Welcome to the world of the Vinyl Cafe. Meet Dave, the proud owner of the world's smallest record store. Meet his pal, Kenny Wong, who runs Wong... read full description
reviews
Nov 06, 2007
Gene
rated it: 
These stories made me simply, deeply happy.
"To be that close to a face with that look is something that you never forget. She was sitting on the couch talking to Michael when she noticed that his glasses had begun to fog up - for no apparent reason - and he seemed to be out of breath. Which struck her as peculiar, because he wasn't moving. He was just sitting there with his arm around her shoulders. She wasn't sure how it got there. Then she realized his face, with that far More...
"To be that close to a face with that look is something that you never forget. She was sitting on the couch talking to Michael when she noticed that his glasses had begun to fog up - for no apparent reason - and he seemed to be out of breath. Which struck her as peculiar, because he wasn't moving. He was just sitting there with his arm around her shoulders. She wasn't sure how it got there. Then she realized his face, with that far More...
2 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 16, 2008
Devin
rated it: 
I got this book for Christmas and had several other books in line ahead of it. When I started it, it seemed a little dry and difficult to get into. However, once I had read a few chapters and became acquainted with the characters it was a very fun, lighthearted read. The four family members each have their own unique personalities and each chapter tells the story of some quirky incident that one or all of the family members are involved in, and include many flashbacks that are interesting and
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 17, 2009
Ken
rated it:
Sometimes you never know what you might find in the bargain bin. I grabbed this about a year ago because I liked the title (shallow, I know). Motivated by my personal history as an obsessive LP collector I was lured to the "Vinyl Cafe" for whatever stories were available. Turns out, Stuart McLean is Canada's answer to Garrison Keilor. The book is loaded with heartwarming short stories that are all centered around a single family facing many of the same life challenges we all experien
More...
Jan 07, 2012
Sarah
rated it:
I can see why Stuart McLean is one of Canada's beloved storytellers through the warmth, humanity and humor of his stories. My favorite stories came early in the book, one of them being "Turkey" which starts off both the book and the Winter section. The description of the turkey before it was roasted had me and my husband howling with laughter. Another favorite is the one about the birthday party, especially the scene where Dave tries to frost the cake while it is still warm. My husband
More...
Jan 17, 2010
Wendy
rated it:
I have "Polly Anderson's Christmas Party" on a holiday CD, and it took me several years to think to look up the storyteller. From there it took me a few hours to get my hands on one of his books, which coincidentally has that very story in it. These are great fun, the kind of domestic humor you can relate to precisely BECAUSE it's all a little over the top. I think my favorite story is Burd, although the funniest one is when Dave cooks the turkey. I'm referring here to my favorites
More...
Mar 28, 2010
Kimberly
rated it:
a collection of stories about dave, owner of the vinyl cafe record store, and his family. i first read the equally fantastic vinyl cafe unplugged a couple of years ago and just this weekend happily discovered that there are actually a bunch vinyl cafe books! the stories are funny and endearing; i smiled through the whole book (and laughed out loud a few times on the metro). i love all of the characters, including their pets, the neighbors, emil the gardening homeless man, and kenny wong purvey
More...
Feb 13, 2008
Mike
rated it:
When I decided to start up a “52 books in 52 weeks” challenge for myself, I headed on over to the good folks at La Maison Anglaise, Québec City’s premier English-language bookstore, for a savvy recommendation which would ween me back into the joys of reading. For you see, it’s not without a certain amount of shame that I have not regularly read since university. So, as you may gather, I have some catching up to do and some habits to re-grow.
So I was suggested that CBC host Stuart McL More...
So I was suggested that CBC host Stuart McL More...
Jan 27, 2008
Willie
rated it: 
I had a gift certificate at a local bookstore, and so picked this up pretty randomly. The author has been compared to Garrison Keillor, which sounded promising, but I've been pretty disappointed.
It's a series of stories about a family and (sometimes) their record store, and I thought it'd be some pleasant and diverting light reading, but it ends up feeling a lot like a mediocre sit-com or a bad Ben Stiller movie (as opposed to what other kind he makes, I don't know...).
The first s More...
It's a series of stories about a family and (sometimes) their record store, and I thought it'd be some pleasant and diverting light reading, but it ends up feeling a lot like a mediocre sit-com or a bad Ben Stiller movie (as opposed to what other kind he makes, I don't know...).
The first s More...
May 22, 2011
Linda
rated it:
Love vinyl cafe and love Dave. Best line of the book about his 16 yr old daughter, "she was mad about something- mostly nervous probably. Dave looked at her across the table, scowling into her cereal bowl, and his heart went out to the boys into whose lives his daughter was about to march. Somewhere, he thought, some poor kid who has no idea what is heading his way is calmly eating breakfast.". Ha. McLean makes me laugh out loud and want to cry at the same time. What more can you
More...
