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cath518's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
A true classic. Why I haven't read it before now is beyond me but now I'm going to read the series.
James Herriot (his pen name) is a country vet in Yorkshire, England. He has just recently graduated from veterinary school and is looking for a position with Siegfried Farnon, who owns the practice. James is quickly thrust into the rural veterinary practice and endears himself to the townspeople. He meets Helen, whom he later marries, while tending to one of her family's animals. The "tales" are not graphic and some are even comical but each chapter is about one of his memorable and/or strange cases as a vet.
A truly delightful read.
James Herriot (his pen name) is a country vet in Yorkshire, England. He has just recently graduated from veterinary school and is looking for a position with Siegfried Farnon, who owns the practice. James is quickly thrust into the rural veterinary practice and endears himself to the townspeople. He meets Helen, whom he later marries, while tending to one of her family's animals. The "tales" are not graphic and some are even comical but each chapter is about one of his memorable and/or strange cases as a vet.
A truly delightful read.
laurengolaughlin's review against another edition
Loan expired. Comforting, slow pace
izzum_pullan08's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
5.0
eemi42's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
3.5
I really like the TV series on PBS and I wanted to read it directly from the source. There are a couple differences—most notably Mrs. Hall is only mentioned occasionally and briefly. I also wish there had been more about Helen. Otherwise, the show was faithful to the material.
It's written less as a story with a beginning, middle, and end but more as a collection of anecdotes and episodes. Makes it really easy to pick it up and read a couple chapters here and there and then go read something else. If I hadn't borrowed it, I probably would've gone through it at a much more leisurely pace.
That being said, it's a relaxing and enjoyable read. There were even a couple times I laughed out loud. I'll probably make my way through the rest of the memoirs at some point.
It's written less as a story with a beginning, middle, and end but more as a collection of anecdotes and episodes. Makes it really easy to pick it up and read a couple chapters here and there and then go read something else. If I hadn't borrowed it, I probably would've gone through it at a much more leisurely pace.
That being said, it's a relaxing and enjoyable read. There were even a couple times I laughed out loud. I'll probably make my way through the rest of the memoirs at some point.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Excrement, Medical content, Animal death, and Blood
Minor: Death
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
I've read a lot of hard-hitting books this month so was total up for something with a cozier, more heartwarming feel. All Creatures Great and Small was perfect for that. This memoir of a veterinarian starting his career in rural UK was perfect. The book has recently been made into a TV series so they've issued new editions of the audiobook, which I had the pleasure of listening to these past few day. The book is narrated by Nicholas Ralph, the actor who plays the lead role in the TV series. He brought a warmth and a depth to the portrayal of James Herriot.
I had not previously read Herriot's books though they had been on my reading radar for awhile. So, when I saw that the audiobook was available for review, I leapt at the chance. In this first volume, Herriot is fresh out of Veterinarian school and is working for established vet Siegfreid Farnon. The two make house calls to help the locals with their livestock and house pets. There is a lot of calving and mending of wounds, but through it all, Herriot writes personably and has an undeniable knack for storytelling.
Now, on to book 2: [b:All Things Bright and Beautiful|38743|All Things Bright and Beautiful (All Creatures Great and Small)|James Herriot|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388197805l/38743._SX50_.jpg|2752234]!
Thank you to the Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
I had not previously read Herriot's books though they had been on my reading radar for awhile. So, when I saw that the audiobook was available for review, I leapt at the chance. In this first volume, Herriot is fresh out of Veterinarian school and is working for established vet Siegfreid Farnon. The two make house calls to help the locals with their livestock and house pets. There is a lot of calving and mending of wounds, but through it all, Herriot writes personably and has an undeniable knack for storytelling.
Now, on to book 2: [b:All Things Bright and Beautiful|38743|All Things Bright and Beautiful (All Creatures Great and Small)|James Herriot|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388197805l/38743._SX50_.jpg|2752234]!
Thank you to the Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
rrgailey's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
Simply delightful. This is a classic for a reason. Feeling overwhelmed by life? Give this audiobook a listen and escape into 1930s rural England with a veterinary surgeon and his tales of quirky but heartwarming animals and farmers.