Ease Reading-Find Your Next Favorite Book

Hot Search

Vinyl Cafe #4

Vinyl Cafe Diaries

stuart mclean

... Show More
Book by McLean, Stuart

272 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1,2003
Series
Vinyl Cafe

This edition

Format
272 pages, Hardcover
Published
January 1, 2003 by Viking Canada
ISBN
9780670044368
ASIN
0670044369
Language
English

More editions

About the author

Profile Image for stuart mclean

stuart mclean

... Show More
Librarian Note: There was more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

From the Vinyl Cafe web site: Stuart McLean was a best-selling author, award-winning journalist and humorist, and host of CBC Radio program The Vinyl Cafe.

Stuart began his broadcasting career making radio documentaries for CBC Radio's Sunday Morning. In 1979 he won an ACTRA award for Best Radio Documentary for his contribution to the program's coverage of the Jonestown massacre.

Following Sunday Morning, Stuart spent seven years as a regular columnist and guest host on CBC's Morningside. His book, The Morningside World of Stuart McLean, was a Canadian bestseller and a finalist in the 1990 City of Toronto Book Awards.

Stuart has also written Welcome Home: Travels in Small Town Canada, and edited the collection When We Were Young. Welcome Home was chosen by the Canadian Authors' Association as the best non-fiction book of 1993.

Stuart's books Stories from the Vinyl Cafe, Home from the Vinyl Cafe, Vinyl Cafe Unplugged, Vinyl Cafe Diaries, Dave Cooks the Turkey, Secrets from the Vinyl Cafe and Extreme Vinyl Cafe have all been Canadian bestsellers. Vinyl Cafe Diaries was awarded the Canadian Authors' Association Jubilee Award in 2004. Stuart was also a three-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour for Home from the Vinyl Cafe, Vinyl Cafe Unplugged and, most recently, Secrets from the Vinyl Cafe.

Vinyl Cafe books have also been published in the U.S., the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.

Stuart was a professor emeritus at Ryerson University in Toronto and former director of the broadcast division of the School of Journalism. In 1993 Trent University named him the first Rooke Fellow for Teaching, Writing and Research. He has also been honored by: Nipissing University (EdD(H)); University of Windsor (Lld) and Trent University (DLH). Stuart served as Honorary Colonel of the 8th Air Maintenance Squadron at 8 Wing, Trenton from 2005 to 2008.

Since 1998 Stuart has taken The Vinyl Cafe to theatres across Canada, playing in both large and small towns from St. John's, Newfoundland to Whitehorse in the Yukon.

Close to one million people listen to The Vinyl Cafe every weekend on CBC Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio and on a growing number of Public Radio stations in the United States. The program is also broadcast on an occasional basis on the BBC.

Readers also enjoyed

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
35(35%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
30(30%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
IvanTheChemist
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Another masterful book of stories from McLean has arrived.

Many of these captivating tales I had the pleasure of hearing on The Vinyl Cafe, while a few were completely new to me.

As is the case with all of his stories, they are laugh-out-loud funny, capable of bringing instant joy and amusement.

However, they usually possess a twist of nostalgia, a touch of poignancy, or some home-truths that add a deeper, more thoughtful and memorable aspect to the stories.

McLean has a unique talent for creating characters and situations that resonate with readers on multiple levels, making his books a delight to read and a treasure to own.

Whether you're a long-time fan of his work or new to his stories, this latest collection is sure to entertain, engage, and leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
witchhuntress
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More

Funny, light read. This book is truly a delight to pick up and enjoy. It's the kind of story that can make you smile and forget about your daily stress for a while. If you're a fan of 'The Vinyl Cafe' on CBC Radio, then this book is definitely for you. It has a similar charm and warmth that will draw you in from the very beginning.


The author has a great sense of humor and uses it to create a cast of characters that are both endearing and relatable. You'll find yourself laughing out loud at their antics and rooting for them as they navigate through life's challenges. The plot is engaging and full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.


Overall, this is a great book for anyone who is looking for a fun and easy read. It's perfect for a lazy afternoon or a long commute. So, if you're in the mood for some lighthearted entertainment, give this book a try. You won't be disappointed!

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
MissBlade12
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
The stories have always had the power to make me burst into laughter. However, after a certain period of time, they begin to give the impression of following a formula.

