A truly compelling cast of characters populates these short stories. They are brimming with humour, pathos, and idiosyncrasies that make them come alive on the page. Each character has their own unique charm and personality, which adds depth and interest to the tales.

The stories are filled with touching moments of memory, grief, and the everyday problems that we all face. These moments are so well-written that they tug at the heartstrings and make the reader feel a connection to the characters.

The author is a gifted storyteller who has a real talent for creating engaging and emotional stories. I found myself completely captivated by each story and eager to read more. I can't wait to see what else this talented author has in store for us!

Stuart McLean is truly one of the most quintessential Canadian storytellers. His captivating tales have been a staple on the CBC airwaves for as long as I can recall.

The first book in the Vinyl Café series is brimming with these engaging stories. Although they might be in a less polished form compared to how they developed as Dave and Morley evolved as characters over time.

I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to this 2009 edition by McLean. He reflects on the various changes to the stories and the modifications in how they are curated into this volume. His musings on getting to know Dave and Morley as both people and characters throughout the years are touching and fascinating, setting a wonderful tone for an enjoyable read.

However, a few of the stories haven't aged as well as one might have hoped. And as someone who was introduced to Vinyl Café later in life, it was a bit strange to encounter less emphasis on Dave and Morley than what I had come to associate with the series. This collection of stories is also more complex, somewhat darker, and at times, melancholic and forlorn, rather than just the laughable moments I remember from the CBC and the highlights we used to share. Of course, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's just a bit different from those childhood memories.

Nevertheless, it's still a wonderful volume that ranges from comedy to melancholy and makes for a very enjoyable and light read. I'm really looking forward to delving into the rest of the volumes in the series.

Love the light-hearted humour and characters in the Vinyl Cafe.

The Vinyl Cafe is a truly wonderful place that never fails to bring a smile to my face. The light-hearted humour that permeates every story and interaction within its walls is simply infectious. It has the power to brighten even the dullest of days.

The characters that inhabit the Vinyl Cafe are equally charming. They are unique, with their own quirks and personalities, yet they all come together to create a warm and inviting community. Whether it's the kind-hearted owner, the loyal customers, or the interesting newcomers, each character adds their own special touch to the overall atmosphere of the place.

I find myself constantly drawn to the Vinyl Cafe, not just for its great music and coffee, but for the sense of joy and belonging that it provides. It's a place where I can relax, unwind, and let the light-hearted humour and wonderful characters wash over me.

I truly love the Vinyl Cafe and all that it represents. It's a haven in a busy world, and I'm grateful to have discovered it.

He is truly a remarkable person.

No matter what the situation is, he will never fail to make me laugh.

His sense of humor is like a bright light in the darkness, always able to bring joy and warmth to my heart.

Whether it's through his witty remarks, hilarious stories, or comical expressions, he has an amazing ability to turn any ordinary moment into a memorable and laughter-filled one.

I am so grateful to have him in my life, as his presence always makes my days brighter and more enjoyable.

He is not only a great source of entertainment but also a wonderful friend who I can always count on to make me smile.

This was indeed a good short read that managed to keep my attention throughout.

However, I do have to admit that I think it's a bit of a dated book. The language and some of the concepts might seem a little old-fashioned in today's context.

Nonetheless, it's still a decent short read. The characters are quite likeable, and the situations and struggles they face are ones that many readers can relate to.

It's interesting to see how the author has developed the characters and their relationships.

Overall, while it may not be the most modern or cutting-edge book, it still has its charm and is worth a read for those who enjoy a simple and engaging story.

Such an enjoyable compilation of short stories! Stuart Maclean's stories are truly remarkable. They have this unique ability to make you laugh out loud while also making you feel deeply understood. It's as if he has an innate understanding of the authentic human experience. Each story is like a little gem, filled with humor, warmth, and relatable characters. You can't help but get drawn into the world that Maclean has created. It's a joy to read these stories and discover the different perspectives and emotions that he explores. Whether it's a story about love, friendship, or just the ordinary moments of life, Maclean manages to make it engaging and entertaining. This compilation is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a touch of the human spirit.

