Paid $18.50 (plus S&H and Tax) = $25.62 for used 1972 1st edition hardcover (with jacket) from eBay on 9/9/2023.

I read this for the first time around 2003 when we started using Sonlight curriculum. I reread it this month. I enjoyed it a lot more the first time through. While the book is great and I enjoy his storytelling, his stories do seem to become repetitive to a degree eventually. I would still recommend this book to anyone who loves animals or England. ( )

Ever satisfying stories. I read these aloud at bedtime for my children years ago.

What a treat to have them read aloud for me in my studio, on long walks, drives, etc. The humor, wise observation of human nature, and charming description of vet life in the 1930's comforts and entertains. ( )

Updated April 2022:

It was the same every morning but, to me, there was always the feeling of surprise. When I stepped out into the sunshine and the scent of the flowers it was as though I was doing it for the first time. The clear air held a breath of the nearby moorland; after being buried in a city for five years it was difficult to take it all in.

I never hurried over this part. There could be an urgent case waiting but I still took my time. Along the narrow part between the ivy-covered wall and the long offshoot of the house where the wistaria climbed, pushing its tendrils and its withered blooms into the very rooms. Then past the rockery where the garden widened to the lawn, unkempt and lost-looking but lending coolness and softness to the weathered brick. Around its borders flowers blazed in untidy profusion, battling with a jungle of weeds....

During April, I was really feeling the need for a familiar and comforting story to read. This is the fourth time I've read or listened to [b:All Creatures Great and Small|32085|All Creatures Great and Small (All Creatures Great and Small, #1)|James Herriot|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1393644607l/32085._SX50_.jpg|69329306], which surprises me as I do not reread books very often.

This time around I was still caught off guard by the graphic descriptions in chapter one, though it didn't bother me as I'm glad the author chose to use medically correct terminology. James Herriot (Alf Wight) did not shy away from exploring some of the darker and frustrating aspects of veterinary medicine during the the 1930s. I only mention it, as I wouldn't want any new readers to be put off by the opening chapter, especially since much of the remainder of the book is humorous and uplifting.

Finally, I listened to the audio version narrated by [a:Nicholas Ralph|20918838|Nicholas Ralph|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] and was quite impressed by his ability to represent all the characters. (For those readers not familiar with the latest TV adaptation, Ralph plays the leading role of James Herriot.) Overall, I found Ralph's narrative to be pleasant and uplifing. I gave this partially fictionalized memoir four stars in the past but based on this audiobook and my enjoyment of a fourth reread, I'm increasing my rating to five stars.

Updated October 2019:

The book was just as enjoyable to read the second time around. During this reread, I had more appreciation of Herriot's eloquence in describing the Yorkshire landscapes and seasons.

Original 2015 Review:

This book reads like a consecutive series of individual diary entries told from the perspective of a newly graduated veterinarian beginning his journey into the world of employment. The stories were sometimes comical and other times more serious with a plethora of medical terminology thrown in. I am not particularly squeamish and I usually relish challenging myself with comprehending "doctor-speak" but in a few chapters the graphic surgical references overshadowed the personal experience that the author was attempting to share. I must admit that I found myself skimming a few chapters due to all the medical details. The semi-autobiographical interactions between James Herriot and his human clients were often more interesting than the detailed descriptions of the diagnosis and procedural processes about the poor ill animals.

My favorite passages in the book included some the eccentricities and practical jokes played on each other by the three veterinarians who lived together (Seigfried, his brother Tristam and James). In addition, many of the stories about the animals were quite heartfelt and cute. Among them all a dog named Tricki was memorable, as was her owner. Here is one funny "Tricki" related passage from the book: Siegfried’s face was expressionless as he read the card aloud. “Tricki requests the pleasure of Uncle Herriot’s company on Friday February 5th. Drinks and dancing .” He looked up and spoke seriously. “Now isn’t that nice? You know, that must be one of the most generous Pekingeses in England. Sending you kippers and tomatoes and hampers isn’t enough— he has to ask you to his home for a party.”

This was a solid four star read for me. Although I never watched the book-to-tv adaptation, I can understand why it was a popular series once upon a time. ( )

A slow-paced slice-of-life about being a rural vet with some interesting experiences. It is one of those classics I have been aware of for decades but not got around to reading. An enjoyable read. 3.5/5 ( )