Home from the Vinyl Cafe: A Year of Stories. Stuart McLean

We May Not Be Big, But We're Small, reads the framed motto by the cash register in The Vinyl Cafe, a quirky second-hand record store in Canada. The stories in this book chronicle the misadventures of the Vinyl Cafe's proprietor, Dave. Dave, and his wife Morley, would, no doubt, tell you that life is what you make it. Unfortunately, that means a compilation of mistakes, misunderstandings and muddle. After all, what father's humanity wouldn't be challenged by a USD563.30 bill for a sick guinea pig? Whose backyard hasn't been placed under siege when a rare bird takes up residence? Luckily for Morley and Dave the chaotic melody of life is underscored by the harmonious sounds of family, friends and neighbours. People like Kenny Wong who runs Wong's Scottish Meat Pies down the street from the record store. The book introduces a multitude of characters in twenty hilarious hymns to common foibles and everyday absurdities.