I have an intense passion for these books!!

They have become an integral part of my life. The moment I pick them up, I am transported to different worlds, filled with excitement, adventure, and knowledge.

Each page is like a treasure chest waiting to be opened, revealing new stories, ideas, and emotions. The characters in these books come alive in my imagination, and I find myself rooting for them, sharing their joys and sorrows.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking non-fiction, these books have the power to captivate me and keep me engaged for hours on end. I can't get enough of them, and I will continue to cherish and love these books for a long time to come.

I really enjoyed these stories. They were truly a delight to read.

Each story was filled with humor that had me laughing out loud at times. The light-hearted nature of the tales made them a perfect escape from the daily grind.

Whether it was the witty dialogue, the absurd situations, or the charming characters, there was something in each story that captured my attention and held it until the very end.

These stories had a way of making me forget about my troubles and just enjoy the moment. They were like a breath of fresh air on a cloudy day.

I would highly recommend these stories to anyone looking for a fun and entertaining read. They are sure to bring a smile to your face and brighten your day.

It's just okay.

It's like a mid-afternoon nap that was not long enough.

It was nice to have, but it didn't really do anything for me.

I mean, it was a moment of rest in the middle of a busy day.

I closed my eyes and tried to relax, but before I knew it, it was over.

Maybe if it had been a little longer, I would have felt more refreshed.

As it was, it was just a brief interlude that didn't really change how I was feeling.

It's not that it was bad, it was just sort of meh.

Like a snack that you eat when you're a little hungry, but it doesn't really satisfy your appetite.

Overall, it was an okay experience, but not something that I would rave about.

The Vinyl Cafe is truly a remarkable book that falls into the category of comfort food for the soul.

Even when one is reading or hearing the stories within it for the very first time, there is an immediate sense of warmth and familiarity that washes over.

The characters are so vividly brought to life that they seem to step right off the page and into your heart.

The author has a unique way of weaving tales that are both humorous and touching, often with a hint of nostalgia.

Whether it's about the everyday adventures of the regulars at the Vinyl Cafe or the more unusual events that unfold, each story has a charm all its own.

Reading this book is like sitting down with an old friend and sharing in their lives, and it leaves you feeling uplifted and content.

It's the kind of book that you can pick up again and again, and each time you'll discover something new and wonderful.

Overall, The Vinyl Cafe is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story and wants to experience the joy of comfort food for the mind and spirit.

Hilarious book!

This is a truly hilarious book that will have you laughing out loud from start to finish.

The author has a unique sense of humor that shines through on every page.

The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging, making it impossible to put the book down.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted read to pass the time or a book to share with friends, this one is sure to please.

The jokes are clever and the situations are absurd, but in the best possible way.

You'll find yourself recommending this book to everyone you know.

Overall, it's a must-read for anyone who loves to laugh and have a good time.

Don't miss out on this hilarious gem of a book!

This is the fourth volume in Mclean’s Vinyl Café stories. It revolves around Dave, the endearing owner of the Vinyl Café, a second-hand record store. Dave is prone to errors, constantly getting into various scrapes and embarrassing himself. His wife, Morley, is patient and understanding. She is smart and kind but doesn't hold back her thoughts. The couple's two children, Sam and Stephanie, complete this typical, cozy modern-day family.

Unlike previous volumes, this edition solely focuses on the family. Each member has a dedicated section. So, readers expecting to hear about friends and neighbours from past books might be disappointed.

McLean's narratives avoid the darker sides of life. Instead, they concentrate on ordinary family life, with humorous interactions and familiar transitions. The stories in this volume include Dave's struggle to quit smoking by walking through small Ontario towns and his thoughts on a friend's death and his own mortality. There's also a humorous tale about Morley's concerns for the party Dave is planning for her fortieth birthday and Stephanie's difficult adjustment to university life.

McLean's writing is straightforward and clear. Although often thoughtful and poignant, it never becomes sentimental. At its core, each piece embodies the Canadian spirit, celebrating kindness, cooperation, and the goodness of others.

