3.5 stars. Reading Stuart McLean is truly a wonderful experience that offers a sense of Canadian comfort.

It's like gently wrapping yourself in a warm Hudson Bay blanket on a chilly night.

His works have a unique charm that transports you into the heart of Canada.

The stories are filled with rich characters and vivid descriptions that make you feel as if you are right there in the midst of the action.

Whether it's the small-town adventures or the heartwarming tales of everyday life, Stuart McLean's writing has a way of touching your soul.

Each word seems to be carefully chosen to create a beautiful and engaging narrative.

So, if you're looking for a literary escape that will make you feel cozy and connected to Canada, pick up a book by Stuart McLean and let the magic unfold.

Though Stuart McLean is writing from a Canadian perspective,

he has an extraordinary ability to capture the small details in life.

These details may initially seem insignificant, but they ultimately become the essence of the stories he tells.

By doing so, he makes the stories highly relatable and deeply meaningful.

This was my first foray into his books, and I was truly impressed.

The Vinyl Cafe series offers a unique and engaging reading experience.

The characters are well-developed, and the plots are both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

I will definitely be reading more from the Vinyl Cafe in the future.

I look forward to exploring more of McLean's work and being further captivated by his storytelling prowess.

His ability to find beauty and significance in the ordinary is truly remarkable.

I would highly recommend his books to anyone looking for a good read that will leave them with a smile on their face and a warm feeling in their heart.

This was my very first encounter with the Vinyl Cafe. I had never listened to the radio show prior to reading this book. Due to not having listened to the radio show, I firmly believe that I wasn't as deeply invested or as utterly delighted as I potentially could have been if I had listened before reading.

I found it rather challenging to become fully invested in the characters when there wasn't a central core plot line. I also noticed that I spent a significant amount of my time attempting to link the stories together, assuming that they were interconnected, instead of simply allowing myself to relax, switch off my brain, and fully immerse myself in the story itself.

The top three stories that I derived the most enjoyment from were:

1. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

2. Stanley

3. Skunks

Since this book is composed of a set of short vignettes, it makes for an excellent book to have with you when you have the opportunity for brief reading spurts, such as when waiting for the bus, traveling, or waiting for an appointment.

If you're new to the Vinyl Cafe, I think it would be a wise choice to first tune in to the Vinyl Cafe radio show on CBC. It seems that those who have heard the radio show are more invested in the characters. An alternative recommendation that would have enhanced this book experience and made it more enjoyable would be to read it aloud with a friend or a loved one. I probably would have relished this book even more if I were reading it during a road trip.

Experience the Vinyl Cafe for yourself. Check out these links:

Learn More About the Vinyl Cafe Series

Listen to Vinyl Cafe on CBC

Read More Reviews at www.myaread.wordpress.com

Since I have embarked on my recent reading journey and my mom has been engaged in cleaning out the house, she unearthed a collection of books that she had given me for Christmas many years ago: The Stuart McLean Vinyl Cafe Collection. At that time, her hope was that it would serve as an inspiration for me to read, especially considering the short story format which she thought would be more appealing to a new reader. However, unfortunately, I didn't really take a liking to it back then, and perhaps I only read one of the short stories from the first book.

So when she brought up this collection again, she posed the question to me: whether I was going to read them this time around or if she should give them away. Maybe it was a bit of a guilt trip, but I am now committed to reading more, and suddenly I found myself in possession (or perhaps re-possession?) of four more books, and by another Canadian author no less. Thus, The Vinyl Cafe Collection became my next set of books to devour.

Overall, it is quite charming. Dave and Morley are humorous characters, and the style and tone are easily accessible; my mother was indeed correct about the palatable writing. There are plenty of laughs to be had from the ridiculous things that Dave does. Despite Dave's wild undertakings or musings, McLean infuses a great deal of wacky authenticity. There is an intimate understanding of how quirky humans behave, or perhaps just a goofy understanding of how Canadians tick.

Some of the best parts are simply the references to places or things in Canada or Toronto. It's basically like me doing the DiCaprio meme, pointing to all the references that I recognize.

Speaking of things I know, as I mentioned earlier, I do have a bit of a recollection of the first story, The Pig, which effectively conveys the tone of the stories and the character of Dave. However, my favorite would probably be another animal-related one, Skunks, or perhaps the last one, Remembrance Day, which ended on a slightly more serious note.

Overall, it is enjoyable, and I have a plan to go through all the books that I have owned and neglected over the years. Physical media holds significance, and I am now (partly) literate.

Haven't powered through a book like this in a while.

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories.

Some are comical, bringing a smile to my face and lightening my mood.

Some are sad, tugging at my heartstrings and making me feel a deep sense of emotion.

Some are bittersweet, a mix of joy and sorrow that leaves a complex aftertaste.

And some are truly powerful, like "remembrance day", which had a profound impact on me.

I've been told that I need to actually listen to Stuart McLean.

So for my next road trip, I will make an effort to find some of his recordings.

I'm sad that I didn't get into him until after he passed away.

It's always a pity to discover a great artist or writer after they're gone.

But better late than never, and I'm looking forward to experiencing his work in a new way.

Relatable short stories are truly a source of entertainment and joy.

Take for example the story of Dave and his family. They are constantly doing things that bring out the giggles in me.

