Vinyl Cafe Unplugged

I miss Stuart McLean. It's been almost 3 years since he died and the last new episode of Vinyl Cafe was in November of 2015 so it has been a while since we have heard that evocative program of ordinary (but sometimes very humourous) family life. Thankfully McLean published quite a few of his stories in books like this so you can continue to read his special brand of wit and whimsy.

There are some laugh out loud minutes in this group of stories. I particularly thought the first story about Arthur the dog was funny but maybe that's just because I've had a few quirky dogs in my time. The story about Morley directing the kids' school Christmas (excuse me Holiday) Pageant is vintage Stuart McLean right up there with the stories about cooking show more the turkey and making fruit cake. And I also liked the last story which was about a man that coached Dave in baseball when he was young. It's a moving tribute that could apply to any number of volunteer coaches who pass on important lessons to the young people who come under their tutelage. show less

McLean has a wonderful talent for creating extraordinary situations out of the most jejune events. Funny, honest, incisive, these stories give a glimpse into a loveable family which is an extension of our own. McLean, in his more serious pieces, also has the talent uncovering the human heart and making us shed a few tears of laughter and of compassion.

I wasn't expecting a really great read from this book. It was something I picked up when I had some time and nothing to read, so I grabbed the most appealing cover at Wal-Mart.

The first story made me giggle. The second one made me laugh out loud in the middle of a McDonald's and after that I was hooked.

Great stories about a family and their miscellaneous adventures including toilet-training their cat and home-repairs demolition-style.

A wonderful collection of stories that range from laugh out loud funny to gently poignant. The exploits of Dave and Morley, their kids, Sam and Stephanie, Arthur the dog and Galway the cat are told with amazing warmth and humor. I can't wait to read more from this Canadian author.

If you're looking for a light, funny read, this is it.

Vinyl Café is a charming collection of stories based on the radio show by the late Stuart McLean.

The stories all focus on Dave and Morley, as well as family and neighbors, so there is a definite cohesiveness to the collection.

I had never really listened to the radio shows, but I knew a lot of people who did. Much of the material from the radio broadcast is available to listen to on Spotify. In fact one of my favorite episodes appears in this book; titled “Odd Jobs". If you have ever loved a man who could turn an odd job into a major project, or if you are a man who has either done that, or helped a friend who has done that – listen to that episode! You won't regret it.

The book opens with a story titled “Arthur" that literally show more had me chuckling out loud. Arthur is the family dog, and like any dog, he is quite the character.

Despite this book being categorized as Humour, some of the stories Will tug at your heartstrings. I think for me that was part of the real charm of this book. In life, there is always joy and sorrow. Neither exists alone.

Seriously though read or listen to “Odd Jobs" and “Arthur” if you haven't already, because everyone can benefit from a good laugh once in a while. show less

What happens when the woman of the house wants an electrical outlet near the table for plugging in the toaster – and man of the house decides to surprise her by doing it himself?

Is the school Christmas pageant a smashing success when a new director (experienced in this sort of thing) takes over – with help from her trusty husband?

How do you determine if the elderly couple next door is dead or alive throughout the winter when (unbeknown to you) they hibernate in their basement? And how do you address your concerns to their son whom you do not know very well?

What happens to a valuable/collectible record album that turns up unexpectedly and the new owner must keep it hidden until it subsequently becomes lost to him?

Oh, so many funny show more and poignant stories about pets, relationships, personal insecurity, and much more are to be found in this book by a wonderful Canadian writer. The award winning series of the Vinyl Cafe, taken from CBC radio programs, is delightful, absolutely hilarious, and at times even touching. It matters not in what order you read them. This is the second book I have read in this series. It does not disappoint! I'd say even better than the last... show less

A good light read. Each one of the stories is charming and most are funny, yet none of them come off as overly sappy.