Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
34(34%)
4 stars
26(26%)
3 stars
39(39%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews
July 15,2025
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Heartwarming, funny, and comforting short stories of life in small town Canada.

These Vinyl Cafe stories have a special charm that makes you feel as if you are coming home to a warm bowl of soup on a cold winter evening.

The characters in these stories are vivid and relatable, and the settings are描绘得栩栩如生, making you feel as if you are right there in the small town.

Whether it's a story about a family's holiday traditions, a neighbor's kindness, or a local event, each story has a unique message that will touch your heart and make you smile.

The Vinyl Cafe stories are a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and a reminder that there is still warmth and kindness in the world.

So, the next time you're feeling stressed or in need of a pick-me-up, curl up with a Vinyl Cafe story and let the magic of small town Canada wash over you.

July 15,2025
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I picked this up after Stuart McLean passed away.

I have always been a huge fan of the Vinyl Cafe on the radio. His unique style, with that lilting tone, the perfectly timed pauses, and his warm and kind humour, was truly captivating. When I heard the news of his passing, I was devastated. I knew that we would never get to hear his voice on the radio again, and it felt like a part of my life had been taken away.

This is the reprint of the first Vinyl Cafe book, and it was the first one I ever read. I have to say, it was wonderful. As I read through the stories, I could almost "hear" McLean's voice in my head. It was like he was right there with me, telling the stories. Of course, like most fans, I would have loved to have more Dave and Morley stories in this volume. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the other stories. They were all well-written and engaging.

Thank you, Stuart McLean, for your service to Canadians. Your stories brought joy and laughter to so many people, and you will be deeply missed.
July 15,2025
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Funny! This simple word holds a world of entertainment and amusement. It has the power to bring smiles to our faces, make us burst out laughing, and lighten our moods.


Funny can come in many forms. It could be a hilarious joke told by a friend, a comical scene in a movie or TV show, or a witty comment made during a conversation. It can also be found in the antics of animals, the absurdities of daily life, or the creativity of comedians.


No matter where it comes from, funny has a universal appeal. It transcends language, culture, and age, and has the ability to bring people together. When we share a funny moment with someone, we create a bond and a sense of connection.


So, the next time you hear or see something funny, don't hold back your laughter. Let yourself enjoy the moment and spread the joy to those around you. Because in a world that can sometimes be serious and stressful, a little bit of funny can go a long way.

July 15,2025
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Simple, charming and very humoured.

These are the qualities that make a person truly stand out. A simple lifestyle often leads to greater happiness and contentment. It allows us to focus on the important things in life and not get caught up in the chaos and complexity.

Charm, on the other hand, is a quality that can attract others to us. It is the ability to make people feel at ease and enjoy our company. A charming person has a certain grace and elegance that is hard to resist.

Finally, a good sense of humour is essential for a happy and fulfilling life. It allows us to laugh at ourselves and at the world around us. A humorous person can turn a difficult situation into a lighthearted one and bring joy to those around them.

In conclusion, being simple, charming and very humoured are qualities that we should all strive to possess. They can bring us greater happiness, attract others to us and make our lives more enjoyable.
July 15,2025
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Stuart McLean was a remarkable storyteller, and this collection of his short stories is truly a gem.

He was well-known for hosting the radio show, the Vinyl Cafe, which aired on CBC. His unique style and engaging narratives captured the hearts of many listeners.

Later, he also took his talent to the stage with live performances. I was fortunate enough to attend one of his shows when he came to town. It was an unforgettable experience.

What makes this collection special is that a significant number of the stories within it have not been recorded before. Moreover, the performances and recordings often omit the swearing that was present in the original books, resulting in a much more lighthearted and family-friendly experience when read by Stuart himself.

I have been a忠实 listener of the Vinyl Cafe for years, and to this day, I still find myself laughing out loud at all the wonderful stories. Stuart McLean's ability to bring characters and their tales to life is truly a gift, and this collection is a testament to his talent.

It's a must-have for any fan of great storytelling.
July 15,2025
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Goodreads recommended this to me because I'm reading Purity.

I'm quite certain that this book could not be any less similar to Purity if it's anything like the radio show.

I really don't know and I have no intention of reading it because that show is among the most boring things I've ever come across.

I couldn't care less about Dave and his dad jokes that are supposed to be witty commentary on Canadian life.

Boo.

