For months, I have tried to get back into the habit of reading more. I do love reading, and it’s been a big part of my life ever since I learned how to sound out the letters, but there are times in my life when it can be difficult to find or more honestly, make the time. Sometimes I’m more interested in binge watching something on Netflix, or sleeping. It wasn’t until I started reading my latest read every night that I realized what I’ve been missing in my life.
For Christmas, my parents got me the newest collection of short stories from beloved writer, Stuart McLean. If you’re familiar with The Vinyl Cafe, then you know how funny the stories are, how real the characters are, and what a talent McLean is. It had been a while since I’ve sat down to read the stories, but I often listen to them before going to sleep, or when Christopher and I travel. There’s just something about McLean’s voice that is so familiar and calming to me, that I never tire of it. Plus, he has great comedic timing.
Vinyl Cafe Turns the Page is all about changes and growing with Dave, Morley, their children and their community. We get to see Sam growing up, Stephanie being an adult, and how their parents deal with those changes, as well as others like caring for their own elderly parents. I had heard some of the stories before, like “The Defibrillator” (which is one of the funniest I’ve ever heard), but I didn’t care, because it’s just as funny each time I read or hear it. While the short stories are funny, they are even more heartwarming. I read one story ever night for just over a week, and loved spending that time with one of my favourite authors, laughing out loud, getting lost in the poetic imagery, feeling my heart open up, feeling a special love and connection that only words can produce. Stuart McLean is the real deal. He pulls you in with something funny or charming, and then tugs on your heartstrings right when you least expect it. I love being reminded why I love an author, and seeing that they are still improving their perfect talent.
If you love to laugh, to think, to cry or just want something that will make you excited to read, this is the book for you.
Have you read this book or any of the other Vinyl Cafe collections? What did you think?
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