I simply adore this book. It's truly amazing how it serendipitously found its way to me at work, through a friend named Denise. Thanks to her, I will soon be acquiring my very own copy of this wonderful piece of literature.

This is a book filled with short stories. Previously, I haven't always had the best luck when it comes to this genre. However, Vinyl Cafe is an absolute exception. It managed to hit all the right feels and had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions. In fact, I snorted once, which made me laugh even harder. And by the end of it, I was in tears.

What's more, this book in particular had a special effect on me. It made me feel a little less homesick. And the fact that I got to finish it on a beautiful beach? It was just the icing on the cake. I thoroughly enjoyed every single aspect of this gem that is disguised as a novel. It's a book that I will cherish and recommend to others without hesitation.

4* Great read-aloud stories for the family!

Dave owns a vinyl record store. He is a unique character with his love for old-school music. His family is equally strange and hilarious. They have their own idiosyncrasies and ways of doing things that make them stand out. However, at the same time, they are the ultimate normal. They experience the same joys and sorrows as any other family. They have family dinners, go on outings, and support each other through thick and thin. Their weirdness and funniness add an extra layer of charm to their family life. Reading aloud stories about them would be a great way to bring the family together and have a good laugh. Whether it's about their crazy adventures in the record store or their everyday antics at home, these stories are sure to entertain and delight.

Great characters and stories have the power to captivate and inspire us.

Whenever I pick up a book filled with such elements, I am immediately drawn into a world of imagination and possibility.

The characters become like old friends, their joys and sorrows palpable, and their actions and decisions influence my own thinking.

The stories, on the other hand, take me on adventures I could never have dreamed of, teaching me valuable lessons along the way.

I always leave these books with something more than just entertainment. I leave with a new perspective, a deeper understanding of human nature, and a sense of wonder and inspiration.

These books have the ability to shape our lives and make us better people, and for that, I am truly grateful.

Lovely.

Having just read and been rather disappointed by the first Vinyl Cafe story collection, this particular one truly felt like coming home.

Many of the stories within it, I had already heard before on the radio show.

It was such a delight to read the additional bits that I assume were trimmed for length on the radio.

The collection offers a perfect mix of heartwarming moments that tug at your heartstrings and elements of ridiculousness that bring a smile to your face.

It's as if each story has its own unique charm, inviting you to step into the world created by the author and experience a range of emotions.

Whether it's the relatable characters or the humorous situations they find themselves in, this collection has something for everyone.

It's a wonderful read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable escape.

I truly relished this book.

Although it merely centered around a family residing in a small town in the middle of nowhere in Canada, each chapter was distinct, presenting the family in diverse situations and featuring an array of new characters.

It was akin to a well-written comedy on television. You had your core group of main characters, and then guest stars would come in and interact with the staple cast.

I also adore families that function harmoniously with one another and play off each other.

Since every chapter was like a separate story (and I have a penchant for books like that!), I couldn't even begin to tell you precisely what it was about.

Even though there were more characters than I would typically prefer, given that you didn't really have to remember them from one chapter to the next, it was still acceptable.

Grade: C+

The next best thing to listening to Stuart McLean is reading him.

His words have a charm and a warmth that can transport you to another world.

When you read his stories, you can almost hear his voice, with its gentle cadence and humorous asides.

Each story is like a little gem, filled with memorable characters and heartwarming moments.

Whether he's writing about life in a small town or the adventures of a group of friends, McLean has a way of making you feel like you're right there with them.

His writing is accessible and engaging, making it perfect for readers of all ages.

So if you haven't had the chance to listen to Stuart McLean, don't worry.

Pick up one of his books and let his words work their magic on you.

You won't be disappointed.

Wow!

It really took me a long time to read Stuart McLean.

This was an outstanding collection of anecdotes.

I will definitely be looking forward to adding more of his works to my collection.

These particular ones surely fall into the reread category because you simply can't get tired of them.

What a great pity that he passed away recently.

His stories had a unique charm and warmth that could touch the hearts of readers.

Each anecdote was like a precious gem, shining with humor, wisdom, and a deep understanding of human nature.

Reading his works was not only a source of entertainment but also a way to gain insights into life.