Absolutely delightful!

I have an unwavering love for Dave and Morley. They are truly a remarkable pair.

Dave is such a charming and kind-hearted individual. His warm smile can light up a room and his gentle nature makes everyone around him feel at ease.

Morley, on the other hand, is full of life and energy. Her infectious laughter and positive attitude are truly contagious.

Together, they form a beautiful bond that is a joy to witness. Their love for each other is palpable and it shines through in everything they do.

Whether they are going on adventures or simply spending a quiet evening at home, their presence is always a source of happiness and inspiration for me.

I feel so lucky to have them in my life and I look forward to many more wonderful memories with them.

Hilarious!

This book was truly an excellent read.

I was completely captivated by the way the various stories seamlessly wove into each other.

It was like a masterful tapestry, with each thread adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative.

The author's skill in creating such a rich and engaging world is truly remarkable.

Every page was filled with humor, heart, and unexpected twists.

I found myself laughing out loud at some of the more absurd moments, while also being touched by the more emotional ones.

I can't wait to read the rest of the book and see where the story takes me.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and entertaining read that will keep them on the edge of their seat.

It's a real gem that I'm sure I'll be thinking about for a long time to come.

I truly enjoyed reading this.

Some of the parts within it were extremely funny, making me burst into laughter.

On the other hand, there were also some very sad segments that tugged at my heartstrings.

What made it even more special was that all of it felt so very relatable to my own life experiences.

It was as if the author had captured the essence of various emotions and situations that we all encounter at some point.

After finishing this installment, I find myself eagerly looking forward to reading more of the series.

I can't wait to see what new adventures, emotions, and relatable moments lie ahead in the subsequent books.

The anticipation is building up inside me, and I'm sure that the next parts will be just as engaging and captivating as this one.

Funny, clever and heart-warming. These three words perfectly describe the essence of many great stories and experiences.

Humour has the power to lighten our moods, make us laugh out loud and forget our troubles for a while. It can come in many forms, such as a witty joke, a hilarious situation or a comical character.

Cleverness, on the other hand, showcases intelligence and ingenuity. It can be seen in the way someone solves a problem, comes up with a unique idea or uses their skills and knowledge in an unexpected way.

Finally, heart-warming moments touch our emotions and make us feel a sense of love, kindness and compassion. They can be as simple as a smile from a stranger, a kind gesture from a friend or a beautiful act of selflessness.

Together, these elements create a powerful combination that can bring joy, inspiration and a sense of connection to our lives. Whether it's through a funny movie, a clever book or a heart-warming event, we should always seek out these experiences and share them with others.

This was an extremely cute and hilarious read.

The stories presented were highly relatable to our daily lives. Despite their ordinariness, the humor that oozed out of them was truly remarkable and made them unforgettable.

I couldn't help but laugh out loud on numerous occasions.

It was an incredibly enjoyable experience.

The author's ability to find humor in the simplest of things is truly a gift.

Each story was like a little gem, shining with wit and charm.

It was a pleasure to read and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted and entertaining book.

Overall, it was a great read that left me with a smile on my face.

I really waffled in this one. I was on the verge of giving it a 2. However, upon further reflection, I think that would have been unfair. It wasn't a bad book of short stories. It simply wasn't the Vinyl Café that I know and love.

I have read many of the other Vinyl Café stories, listened to them on the radio, and even saw Stuart McLean live more than once. But none of these stories in this particular book gave me the same intense emotional rollercoaster that I'm accustomed to.

They were good, yet they made me feel uncomfortable. Typically, I enjoy a good short story that makes me uncomfortable or has complex and messy characters. But when I opened this book, I didn't expect Dave to have a crush on a university student or to read a short story detailing all of the small animal deaths witnessed by the main character. Again, these are good stories in their own right, but they are not at all what I look for in a Vinyl Café story.

This just goes to show how much these characters have evolved and developed over the years. It's a reminder that even beloved characters can change and take unexpected turns.