This author is truly a gifted storyteller on the CBC radio network in Canada.

Every Saturday morning, his show "The Vinyl Cafe" features a story that brings to life the characters of this book.

The stories are not only extremely funny but also deeply touching. They have the power to make one laugh so hard that their side hurts.

In fact, I found myself literally in tears of laughter at some of the stories.

The author's unique style and ability to create engaging and relatable characters make this show a must-listen.

Whether you're in need of a good laugh or a heartwarming tale, "The Vinyl Cafe" has something for everyone.

It's no wonder that this show has become so popular and beloved by listeners across Canada.

So, if you haven't tuned in yet, I highly recommend giving it a try. You won't be disappointed!

I absolutely loved it!

It was an experience that left me with a feeling of pure joy and satisfaction.

From the moment I first encountered it, I was captivated by its charm and allure.

The details were exquisite, and every aspect seemed to be carefully crafted to perfection.

Whether it was the beautiful design, the engaging content, or the seamless functionality, everything about it was simply outstanding.

I found myself completely immersed in it, losing track of time as I explored and discovered new things.

It truly had a magical quality that drew me in and made me never want to leave.

I can't wait to experience it again and share it with others.

It's something that will stay with me forever and always bring a smile to my face.

Loved it!

Stuart McLean is truly a remarkable storyteller.

His works have the power to engage and captivate audiences of all ages.

Whether it's through his humorous anecdotes or his heartwarming tales, he always manages to touch the hearts of his listeners.

Stuart McLean's ability to bring characters to life and create vivid images in the minds of his audience is truly a gift.

His stories are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, often leaving the listener with a new perspective on life.

It's no wonder that he has such a loyal following and continues to be one of the most beloved storytellers of our time.

Stuart McLean never disappoints, and his stories will continue to be cherished for years to come.

I discovered Vinyl Cafe and Stuart Maclean only in the last few years on CBC radio.

His storytelling is truly wonderful. Some of the stories of Dave and Morley are so hilarious that they left me in stitches.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Maclean's death earlier this year. Equally, I was saddened to hear of his request that his shows not be played in reruns on the CBC. This was so that new voices could have a place to be heard.

I really admire the sentiment behind his request. However, it means that a new generation will not hear these wonderful stories unless they purchase CDs or find them online.

But let's get back to the book. It was simply amazing! Sometimes stories that are first told orally don't translate well onto the written page. But I think because these stories were told from the written page and not improvised like in standup, they work extremely well as a book.

I'm really looking forward to tracking down other books in the series. I feel like I have to make up for lost time since I discovered this too late.

I highly recommend this book and any of the Vinyl Cafe series. They are truly a delight to read and will bring a smile to your face.

This book offers a wonderful blend of stories that are both funny and heartfelt. It delves into various aspects of family life, the process of growing up, and those seemingly "normal" daily occurrences that we all experience.

Even though I didn't read the series in order, I still found this particular book to be an extremely enjoyable read. The author has a great talent for bringing these ordinary moments to life in a way that is both relatable and entertaining.

The stories range from humorous anecdotes about family vacations gone wrong to touching accounts of the bonds between siblings. Each one is filled with emotion and charm, making it difficult to put the book down.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted read to pass the time or something that will tug at your heartstrings, this book has something for everyone. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about family, friendship, and the simple pleasures of life.

In the summer of 2004, while I was visiting and living on Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia in Canada, I became a big fan of CBC Radio http://www.cbc.ca/listen/index.html. Among its many programs, I was especially drawn to a show called The Vinyl Cafe http://www.cbc.ca/vinylcafe/. This year, my Christmas stocking contained a couple of Stuart McLean's books (thanks to my mom-in-law and Annette). These books are filled with tales taken from his humorous radio broadcasts. In the stories, Dave often finds himself getting deeper and deeper into situations that are often predictable yet still hilariously entertaining. Since I have listened to several Vinyl Cafe broadcasts, as I read the stories, I can almost hear McLean's voice, along with his uncanny timing and delivery. McLean's books are a quick and enjoyable read. They bring a smile to my face and make me laugh out loud. I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys humorous stories.

I can't wait to read more of his work and continue to be entertained by his wonderful stories.

I have a deep affection for the radio program. However, for some reason, I never realized that all of the stories are centered around Dave and Morley.

McLean is truly a remarkable storyteller. This talent shines through not only in his oral presentations but also in his written works. The characters he creates are extremely realistic, making it easy for the audience to relate to them. The situations presented in the stories are highly believable, adding to the overall authenticity. Moreover, the stories are filled with humor, which never fails to bring a smile to my face.

There are several books in this series, but in my opinion, the oral programs are even more enjoyable. They have a unique charm that draws the listeners in and keeps them engaged from start to finish. The way McLean brings the characters and stories to life through his voice is truly captivating. It's as if I am right there, experiencing the events along with the characters.

I can't wait to tune in to the next episode and see what new adventures Dave and Morley will embark on.