One can't help but enjoy this volume, like many others in the Vinyl Café collection. Filled with tales humorously recorded on CBC radio or during speaking tours, they make for delightful reading. However, what's lacking is his voice and folksy storytelling style. It was this unique combination that attracted loyal audiences across Canada.

His books always sell well, and audiences queued up for tickets to his live shows. Critics have also praised his work, and this volume won The Canadian Author’s Association Jubilee Award in 2004.

Dave and the duck truly did me in!

They provided the laughs that I so desperately needed. Even now, when I think about that wonderful story, I can't help but giggle.

It's such a great book! I highly recommend it not only for pure fun but also if you find yourself in need of some cheer.

The adventures of Dave and the duck are both entertaining and heartwarming. The author has done a remarkable job of creating a world that is full of charm and humor.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted read to pass the time or a book to lift your spirits, this one is definitely worth checking out. You won't be disappointed!

Just reread this book.

I have the habit of reading in bed every night. It's a wonderful way to unwind and relax before going to sleep.

This particular book is one of those that presents a bit of a challenge when you share your bed with someone else.

You see, it's filled with so many laugh out loud moments that it becomes nearly impossible to contain your amusement.

Every time I come across a hilarious passage, I can't help but burst into laughter, which is sure to disrupt my partner's sleep.

It's both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, the book is so entertaining that it makes my reading time truly enjoyable.

On the other hand, I feel a bit guilty for potentially disturbing my partner's rest.

Nevertheless, I can't seem to put the book down, and I keep finding myself drawn back to its pages night after night.

Maybe I should invest in a pair of headphones to muffle my laughter or find a more secluded spot to read.

But for now, I'll just have to try my best to keep the laughter to a minimum and hope my partner can forgive my nocturnal outbursts.

This installment may not be as powerful as some of the other leading ones that preceded it.

However, the stories it presents strike a chord when it comes to matters related to growing up, advancing in life, and similar themes.

These aspects give it a charm that is on par with the others in this series.

The tales touch upon the universal experiences and emotions that we all encounter as we journey through life.

Whether it's the challenges of leaving behind the past, facing new opportunities, or learning to adapt and mature, this installment manages to capture these elements in a relatable and engaging way.

Despite not having the same level of intensity as some of the others, it still holds its own and offers a unique perspective on the human experience.

It reminds us that even in the midst of change and growth, there are certain constants that connect us all and give our lives meaning.

Overall, this installment is a worthy addition to the series and is sure to resonate with readers who appreciate stories that explore the deeper aspects of life.

CBC radio broadcaster, Stuart McLean, a true Canadian treasure, passed away yesterday. He was not only a master story teller but also a fabulous writer and a highly talented radio documentary reporter. He was best known for the radio series called "The Vinyl Cafe", which has been on air for over twenty years. He entertained audiences with live readings of his stories about the record shop owner Dave and his wife Morley on various stages across Canada and sometimes in the U.S.

Stuart's radio shows were an integral part of our lives. I deeply regret never having attended a live taping during the few times he performed in my hometown. I've vowed at least three times to "get to him the next time". But as we all know, there is not always a next time.

Stuart McLean will be sorely missed. His stories and his unique voice will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who had the pleasure of listening to him. May he rest in peace.

I thoroughly enjoyed this second volume of Dave's screwball Canadiana adventures. It was a significant improvement over the first one that I had read.

The storytelling in this volume has a bit more maturity and sophistication. The author seems to have refined his craft and has managed to create a more engaging and captivating narrative.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The humor is also on point, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the story.

Overall, I would highly recommend this volume to anyone who enjoys light-hearted and humorous adventures set in Canada. It's a great read that will leave you with a smile on your face.

The more I delve into the stories of Dave and the gang, the deeper my appreciation grows for their lives. What's truly refreshing is that this book never attempts to be anything more than what it is. It's a simple and engaging read that I find perfect for those relaxing moments in the bathtub. Rating - 8.2

Compared to some others, it does have a slightly more morbid side. However, the everyday events that unfold around the family are filled with smiles, chuckles, and even full-on laughs. It definitely gets a thumbs up from me. Although, I must admit that the references to death can be a bit disturbing at times.

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