Although he is no longer with us, his literary legacy will continue to live on and bring joy to countless readers for years to come.

I feel truly grateful to have discovered his works and will cherish them always.

This is my very first encounter with a Vinyl Cafe read, and I have to admit that I can scarcely contain my excitement to pick up another book.

From the moments when I found myself laughing out loud uncontrollably to those rare instances where a few tears welled up in my eyes, this collection of small stories about one family was truly an outstanding read.

I have such a vivid sense that Dave and Morley have now become my neighbors. Stuart McLean's storytelling is simply wonderful.

I can clearly understand why this work has been honored with the Stephen Leacock award.

Right from the beginning, "Pet sounds" had me chuckling in every chapter. The toaster episode, in particular, will forever bring a smile to my face whenever I recall it.

And finally, reaching the last chapter, a tear unexpectedly sprang from my eyes.

This book is so beautifully written that I simply can't wait to embark on my next reading adventure!

I remember a great many stories from the radio. They have all left an impression on me in one way or another. However, among them, my absolute favourite in the reading, especially for its sense of humour, was Galway. The way the story was crafted and the characters were developed was truly hilarious. It had me laughing out loud at several points.

If you're in the mood for something more poignant, then Figs is the story for you. It has a depth of emotion that really tugs at the heartstrings. It makes you think about life and love in a whole new way.

All of these stories are truly great and they are even better when read aloud. If you have someone to share them with, it makes the experience even more special. You can hear the nuances in the language and the emotions in the voices. It's a wonderful way to enjoy these amazing stories.

What a wonderful, reassuring, and hopeful presence Stuart McLean's writing is during these uncertain COVID times.

When I'm seeking a book that will warm my heart, bring an actual chuckle to my evening, and leave me feeling better and less stressed for reading it, Vinyl Cafe is it.

This third instalment continues to offer solid writing, wonderful stories, and just lovely vignettes of Dave and Morley's lives. It is undoubtably more refined than the first volume (which I wasn't such a huge fan of). The characters and their adventures have evolved, and the writing has a certain charm that draws the reader in.

However, it does fall a little short of the second. There's just a hint of some weird gender stereotyping going on in a couple of the stories. This is a bit of a disappointment, as it detracts from the overall enjoyment of the book.

That said, this is just a great, heartwarming volume. It's a perfectly reasonable one to read after falling in love with #2. The stories are engaging, the characters are likable, and the writing is of a high quality. It's the kind of book that you can pick up and read a few pages at a time, and it will always put a smile on your face.

I thoroughly enjoyed these short stories.

To be sure, they typically have more appeal to a significantly older audience.

Nevertheless, they are extremely easy to relate to, and they possess a very distinctively Canadian flavor.

The stories seem to capture the essence of Canadian life and culture in a way that is both engaging and relatable.

Even though they may be targeted towards an older demographic, I found myself able to connect with the characters and their experiences on a personal level.

The Canadian setting and themes add an extra layer of authenticity and charm to the stories, making them truly unique.

Overall, I would highly recommend these short stories to anyone looking for an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that offers a glimpse into the Canadian psyche.

I did indeed prefer the organization by the seasons in the second book more. However, this current book is arguably the best writing in the series thus far. Instead of the seasonal organization, this book is neatly divided into categories or sections, each named after different famous songs or records. This makes perfect sense considering it's related to the Vinyl Cafe. Naturally, there are plenty of funny moments throughout. But the best section, without a doubt, is the last one titled "Someone To Watch Over Me". It contains two extremely sentimental shorts about growing old and love. These shorts had such an impact on me that they might have even brought a tear to my eye, especially the short "Love Never Ends". On the other hand, the funniest shorts are probably "Galway" (that cat is truly a goldmine for humour), "Harrison Ford's Toes" or "Morley's Christmas Pageant".

Sidenote: It's quite humorous that I can't relate at all to the whole concept of men loving power tools and fixing things. In fact, it's almost ironic considering I actually work at Home Depot. But then again, they had like 7 guys and 5 different power tools, and all they really accomplished was making holes in the wall and essentially destroying the place. So perhaps I can relate on a skill level, but definitely not on a passion one.