How come I've never run into this author before? It's truly a mystery.

I found the book in a used bookstore in Maple Ridge, BC, while visiting relatives. My cousin said, "oh yeah, lots of his shows are on YouTube and I listen to them while painting." There was a whole stack of books.

Now that I'm back home and have finished this one, I'm truly wishing I'd bought them all.

These are short stories about Dave, who runs a record store somewhere in eastern Canada (I'm not quite clear where but I think in Ontario), his wife Morley, and their kids Stephanie and Sam. They're not just ordinary stories. They're funny - I had several laugh out loud moments. They're fiction, but they feel so real, especially when they talk about Dave's music industry past & connections.

They're a little reminiscent of the Lake Wobegon stories in A Prairie Home Companion but the people are more believable. They don't get into hilarious situations because they're quirky but because they're acting like people really act, just maybe a little more so.

Like when Dave has to cover a babysitting job when Stephanie's sick, and is completely unprepared to deal with the baby's projectile vomiting, the toddler's determination to chase his parents' car down the street, and the older kid's locking him out of the house because he isn't Stephanie.

I'm not doing this book justice with my description. I'm just so glad to have discovered it, even though I feel I'm coming very late to the party.

Another excellent slice of Canadiana.

Canada is a land rich in diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique traditions. This particular slice of Canadiana offers a wonderful glimpse into the essence of this great nation.

It might include a beautiful image of a snow-capped mountain range, with the pristine white snow glistening in the sunlight. Or perhaps it could be a scene of a charming small town, with its colorful houses and friendly locals going about their daily lives.

Maybe it's a description of a delicious Canadian dish, like poutine or maple syrup-drenched pancakes. Or it could be a story about a Canadian adventure, such as a canoe trip on a peaceful lake or a hike through a dense forest.

No matter what it is, this excellent slice of Canadiana is sure to capture the imagination and leave a lasting impression. It showcases the beauty, charm, and spirit of Canada, making it a must-see or must-read for anyone interested in this remarkable country.

I arrived fashionably tardy to the humour of the late great Stuart McLean. His storytelling is truly second to none.

Each chapter has the power to leave tears running down my cheeks, as I find myself laughing at one thing or another. His stories are infinitely relatable, and the Afterword provides an interesting insight into some of his creative process.

If you truly want to get a true sense of the unique voice of this remarkable man, I highly recommend seeking out the podcast called Backstage at the Vinyl Café. It is hosted by his former producer and features two captivating stories per episode, recorded at shows from coast to coast to coast.

Some of the stories in this book have already been aired on the podcast. His tone and his delivery are simply excellent, and his voice will vividly pop up in your head while you are engrossed in reading his books. This is truly a great Canadian read that will bring joy and laughter to your life.

Stuart's work is truly entertaining, comical, and funny. He has an amazing talent for giving voice to his characters. It's as if he brings them to life and allows them to write about their lives in the most engaging way.

His characters don't just exist on the page; they narrate and share some of their most precious memories with the readers. It's like taking a peek into their unique worlds and experiencing their joys and sorrows.

Stuart's ability to create such vivid and relatable characters is what makes his work stand out. You can't help but be drawn in by their stories and find yourself laughing out loud at their comical antics.

Whether it's a heartwarming tale or a hilarious adventure, Stuart's characters always manage to capture your attention and leave you wanting more. His writing is a true delight and a must-read for anyone looking for some lighthearted entertainment.

Great Read

This article is truly a great read. It offers a wealth of interesting and engaging content that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The writing style is clear and concise, making it easy to understand and follow. The topics covered are diverse and thought-provoking, ranging from current events to personal experiences. Each section of the article is well-structured and flows smoothly, guiding the reader through the author's ideas and arguments. Whether you're looking for entertainment, information, or inspiration, this article has something for everyone. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good story or wants to expand their knowledge on a variety of subjects. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this great read!

I absolutely adored this one! It was truly a remarkable collection. One of my all-time favourite stories was in this very collection - "Best Things". The charm and wit of this story were simply captivating.