Jul 27, 2011
Heather
rated it:
Nowhere near as good as "Vinyl Cafe Unplugged" but still had some good moments. There were fewer laugh out loud bits but they were there. The best stories were "Be-Bop-A-Lula," "Burd," "On The Roof," and "Polly Anderson's Christmas Party." I think there are two other books in this series, but unfortunately my local library system doesn't have them. I'm going to have to get creative here...
Oct 21, 2009
Stefan
rated it:
Stuart McLean knows how to tell a funny story. This book is a quick read that contains many laughs about a whole range of topics. The author uses a conversational style of writing, everyday events, and his cast of characters to create some excellent comedy. I realized, halfway through the book that some of the stories felt familiar, I must have heard them on CBC.
Aug 01, 2009
Matt
rated it:
I enjoy the radio program when I have a chance to listen. Hearing the stories (I had not heard any of these prior to reading them) and reading them, two different undertakings. The background and side trips into the periphery distract from the overall story, at least in the written form. But still, I do like the short stories, good, bad or otherwise.
Jan 04, 2009
Emily
rated it: 
B and I read a bunch of stories from this book over Christmas. We didn't actually read all the stories - but I felt I should add it to my list. These stories are hilarious! Especially the ones about Christmas. "Dave cooks the turkey" is just great! Listening to the stories is an even better way to go - since McLean has a great Canadian accent.
Oct 18, 2011
Ineke
rated it:
Lovely cameo's of life, written with humour and human insight. Every story yet different again, whereas the main characters remain the same and they read like peaks into their lives and the cementing as well as continuation of their lives together....
Apr 06, 2009
Shannon
rated it:
I rarely laugh out loud when I am reading but luckily there is a book to cure me of that. Home from the Vinyl Cafe has my favourite story featuring Dave and Morley and their family - its the last one in this collection "Polly Anderson's Christmas Party".
Dec 10, 2011
Lindsay
rated it:
I always enjoy the stories of Stuart McLean, though I usually prefer to hear them read by the author. I love that I can easily sit down and read a quick story between chores, or while waiting to pick up a child. This particular compilation isn't my favourite, but still a good one.
Sep 22, 2011
Suzanne
rated it:
This book was my introduction to the whole series. I am now hooked. The believable ways that Dave does all he does, coupled with Stuart Mclean's incredible story telling make this book a cheer-me up, pick-me up, cuddle in kind of book
Sep 19, 2010
Margaret
rated it: 
Very similar in feel to Garrison Keillor. Amiable but not exactly any surprises and for some reason I never quite got into it. However I did read it in 1 day starting on the train journey into London and finished it before I went to sleep!
Jul 01, 2009
Jill
rated it:
I have the audio versions of all of Stuart McLean's books. To hear him reading his stories makes them real. He is a fabulous story teller, no question. I laugh and cry and laugh again. I love him.
Dec 31, 2008
David
rated it:
I find Stuart McLean to be a very funny man. I love his audio books SO much - he has sia own delivery techniques. In MY opinion, this makes Lake Wobegone rather dreary and pedestrian.
Apr 19, 2009
John
rated it:
I had to read this book listening to it in my head as if Garrison Keillor were reading it. For some reason I can't stand to listen to Stuart McLean talk. Fun Canadian stories.
May 26, 2010
Loralie
rated it:
He is such a funny, and tender author. I would be reading his stories on the couch when I would just bust up laughing. My family looked at me very strangely...
Jan 20, 2009
Glynda
rated it:
It's Canadian and it is funny. Love the stories of Dave, Morley and family. Stuart is the Canadian counterpart of Garrison Keillor. Easy to read.
Jun 01, 2011
Amber
rated it:
What a fantastic book! I loved every minute of it. Laughed out loud throughout and also teared up a few times. I need to find more of these books!
Feb 03, 2011
Eniko
rated it:
This book got many an audible laugh and quite a few giggles out of me. I'd recommend it to anyone in need of cheering up. :o)
May 03, 2010
Krista
rated it:
I am in love with Dave, Morley, Stephanie, and Sam. Any of the Vinyl Cafe books are amazing, and are absolutely hilarious!
Feb 05, 2011
Annalise
rated it:
I read the story about Dave cooking the turkey every Christmas. It still brings me to fits of laughter.
Nov 13, 2011
Nicole
rated it:
Hilarious and heart-warming book about a fictional family. Recommended for anyone and everyone.
Jul 16, 2011
Dan
rated it:
Hilariously funny and very well-written! You're guaranteed to laugh throughout the entire book!
Nov 19, 2011
Janee
rated it:
Can't get enough of these stories. They always have me laughing out loud.
