All Creatures Great and Small/All Things Bright and ... (ISBN 1567313450)

Lovely:
This is a feel-good book - the sort of book that gives you that warm-and-fuzzy-feeling' - the sort of book that convinces you that there is still hope for this sad-world-of-ours. I make it a point to read this book at least once a year. James Herriot is successful not because of the beauty of his sentences or the brilliance of his plot, but for the warmth he radiates. He handles the humourous and the poignant with equal ease, and sometimes you wonder why he ever became a vet when he had such a wonderful gift with words. Perhaps it was just as well. All Creatures Great and Small is, along with 'Every Living Thing' my favourite of his books. He manages to achieve a perfece balance between simplicity and originality - something so many writers fail to do. If I ever visit England, I know I have just _got_ to see the Yorkshire Dales, if for no other reason than that this was where James Herriot lived and worked.

Books for a lifetime:
I first read James Herriott's series about 25 years ago, and I've re-read them numerous times since. The paperbacks in my original boxed gift set are falling apart, with missing pages and loose bindings. Now I'm buying them in hardcover to make sure that I have them available to read again and again for the rest of my life and to pass on to my children and grandchildren.

Very visual - - A ton of fun:
Mr. Herriot's journey through life as a veterinary surgeon is a heart-warming tale. As he goes about day to day, he meets some difficult tasks and is challenged by them. He pulls through almost all of them with extreme care towards the animals that are loved by many. He shows compassion while going about the work that many would get sick to their stomach just thinking about it. An awesome story.

An Excellent Book:
I received this book as a gift for graduating college with a degree in veterinary technology. It was fascinating to learn about the ways of a country vet so long ago. Some of the things the author writes about, I wouldn't have known without being familiar with veterinary terms, but it's definitely a book anyone could enjoy. It's helpful that the chapters are their own little stories, because sometimes I don't get a chance to read for weeks at a time, and would've forgotten the details of the plot by then. But starting a new chapter is like starting a new mini-story with the same characters. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a good read.

Tremendously enjoyable read:
I have been reading excerpts of 'All Creatures Great and Small' in publications such as 'Reader's Digest' for years and have always enjoyed them. When I came across a hardcover copy of the two combined books on the sale table at the local mall, I bought it. Let me tell you, the excerpts didn't do it justice. James Herriot is a superb writer, combining humor, insights, sadness...the list can go on and on. He writes as if he's sitting right next to you talking directly to you. I caught myself tearing up in some places and belly-laughing in others. I had such a good time reading it that I now own all of his books (except for the children's books).