Not only that, but more than one of these stories had the power to make me burst out laughing. The humour was so well-crafted and engaging.

And every single one of them had the ability to bring a smile to my face by the end. It was as if each story was a little gem, shining with its own unique light and warmth.

This collection is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a heartwarming story. It will leave you feeling uplifted and entertained from start to finish.

Stuart McLean's works must be read in his unique voice.

His voice is an integral part of the charm and essence of his stories. If you have no idea what his voice sounds like, chances are you haven't been reading his books. However, this really shouldn't pose a significant problem.

For those who have had the pleasure of experiencing his stories through his voice, it is a truly captivating and immersive experience. His tone, inflections, and cadence bring the characters and narratives to life in a way that words on a page alone cannot fully convey.

Whether it's the humorous anecdotes, the heartwarming tales, or the thought-provoking commentaries, Stuart McLean's voice adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity.

It is as if he is sitting right beside you, sharing his stories with you in person. So, if you haven't yet had the opportunity to read Stuart McLean's works in his voice, it is highly recommended that you do so.

You'll be in for a treat that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for his writing and a lasting memory of the wonderful stories he has to tell.

These stories are truly great.

As I delved into the reading, it was as if Stuart McLean's voice was vividly resounding in my head.

Their wholesomeness, combined with a touch of humor and a hint of sweetness, made them an absolute delight to enjoy.

While the audio experience might be even more captivating, the books themselves are a really nice addition.

This is especially the case now that he has unfortunately passed away.

They serve as a wonderful reminder of his talent and the joy he brought through his storytelling.

Each story seems to have its own unique charm, drawing the reader in and making them feel as if they are a part of the world McLean created.

Whether read alone or shared with others, these stories have the power to warm the heart and bring a smile to one's face.

They are a testament to the enduring legacy of Stuart McLean and will continue to be cherished by many for years to come.

This collection of Dave-and-Morley stories was truly filled with the most wonderful and wacky humor.

I found myself thoroughly enjoying the book from start to finish.

In this particular installment, we are given a greater opportunity to peek into the lives of Sam and Stephanie, who are Dave's kids.

The author has a unique way of implicating himself in a few of the incidents, which adds an extra layer of entertainment.

At the same time, he playfully denies any connection to others, which makes for some truly hilarious moments.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a lighthearted look at family life.

Once again, Stuart McLean, with the invaluable help of Dave and Morley's family, has managed to bring back the laughter that I so eagerly sought when I first picked up this wonderful read.

"A Night to Remember" remains firmly one of my all-time favourites. Reading it again was an absolute delight, just as enjoyable as the last time I had the pleasure of hearing it. In fact, perhaps it was even more so this time around, as I found myself constantly thinking of the audio version I had heard previously and using it to enhance my understanding and enjoyment of the text.

This collection is truly memorable. It is cleverly split into sections, with each family member character writing for themselves at the start of each one. This adds a unique and personal touch to the stories, making them even more engaging. The afterword by Stuart at the end ties up the conclusion beautifully, leaving the reader with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to revisit these charming tales again and again.

I will most definitely read this collection again without hesitation. I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone in need of a good laugh and a heartwarming read.

This is my absolute go-to comfort book. It holds a special place in my heart as I have read it countless times, more than I can actually count.

Whenever I pick it up, it's like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold day. The words seem to flow off the page and into my soul, providing a sense of tranquility and peace.

Reading this book is truly as good as having a bowl of delicious chicken noodle soup. It soothes my mind, calms my nerves, and makes all the stress and worries of the day simply melt away.

I can get lost in its pages for hours on end, completely immersed in the story and the characters. It's a haven for me, a place where I can escape from the real world and find solace in the written word.

This comfort book is a treasure that I will always cherish and turn to whenever I need a pick-me-up or a moment of relaxation.

This book is about as wacky as the other one in the series that I've read.

However, it is less wacky compared to the previous one.

Nevertheless, it is still a pretty interesting read.

The story has its own unique charm and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed and have their own distinct personalities.

The plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good wacky and interesting story.

It's a great addition to the series and definitely worth checking out.