Reviews

The Wonderful World of James Herriot by James Herriot

mhbookalicious's review

adventurous challenging emotional informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

As someone who recently feel in love with the joys and wonders of Darrowby while watching the newest All Creatures Great and Small, I was so excited at the opportunity to listen to this audiobook before it's release date (Thanks Macmillan Audio!)! The fact that the audiobook is narrated by Nicholas Ralph and Anna Madeley really makes this even more incredible for lovers of the show!
This was quite an interesting listen and definitely something a little outside of my normal reads because it is non-fiction with a dash of fiction (so there is something for everyone) and a focus on the veterinary practices. At first, it was a little confusing because Nicholas Ralph would narrate sections about James Herriot (a fictional character created by Alfred White) and Anna Madeley would narrate sections that were the nonfictional aspect, talking about Alfred White and the true stories behind the beloved characters and plots of the amazing James Herriot books! 
Definitely a great read/listen for anyone who loves the All Creatures Great and Small universe! 

dwkiley's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

5.0

barnstormingbooks's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative medium-paced

5.0

 Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. 

I have loved James Herriot’s books for as long as I can remember. While they were the reason I did not want to be a vet, they did bring me joy and occasionally a good cathartic cry. Herriot’s work was also a deciding factor in my semester abroad in England. 

This is a compilation work, narrated by the actor currently playing Herriot in the recent series. The compilation themes stories from earlier publications, giving context to each story and explaining how the truth of Alf White’s experiences align with those of his creation James Herriot in these creative semi-nonfiction stories. 

For those that wonder, was TrickyWoo a real dog? Did the young vet really have to lay on the floor as a cow crushed his arm in the birth canal while wearing formal wear? Was Sigfried really that erratic?… Here is the answer, but without destroying the magic created by the nom de plume of James Herriot.  

 

cassiecat's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

🎧4⭐️

Read by Anna Madeley ( Mrs Hall in the latest drama) , Nicholas Ralph (James Herriot in the drama) and Rosie Page (James Herriott’s daughter) 

This is one for the die hard fans who are interested in the facts, names and places behind the stories. The stories are a collection from the original books. Still had me chuckling on many an occasion, with an occasional tear too. 

If you have been introduced to the series from the recent tv shows, I’d read the original books or audiobooks. 

Needless to say if you are devoted die hard fan then you’ll want to add this to your collection. 

I hadn’t realised just how many books worldwide that he’d sold. I especially loved the catch up of all the main characters at the end. I must say it bought a tear to my eye. 

bamamelereads's review against another edition

funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

4.25

This was an absolute delight. I can’t tell you how many times I read James Herriot’s books as a kid, but I can tell you my paperbacks were well-worn. Revisiting the stories was like a warm hug. I especially enjoyed the audio and narrators as it was easy to differentiate between the new background information we’re getting and the favorite stories being told from the previous books. I loved hearing about favorite characters and animals along with stories about the real people behind them. 
I think anyone that already loves these stories or someone new to them would love the audiobook and I highly recommend it. 

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early listen. All opinions are my own. 

zoeelizabethk's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

I will forever love anything to do with James Herriot. The Wonderful World of James Herriot shares some of the best of the stories from the Dales and beyond, interspersed with insight into the life and inspiration of James Wight from his children Jim and Rosie. This was a delight to read, and, even if like me you've read all the Herriot books multiple times, this book is still worth checking out for a glimpse into our favorite vet's life.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

55_sallymander's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful informative lighthearted reflective relaxing

5.0

5 stars, Animal Lover

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF JAMES HERRIOT
by James Herriot

This is an exciting autobiography book composed of James Herriot's many adventures as a rural veterinarian and his children's memories of different escapades.

Since I own several of his books, I knew this book would also be enjoyable. Highly recommend it.

James Herriot is the pen name of James Alfred "Alf" Wight. He often went beyond the call of duty to take care of a sick or injured animal, such was his love for God's creatures.

#TheWonderfulWorldOfJamesHerriot #nonfiction #autobiography