Extreme Vinyl Cafe (2009)

Another light book from Stuart McLean with more stories about Dave and his exploits. A comfortable read, like a mug of hot chocolate in front of a fire during a snowstorm, McLean's books are the very definition of Canada. An enjoyable little read. ( )

"I've been a fan of Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe books since I was a kid.

I've just finished reading the book, Extreme Vinyl Cafe, and while it's classic Dave and Morley, I have to say I'm a bit disappointed. I think it's the fact that I'm over-saturated by the podcast and reading so many of the books, but I'd already heard all the stories in Extreme Vinyl Cafe. I know two of them we heard at the concert, and I know at least another two (for certain) I heard on the podcast. They were great stories, and I enjoyed them, but it was disappointing because I was expecting new Vinyl Cafe stories.

However, if you have never read The Vinyl Cafe or heard Stuart McLean's stories, I strongly urge you to check out this quintessential Canadian storyteller. He is not only magnificent at weaving a tale but also has a lovely voice.

Read my full review on my blog: http://www.monniblog.com/2010/08/extreme-vinyl-cafe-by-stuart-mclean/" ( )

Stuart McLean is a master story teller. Over many years of listening to his stories, I feel as if I've come to know Dave and Morley and their family. This collection of stories will be a real treat for any Vinly Cafe fan.

I espeically like "The Lottery Ticket", which is about having a dream. ( )

I have been listening to Vinyl Cafe stories on the radio (or, more recently, via podcast) for 12 or 13 years now. I keep expecting a dip in form, or some repetition to creep in or...well, something to start to degenerate. Instead, the stories keep getting better and funnier and more touching. One of my new favourites, "The Waterslide", included in this book, is a perfect example.

There are differences from these printed versions to the ones you hear on the radio or podcast. There are extra paragraphs that were obviously cut for time during the broadcast. There are certain sentences that are slightly different. These differences make it worth revisiting these stories in printed form, even if (like me), you have as many Vinyl Cafe podcasts saved as possible.

Each time a new book of Vinyl Cafe stories comes out, it's always better than the last. This one continues that tradition. ( )

After so many years of Vinyl Cafe stories, it's hard to believe that McLean can still keep them fresh. Yet, incredibly, they still are! In this series, there's more traveling: to Quebec City, where young Sam learns to bridge cultural gaps through the language of love, to Montreal where Dave finds out that the old stately Westmount homes can be dangerous and to Cape Breton, where Dave grew up and learns that his 80 year-old mother decides to marry again. McLean has a real talent for turning innocuous events into hilarious and sometimes outrageous tales. There is a tenderness and an appreciation for the simple things in life that make these stories truly memorable and deeply human.
So what of the Extreme? Well, admittedly McLean wasn't really listening when his editor proposed the idea... and extreme sensations isn't really what the Vinyl Cafe is about. But consider: the fastest roller coaster in Toronto, bungee jumping off the side of a cruise ship, and a two story home-made water slide - there are some extreme moments and guaranteed laughter.
Thank you, McLean, for creating a Canadian tradition. ( )