THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF JAMES HERRIOT: A CHARMING COLLECTION OF CLASSIC STORIES

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF JAMES HERRIOT: A CHARMING COLLECTION OF CLASSIC STORIES by James Herriot

Calling all animal lovers! Oh my goodness, if you love animals and good, old-fashioned, British fun, this book is for you.

This may be confusing for a moment, but stay with me. James Herriot was actually James Alfred Wight in life, and he was a country veterinary surgeon in Yorkshire England in 1940. He began writing stories inspired by his real life patients under the name of James Herriot in 1965. He changed things up just a bit to hopefully not offend the people that he knew in real life. Most were able to recognize themselves and were "flattered" to see themselves in print. However, there were a few that were "annoyed."

This particular book is a collection of stories from Herriot's very popular series of books. Each story is introduced with some background info, so the reader has the stage "set" for them before plunging into the details.

As you would expect in animal stories there are several that are laugh out loud funny! While on vacation last week, I burst out laughing several times imagining the antics of animals, difficult owners, and car trips to farms. As you would also expect, there are a few sad tales as James and his fellow vets scramble to figure out illnesses that are wiping herds out, etc.

There is a bit of HEADS UP to go over, but before I do I highly recommend the Masterpiece Theater version of All Creatures Great and Small. Our whole family has enjoyed it. There was one time in Season 3, I believe, that one of the characters spews out a pretty strong line. (No F bombs.)

HEADS UP- First there is some language typical of classic British literature. Second, there are pub gatherings which are a common occurrence in Britain. Third, this is a book by a vet about vet activities. That includes breeding, etc. The terms vag*** and pen** are used with reference to the physical parts on the animals.