Among all the stories, my absolute favorites were those that revolved around Morely and Sam. Their adventures and misadventures were truly captivating.

Morely, with his unique personality and charm, always managed to find himself in the most unexpected situations. And Sam, his loyal companion, would be right there by his side, adding his own brand of humor and wit to the mix.

Their stories were not only entertaining but also had a certain depth and warmth to them. They made me feel as if I was a part of their world, sharing in their joys and sorrows.

Even though the stories may have seemed formulaic at times, the characters of Morely and Sam always managed to shine through and make them truly special.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
onthe15
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More

I have to admit that I had a particular preference for the first McLean book that I read. However, this current one still manages to be highly entertaining. It delves into the ordinary lives of a family, chronicling the various events that unfold. What I truly enjoy about it is that it predominantly centers around emotions and feelings that we can all easily relate to. It's as if the author has tapped into the universal experiences and emotions that we all share. Reading this book becomes a source of comfort, a place where we can find solace in the fact that our own lives, with all their ups and downs, are not so different from those of the characters in the story. It's a reminder that we are all part of this human experience, and that there is a certain beauty and value in the simplicity and ordinariness of our daily lives.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Gendaros
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Fantastic!

This word truly encapsulates the essence of something extraordinary and wonderful. It implies a sense of awe and excitement, as if one has just witnessed or experienced something truly remarkable.

When we encounter something fantastic, it has the power to inspire us, to make our hearts race, and to leave a lasting impression on our minds.

It could be a breathtaking work of art, a thrilling adventure, or a moment of pure joy and happiness.

The concept of "fantastic" is subjective, as what may be fantastic to one person may not have the same effect on another. However, regardless of individual perspectives, there is no denying the power of the fantastic to bring a sense of magic and wonder into our lives.

Whether we are seeking out new and exciting experiences or simply taking the time to appreciate the beauty and奇迹 that surrounds us, the idea of the fantastic reminds us that there is always something amazing waiting to be discovered.

So, let us embrace the fantastic and allow it to fill our lives with inspiration, excitement, and joy.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
yumedarling
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Rating 7/10

The author Stuart McLean is most similar to Garrison Keillor, with the only difference being that he is Canadian. Listening to The Vinyl Cafe on CBC truly enhances the experience of reading McLean's works as you can imagine the words being read in his voice.

Anyway, let's talk about Dave and Morley. I really don't know how these two have managed to survive through the years, but there is a certain charm and innocence in the way they conduct their lives. It's as if The Vinyl Cafe could actually exist in Lake Wobegon.

I would be very interested in knowing what American readers think of The Vinyl Cafe. In the end, at least for me, there's really nothing not to like. It may not be great literature in the traditional sense, but it is most definitely enjoyable to read. It has a unique appeal that keeps you engaged and entertained from start to finish.

Whether it's the relatable characters, the humorous anecdotes, or the overall feel-good nature of the stories, The Vinyl Cafe has something for everyone. It's a light-hearted read that can brighten up your day and leave you with a smile on your face.

So, if you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, make you think, and make you feel good, then give The Vinyl Cafe a try. You won't be disappointed.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Koutsuna_sama
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is my second read in the Vinyl Cafe series.

Just like the other books in this series, it is composed of a collection of linked short stories.

The various adventures that the characters embark on are truly hilarious and often had me laughing out loud.

It's not just a simple read; it's a highly entertaining experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

The author has a wonderful way of creating vivid characters and putting them in comical situations that are both relatable and entertaining.

Whether you're a fan of short stories or just looking for a light-hearted and enjoyable read, the Vinyl Cafe series is definitely worth checking out.

I can't wait to see what other adventures the characters will have in the next installment of this great series.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Jebus_Kreist
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
My favourite Vinyl Café book so far!


The Vinyl Café series has always been a source of great joy and entertainment for me. Each book is filled with charming stories that warm the heart and make you smile.


The characters in the books are so well-developed and relatable. You can't help but fall in love with them as you follow their adventures.


The writing style is engaging and easy to read, making it the perfect choice for a relaxing evening.


Out of all the Vinyl Café books, one stands out as my absolute favourite. It's a story that touches on themes of love, friendship, and the importance of following your dreams.


I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story. It's sure to become a cherished addition to your bookshelf.

0 0 Reply
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.