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unanun's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Undoubtably whimsical, waxing poetic, and romantically inspired by rural life, this semi-autobiographical book makes a case for a simple life where people do their best to find the joy in life without the hedonism of the modern city. This book helped me develop an appreciation for animals and imparted a bit of stoicism on me regarding dealing with forces beyond my control. It is also funny in a classic British way.
missyjohnson's review against another edition
2.0
sweet book but the individual stories too often did not seem completed. I would get to the end of a chapter and it would seem as if it just stopped. almost as if to say "and that happened" The personality of Seigfried was never developed beyond his "patience" and "absentmindedness". this was frustrating. There were so few comments on how anyone dealt with it other than just ignoring. I would have liked to have learned more about the folks in the community. there were often glimpses of interesting folks only to be left with a single sentence of description.
hannahcomer4d's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
I don't know why I wasn't expecting much, but I was delightfully surprised by the vivid details, humorous characterizations, and strong heart running through this book. The extra bonus of it being narrated by James's actor in the wonderful recent TV show was icing on the cake. I look forward to listening to the next book!
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Alcohol and Emotional abuse
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.
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!