How I Came To Read This Book:

Every year, I receive a (relatively) random book from my Uncle in Toronto. One year, he sent my sister and I each our own Stuart McLean collection of short stories. This unexpected gift piqued my curiosity and led me to explore the world of Stuart McLean's writing.

The Plot:

Stuart McLean is renowned for his radio variety show, The Vinyl Café. The most beloved segments of the show are the ‘Dave & Morley’ stories, which follow the lives of a married couple in contemporary Toronto, along with their two children, Stephanie and Sam, and their various pets. This collection features some of the more recent stories from the show, centered around ‘deep secrets’ or intriguing scenarios that the main characters find themselves in. From Dave's encounter with a duck in a Halifax hotel room to the mystery of what Sam is receiving in brown paper packages from the mail, each short story offers a fully realized anecdote from a family that feels incredibly real.

The Good & The Bad:

In many ways, Stuart McLean represents a bygone era. The fact that these stories originated from a radio variety program is a testament to that. Initially, I was skeptical that McLean's wholesome and whole-hearted stories would appeal to a young adult like myself. However, I was quickly won over by the deft writing, complex characters, and Canadiana wit that managed to be relatable rather than clichéd. The writing and characterization in these stories are most similar to that of Rebecca Wells, the author of the popular ‘Ya-Ya’ books. While it may not be the page-turning excitement of most modern fiction, it is a collection of stories about people you either know or would love to know, and it allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship of each tale. Yes, it can be a bit mundane at times, but overall, this is a fantastic collection that has firmly placed McLean's other works on my ‘to read’ list for years. Despite being completely unfamiliar with McLean prior to reading this collection, aside from seeing his books and likeness around town, I was able to become fully immersed in the characters and their stories with ease, and I anticipate being able to do so again in the future.

The Bottom Line:

This is Canadian fiction that doesn't try too hard to be Canadian – it simply is. It offers a charming and relatable look at the lives of ordinary people in Canada, told with warmth and humor.

Anything Memorable?:

No

50-Book Challenge?:

No

Stuart McLean's novels never fail to amaze me.

What truly blows me away is the contrast he creates between hilarious stories and profound life lessons within the same books.

His writing style is such that he can seamlessly blend the two elements, making the reading experience not only highly entertaining but also deeply thought-provoking.

The hilarious stories he weaves are filled with vivid characters and absurd situations that have me laughing out loud.

Yet, beneath the humor lies a wealth of wisdom and insights into the human condition.

These life lessons are presented in a way that is both accessible and engaging, allowing readers to easily relate to them and apply them to their own lives.

Stuart McLean's ability to balance comedy and tragedy, laughter and tears, is a testament to his remarkable talent as a writer.

His novels are a joy to read and a source of inspiration for all who pick them up.

Recently, while at my parents' house, I chanced upon a high school textbook brimming with short stories.

In it, I discovered the works of Isaac Asimov, Ernest Hemingway, and William Blake, among others. Instantly, I found myself wondering why we didn't read and discuss these in Literature class. It seems to me that the most uninteresting, dull writings were selected.

However, I digress. We'll have to discuss the shortcomings of the school system on another day. That being said, one writer whom I did enjoy and who managed to find a place in the school curriculum was Stephen Leacock from Orillia, Ontario. His combination of humor and Canadiana was like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise lackluster English program.

Fast forward a decade or two, and a malfunctioning CD player in my car led me to stumble upon CBC Radio. In contrast to the tired, almost criminally overplayed playlist of local radio, CBC was a welcome change. One of the standout programs was the stories of Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Cafe. Many times, I would arrive at my destination and yet not leave the car until I had finished listening to the adventures of Dave, Morley, and their family.

To have these stories in book form is truly a stroke of good fortune. Regardless of your preferred literary genre, this collection has something for everyone. It is an absolute delight to turn the page.

This is one of my favorites in the series.

I have a particular soft spot for it, and I especially loved the afterword.

The afterword added an extra layer of depth and meaning to the story, making it even more memorable.

I find myself constantly thinking about the words and ideas presented in it.

I truly miss the genius of the late Stuart McLean.

His work was a source of inspiration and entertainment for me, and I will always cherish the memories of reading his stories.

Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through his writing, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience his talent.

I look forward to continuing to explore this series and discovering more of the wonderful stories that it has to offer.

Each one is a unique and captivating adventure, and I can't wait to see what comes next.

All the Vinyl books are guaranteed to make you laugh.

These Vinyl books are truly a source of great amusement. They are filled with unique and humorous content that will surely bring a smile to your face. Whether you are a fan of vinyl records or simply looking for a good laugh, these books have something for everyone. The combination of the written word and the visual appeal of the vinyl format makes for a truly engaging and entertaining experience. Each page is filled with witty jokes, funny stories, and charming illustrations that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. So, if you're in need of a good laugh, look no further than the Vinyl books. They are guaranteed to brighten your day and leave you with a sense of joy and amusement.