Written as compendium of many of Stuart McLean’s humourous stories from his radio show, the Vinyl Café, Home From the Vinyl Cafe follows the life and exploits of a less than ordinary Toronto family. Covering adventures across Canada during all seasons, Stuart McLean’s collection of stories is a joy to read.

What could go wrong with attempting to cook a Christmas turkey in the last few hours before dinner? Accidentally letting your sister’s cat out of the cage? Or a family road trip to a rented cottage? Apparently, quite a bit. These are only a few examples of the many laugh-out-loud stories in the collection.

Stuart McLean’s distinctive humour pervades the novel, with clever and witty writing driving the story. This book is guaranteed to make you laugh, and the stories he tells are equal parts ludicrous and all too familiar.

Suitable for all readers, Home From the Vinyl Café, contains short stories and accessible language for most reading levels. Readers who have heard of his radio show and enjoyed it, or those simply looking for humour will appreciate this novel. To readers then enjoyed this book, I would recommend some of Bill Bryson’s books, such as A Walk in the Woods, or any of the other publications by Stuart McLean—you can choose from over 50 of this Canadian author’s works.