An excellent book written by a vet who deals with animals in Britain's countryside. Some of the spin-offs weren't as great, but all were a good read. They're funny, heartwarming & full of fun stories about livestock & pets, but most especially about their odd owners. ( )

All Creatures Great and Small follows the beginning of James Herriot's veterinary career. He moves to a country town called Darrowby to work for a gentleman not much older than him, Siefried Farnon. Siefried's brother, Tristan, also moves in and they form a happy trio.

James treats many patients with many families around his town in England. One gets to see his personal thoughts about everyone that he meets and the animals that he loves.

I really enjoyed this novel because the first person view made the experience very personal, especially because it is about Herriot's real life. Herriot did a great job at writing and lacked nothing in the mechanics of writing. His words were sincere and realistic and it is probably one of the better books I have read. Although many would find some of the scenes a little gross and the subject perhaps boring, I think that everyone would enjoy it because it is reality in a world where many of us know nothing about. I would have given this novel 5 stars but the book was a little slow. I found that I was rushing to get through the book even though I loved it so much. ( )

This biography of a country vet has lots of humor. If you like it, there are 3 more books in the series. ( )

This is a lovely set of tales of the life of a young vet in the high country of Yorkshire beginning in 1937, on the cusp of modernization of the vet's science. It's a cozy little book, full of tiny moments of drama, of the cycle of life and death in a familiar, unhysterical manner. I find this a very refreshing read since as modern city-dwellers we have an increasing distance from simple uncomplicated and non-tragic death.The stories can begin to get repetitive, especially if the book is read quickly as I read it. I imagine this book is best savored out loud with the family before bedtime over the course of two months, one chapter per night. But even if the stories become familiar, it is a homey, comforting familiarity.I look forward to reading the second book soon. ( )

This is a lovely set of tales of the life of a young vet in the high country of Yorkshire beginning in 1937, on the cusp of modernization of the vet's science. It's a cozy little book, full of tiny moments of drama, of the cycle of life and death in a familiar, unhysterical manner. I find this a very refreshing read since as modern city-dwellers we have an increasing distance from simple uncomplicated and non-tragic death.The stories can begin to get repetitive, especially if the book is read quickly as I read it. I imagine this book is best savored out loud with the family before bedtime over the course of two months, one chapter per night. But even if the stories become familiar, it is a homey, comforting familiarity.I look forward to reading the second book soon. ( )