people at work so they can enjoy it too.

A good little holiday read!

This simple statement holds a world of promise. Imagine yourself lounging on a sandy beach, the gentle breeze caressing your face, and in your hands, you have a book that is the perfect companion for this idyllic moment. It's not a thick, heavy tome that weighs you down, but a light and engaging little read.

It could be a charming romance that makes your heart flutter, a thrilling mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat, or a humorous tale that has you laughing out loud. No matter what genre it is, this good little holiday read has the power to transport you to another world, to let you forget about the stresses and strains of daily life, and to simply enjoy the moment.

So, the next time you're planning a holiday, don't forget to pack a good little read. It might just be the best thing you bring with you.

This collection of short stories was precisely what I required.

Some of the stories elicited giggles from me, while others made me smile and even brought a tear to my eye.

Some were sweetly sentimental, and others were downright silly.

My favorite story within this collection was "Figs." It is such a charming portrayal of the relationship between two neighboring couples - one young and one old.

Several of the stories had me laughing out loud, and I simply cannot decide which one was the funniest!

I believe Stuart McLean's stories are the perfect antidote to the less pleasant aspects of life.

They offer a lighthearted and often touching perspective that can brighten even the darkest of days.

Whether you're in need of a good laugh or a moment of quiet reflection, these stories have something for everyone.

Overall, I highly recommend this collection to anyone looking for an enjoyable and engaging read.

Number three in the Vinyl Café series,

This edition features fourteen truly wonderful and funny stories that continue to chronicle the chaotic lives of Dave, Morley, Sam, and Stephanie, a family residing in Toronto.

Within this edition, their experiences are vividly described as they attempt to renovate a bathroom, wonder about Sam's knitting habit, toilet train the cat Galway, and knock the dog down a few notches in the household pecking order.

These stories, which were originally presented on CBC radio, translate extremely well into print.

The book is the winner of The Stephen Leacock Award for Humour.

Mclean is an outstanding storyteller, and this is simply a truly enjoyable read that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

I absolutely loved it!

These are truly great short stories that have the power to make you both laugh out loud and shed a tear.

The way the author weaves the tales is simply remarkable.

Each story is unique, with its own set of characters and plotlines that draw you in from the very beginning.

Some of the stories are light-hearted and humorous, while others are more poignant and touching.

Regardless of the tone, they all manage to evoke strong emotions within the reader.

I found myself completely engrossed in each story, unable to put the book down until I had finished reading.

This collection of short stories is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh or a heartwarming tale.

I highly recommend it to all my friends and family.

It's a wonderful book that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.