Whether it's their silly antics, their hilarious conversations, or their unique way of looking at the world, there's always something about them that makes me smile.

I can easily picture myself in their shoes, experiencing the same kind of laughter and fun.

It's these relatable moments that make short stories so engaging and enjoyable.

They allow us to escape from our own lives for a little while and immerse ourselves in the lives of others.

And in the case of Dave and his family, their story is one that I will always remember and cherish.

It's a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things in life can bring the greatest amount of happiness.

This is my first encounter with this author, and I perceive him as a Canadian version of David Sedaris.

His writing is truly twisted and engaging. The long premises he presents are astonishing and completely lead us in a different direction.

It's extremely difficult to put down his work once you start reading.

The way he crafts his stories and the unique perspectives he offers keep the readers hooked from beginning to end.

Each sentence seems to be carefully constructed to surprise and delight.

Whether it's the unexpected plot twists or the humorous yet thought-provoking observations, this author has a talent for captivating the audience.

I'm looking forward to exploring more of his works and seeing where his creative mind takes us next.

I truly have a deep affection for this book. The reason is that I have been a long-time listener of the Vinyl Cafe radio show.

Stuart McLean is an outstanding storyteller, not only on paper but also on the radio. His ability to weave engaging and heartwarming tales is simply remarkable.

The stories in the book are like little treasures, each one filled with unique characters and situations that draw you in and make you feel as if you are a part of the story.

Whether it's about the everyday lives of ordinary people or the extraordinary events that occur, McLean has a way of making them come alive.

His writing style is warm and inviting, and it's easy to get lost in his words. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story.

The situation turned out to be much darker than what was initially expected.

It was a complete contrast to the hopeful anticipation that had preceded it. However, within this darkness, there was a glimmer of something remarkable - honesty and reality.

The events that unfolded were presented in their true and unadorned form, without any attempt at sugarcoating or false pretenses. This made the experience all the more profound and impactful.

It forced one to confront the harsh truth and face the situation head-on.

Although the darkness was overwhelming at times, the presence of honesty and reality provided a sense of grounding and authenticity.

It served as a reminder that in life, we must be prepared for the unexpected and learn to navigate through the darkest of times with integrity and a firm grip on the truth.

What a lovely treat indeed!

I managed to finish this collection of short stories within a day. (It wasn't too difficult to do, actually.) Some of the stories are truly quirky and great fun. Take "Shirts as well as Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner" for example. It has a unique charm that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Some stories combine humour and pathos in a masterful way. "Stanley" is a prime example of this. The author's ability to blend these two elements creates a story that is both entertaining and deeply moving.

However, not all stories are all sunshine and rainbows. Some, like "Sports Injuries", can be frustrating and even infuriating. They make you question the actions and decisions of the characters.

And then there are those stories that break your heart. "Polaroids" is one such story. It has a poignant ending that will leave you with a sense of sadness and longing.

The writing in this collection is simple yet of top-notch quality. It is filled with plenty of reminders of my Canadian home, which made it even more special for me. I truly loved this collection of short stories and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

Reading in reverse chronology offers an engaging perspective on how McLean discerns what is successful and what isn't. It's also remarkable to note a distinct writing style that is concise and structured. Rating - 7.8

Just like in the other Vinyl Café installments, it is the escapades and humanity of Dave and his family that make for the most enjoyable reading. The story incorporates a wonderful blend of humor and values that offer life lessons for the day.

This unique approach to reading allows readers to see the evolution of the characters and the events in a different light. It adds an extra layer of depth and interest to the narrative.

The short and structured writing style makes it easy to follow and understand, while still maintaining the charm and warmth that is characteristic of the Vinyl Café series.

Overall, this book provides an entertaining and thought-provoking read that is sure to delight fans of the series and newcomers alike.

If you haven't read these in a while, you might note that they tend to run a little shorter and a lot more somber than the stories you might remember from the last 20 years of Vinyl Cafe.

You can still see Stuart trying to find his storytelling voice and maybe carrying around the short story baggage dropped into the arms of aspiring writers by Cheever, Carver, et al.

The stories here are still quite excellent, both in their own right and as anthropological evidence from the evolution of one of Canada's greatest storytellers.

I first encountered McLean when he was much more established. I would like to say "fully formed" but I think he would disagree that he was ever that.

It's wonderful - wistful, but wonderful - to think of him as young and aspirational and not yet sure of what type of writer he would be.

I ding the collection a rating star, however, because of the exclusion of the story "Polaroids" from my volume.

It's one of my all-time favorite stories and I have no idea where to find it anymore.

And I can't even write Stuart McLean a crazy fan letter complaining about it.

Re-reading this collection made me very sad. I miss Stuart McLean about as much as a person can miss anyone they never actually met.

This collection hit me a lot harder than I expected because it's so much about aging and mortality.

I couldn't help but picture him as a young artist, in his 30s or 40s, writing these stories, thinking about his country, his community, his aging parents, and looking down the barrel of the rest of his life.

But it also filled me with joy to think about his journey and what he was able to give to the world and to reflect back on my relationship with him, his stories, and his program.

To paraphrase McLean in "Driving Lessons," aging, hell life, is not for sissies.

It's a reminder that we all have our own paths to follow and that even in the face of sadness and loss, there is still beauty and joy to be found.

Stuart McLean's stories will continue to live on and touch the hearts of readers for years to come.