All Creatures Great and Small

Many audio books require major blocks of time in order to do the story justice. You feel obligated to listen through to a logical breaking point. One of the beauties of either reading or listening to a James Herriot book is that you can absorb it in small doses without feeling cheated by limited time. Although more is clearly better and over the three volumes you ultimately become as devoted to the people in his life as he was, you can still listen to the tales in the individual segments and feel fulfilled by each. Especially with a reader as good as this one, the listener does not have to put forth a lot of effort to maintain focus.

For these reasons, this is an audio book that I would highly recommend for someone who is in ill health or is hospitalized. The tales are life affirming, listening is undemanding, and the experiences of a Herriot book are as psycolgically nourishing as the best "comfort food."

James Herriot is a gifted story teller. I was given these books to read as a child and loved them dearly. On a whim I downloaded this book and was surprised at the sophistication of the writing and the depth Herriot brings to a story. These books are not just for fans of the animal story genre, a category of books I grew out of around 9 years old. These stories are rich with the lives of the characters who he writes beautifully and the glimpse he gives into Yorkshire life is believable, warm and human.
The audio book is read well, and the narrator is skilled with creating different voices and accents that arn't painfully fake.
I must add a side note that I would not give this book to a child unless they have a certain amount of maturity regarding biology and the lightly crass speech of some of the farmer characters. I grew up in a house where my mother would apologize for saying "oh sugar!" so i can quite understand how this ended up in my hands, but I'm glad it did.

I enjoyed watching the All Creatures t.v. series and then discovered the books, which were even better in Heriotts own words. Then....I discovered Audible's series and I have to say, "This is the best way to experience these wonderful stories. The reader is PERFECT, and gives incredible life to all of the tales. I love these books!!

Having never read these stories I was unsure what to expect. I had no idea what I was missing. These stories by James Herriot (real name, Alf Wight) are wonderful. This review applies to all the titles in that series because I've now listened to them all. As a side note the narrator, Christopher Timothy, also stars as Herriott in the BBC series.

This is the first of an awesome series. When I first read it, when it was on the bestseller list, the narration was done by an American. Even with that handicap, these stories made me laugh, cry, and think. They're back, and better than ever, with Christopher Timothy reading them. He excels at the voices, and well he should--having portrayed Herriott on TV. Time hasn't taken the fun out of these books, and neither has an unflattering biog of Herriott done after his death in 1995, although its author certainly tried to wreck the fun of these books. The stories bring happiness to even the most harsh experiences. The tales of failed dates with his dream girl would give heart to a man facing those struggles in these modern times. The tales of an outsider becoming an insider in an often clanish community are a pure delight. Read on, and enjoy.

I read all of James Herriot's books several times over during the 20+ years and have never tired of them or have they been far from my mind (as a cat, dog and horse owner). I watched the BBC program as well (which was excellent). The review "Comfort Listening" says it all. My vision is now impaired and I can't really read a book anymore, so the part about them being good for someone in ill health, etc. is very accurate. If you have read these books before, you will still be as enchanted as you were the first time---and if you haven't, it will be well worth your time and your book credits to give them a try. I'm so happy that I can download the 2nd one right now and keep going!

I wouldn't say that; I've read all the books in this series, years ago. The audio version makes a great compliment to the printed version. Especially since the narrator is the actor who played Mr. Herriot on the beloved TV series.

The animal stories-I especially liked the stories about the small animals.

I loved his portrayal in the TV series as Dr. Herriot & his narration in this series shows he really has a deep affection for the characters & the story. I plan to purchase the entire series from Audible.

I laughed at Mrs. Pumphrey & Trickey-Woo, her spoiled peke. I teared up often at the love his patients & their owners had for each other & when there was a death.

These books are splendid for the whole family. I look forward to getting the 2nd book in the series. I can't recommend them more. I also will be looking for any more books narrated by Christopher Timothy-he is superb.

I would definitely recommend this story to a friend especially a young adult, a glimpse at life in the 30's English country of Yorkshire.
This is a wonderful story that takes you back to a simpler time. I laughed and cried as I listened, and felt so drawn into the story. James, Sigfried, and Tristan become so alive that you expect to see them at the Vet Hospital here in town. I love all the characters that live in their little town. This is a peaceful story to listen to during our hectic, intense, uber electronic age.

The beautiful descriptions of the country side and the eccentric characters that live there.

James Herriot, Vet surgeon

film already done but try," Bring a bucket of warm water, soap and a towel, I'm going in"...

This book is an absolute treat! I have listened to it twice, so far. The characters become good friends, and you find yourself wishing to join their life in the Yorkshire Dales! Christopher Timothy's reading of these charming and FUNNY tales is the best...no contest! I wish he would branch out and do more books. I already dread running out of titles in this series.

I have loved the James Herriot collection for years and am now ecstatic to have it on my iPod. All his stories elicit a 'feel good' feeling for the listener with his brilliant writing and subject matter. Add Christopher Timothy's ability to make it all come to life in audio and you've got a winning combination over all.