(I'm not making any remarks about the quality of Purity because I've also become a bit bored with that, but for very different reasons.)

Perhaps the recommended book has its own unique charm and qualities that I'm missing out on by not giving it a chance.

However, based on my experience with the radio show, I'm just not interested.

Maybe in the future, I'll change my mind and give it a try, but for now, I'm content to stick with Purity and see where that takes me.

July 15,2025
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Picked this up out of nostalgia.

I used to listen to Stuart McLean on CBC in the car with my parents while driving up and down from the farm. His voice and storytelling were such a great comfort.

When I started reading the book, at first I kind of imagined him reading it, but unfortunately, it's just not the same.

Some of the stories in the book made me laugh out loud, while others I thought hmm, didn't really need to read that.

It's definitely a low commitment read, and I almost exclusively read it on the subway.

"Canadiana day to day life anecdotes" sums it up perfectly.

Overall, it was an okay read, but it didn't quite capture the magic that Stuart McLean's voice and live storytelling had.

Maybe it's because when you listen to someone tell a story, you can pick up on their intonations, pauses, and expressions that add so much more to the narrative.

However, it was still nice to revisit some of his stories in written form and remember the good times I had listening to him on the radio.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Stuart McLean or enjoys reading about Canadian day to day life.

It's a quick and easy read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.

July 15,2025
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This is an easy read that you can enjoy right after finishing Pride and Prejudice. It's not only funny but also heartwarming, which makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a light and enjoyable book.

One of the things that I really love about this book is all the Canadian references. They add a unique flavor to the story and make it feel more relatable and familiar for those who are from Canada or have an interest in Canadian culture.

The characters in the book are also very well-developed and engaging. You'll find yourself rooting for them and getting emotionally invested in their stories.

Overall, this is a great book that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good romance or a lighthearted read. It's sure to put a smile on your face and warm your heart.
July 15,2025
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Hysterically funny!

This is an expression that perfectly captures the essence of something extremely comical. When something is hysterically funny, it has the power to make us laugh uncontrollably, until our sides hurt and tears stream down our faces.

It could be a hilarious joke, a witty comment, a slapstick comedy, or a funny situation that catches us off guard. Whatever it is, it has the ability to brighten our day and bring a smile to our lips.

Laughter is truly the best medicine, and when we experience something hysterically funny, we are reminded of just how important it is to find joy and humor in the little things of life. So the next time you come across something that makes you laugh until you can't breathe, embrace it and let the hilarity take over!

July 15,2025
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This book is truly a delightful compilation of stories that revolve around the lives of certain inhabitants in what seems to be a suburb of Toronto.

These individuals, to a great extent, are acquainted with one another and engage in various interactions. While some of the stories are more self-contained, they all share a common charm.

I would describe these tales as quintessentially Canadian, yet it's difficult to precisely put into words why. Perhaps it's because they evoke memories of the way life was in the small Alberta town where I resided during my childhood.

The stories are imbued with warmth and an endearing quality that makes them feel utterly genuine. They offer a peek into the ordinary yet extraordinary lives of these suburban dwellers, capturing the essence of their experiences and emotions in a way that is both relatable and captivating.

Overall, this book is a wonderful read that transports the reader to a world filled with charm, authenticity, and the unique spirit of Canada.
July 15,2025
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A nice, relaxing re-read of this one.

Upon re-reading, I found that my original rating of 3-stars seemed a little low.

It was a really nice visit with Dave, Morley and the gang.

The story once again drew me in and made me feel as if I was a part of their lives.

The characters are so well-developed and the relationships between them are complex and engaging.

I especially enjoyed the interactions between Dave and Morley, which were both humorous and touching at times.

This re-read has made me appreciate the book even more and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.

I'm already looking forward to my next visit with Dave, Morley and the gang.
July 15,2025
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There are so many good reviews, but this book was not for me.

Perhaps it's because my tastes and preferences differ from those who lauded it. The story might have been engaging for others, but it failed to capture my interest.

The characters, though well-developed according to some, didn't resonate with me on a personal level.

Maybe I was expecting something different, a unique perspective or a more profound exploration of certain themes.

However, I can't deny that the book might have its merits. It could be that I simply didn't give it a fair chance or that I was in the wrong mindset when I read it.

Nonetheless, based on my experience, I can't recommend this book. But that doesn't mean it won't be a great read for someone else.

After all, everyone has their own literary tastes and what works for one person might not work for another.
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