Every Living Thing (All Creatures Great and Small)

Full of humor and love. The story of man and animal with interactions that will bring both joy and tears.

I had just completed reading this well written and compassionate book. This is the last book written by Alf Wight. I have read most of James Herriot's books and even though they were written many years ago when veterinary surgery was in the midst of undergoing changes as modern drugs become available and the vet's knowledge of palpating his/her animal patients still remains a vital part of veterinary practice to this day. This final book is an excellent read and each chapter is a complete story in itself. One can put the book down and return to it without the chapter ending on a cliff hanger. Each chapter is a gem in itself. James (to use his pseudonym) illustrates great compassion for his clients and their pets. His understanding and dealing with distressed pet owners and their ailing pets is a common denominator in every chapter of this book. Not only does he have incredible patience in dealing with distraught animal owners, he illustrates his love and devotion to his patients under his care. He pays house calls to follow the progress of his patients under his care without even being called in. In his later years, he became more involved in small animal care, while his practice also involved treating large farm animals such as horses, cows, pigs and sheep. James Herriot books are ageless and one can enjoy them even many years after they were written. The anecdotes in each chapter make for interesting reading and the fact that he writes in the first person gives the reader the feeling that the writer is talking to the reader and sharing his emotions with him/her. I recommend this book to all those who share a great love for animals and their well-being as well as for those who share a common humanity.

I have now read 5 of James Herriot’s books and each one is as good as the first! I never knew the very hard work involved in the care of large animals. And the crazy hours the vet’s from that time period kept in the coldest of weather stripped to the waist to deliver calves, lambs, goats, and foals! And the way Herriot writes of his work (as well as the other vets he worked with) you share in the joy as well as the trials. And honestly, I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud reading. Such a variety of wonderful people in these books! They feel like friends or family:). I found particular joy in the fact that James is a cat lover as my husband and I are too. We just love animals buts cats—they have our hearts. I so appreciated the story of Olly and Ginny. I know the time it takes to win the trust of a wild, feral cat. And the reward of being able to have that cat trust you and the sheer exhilarating joy there is to be able to touch that cat and hear them purr. These books are rich — full of such eloquent description of people, animals of all kinds, landscapes— that you feel like you can see it all in your mind! Thank you so much James Herriot!

This is the third book by James Herriot I have completed, and I'm just bowled over by his animal and people stories. They are fascinating and I have never called myself an animal lover, but these stories would probably even warm the heart of Leo Rosten who said once of W.C. Fields, "Anybody who hates kids and dogs can't be all bad." The people in my apartment building would never think of me as a dog lover when I avoid getting in an elevator with one if at all possible. But these stories are just so filled with humanity, joy, and warmth that even this cranky 66-year-old widow has been charmed, and I so look forward to reading all his books. Once again, I must say that I enjoy his people stories but, in some ways, I love the animal stories even more, perhaps because they are teaching me--I know a lot about people, but I haven't known as much about animals, other than my brother's dog and my daughter's cat whom I'm a bit in love with. And so Herriot is helping me to broaden my horizons and expand my heart. I'm most grateful. But I will say that one person who stands out, other than Herriot, is his amazing and eccentric assistant, Calum. Also, it was wonderful to meet Herriot's wife whom he dubs "Helen" in his stories (for the sake of privacy). Another great bedside companion--these stories are wonderful for bedtime reading--they won't give you nightmares--just pleasant dreams with one exception. His story about fleas, although fascinating, was disturbing at bedtime. He writes so well that I felt as though I had fleas! But this, to me, is another interesting and joyful book by a warm and witty veterinarian and master story teller.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book , and am in hopes there might be another to follow. So far I don’t see a sequel, but will keep my eyes open for one in the future.

Don't hesitate to buy all James Harriot books. I've read and reread them all. James Harriot books are the best.

This is an excellent continuation of James Herriot life as a veterinarian in the Yorkshire dales. There are new characters as assistant vets. I miss Tristan, but the new people are cool. I highly recommend this book and series.

What a delightful series of books :) I highly recommend reading all of them! The fourth one has some awkward transitions between stories and the present moment but other than that, it was a delight to be with James Herriot in the Dale's and beyond for his adventures with animals (AND people). PS I also LOVE the PBS show "All Creatures Great and Small."

Every Living Thing is another wonderful book by James Herriot, and like all the others in the series, it's extremely well written and so easy to read. In one chapter Herriot has you roaring with laughter, in the next you'll find yourself near to tears. As always, his love of the animals he treats and the countryside in which he practises is described so brilliantly, you feel you're actually there with him in the Yorkshire Dales; his family becomes your family and you find yourself actually there with him, treating the animals. His love of his work shines through in every chapter, and his gift for writing holds you throughout every page. It's another Herriot masterpiece - I couldn't put it down!

Warm, funny and engaging as always. Herriot never disappoints. Skillful weaving of Yorkshire scenes and human and Amina stories alike

Love James Herriot stories. It’s a warm lecture with funny moments. For a veterinarian like me it’s an everyday experience.

James Herriot continue à nous raconter sa vie de vétérinaire de campagne, dans les années 50, dans le Yorkshire. Une vie dure mais très riche, très pleine, jamais ennuyeuse. Une joie toujours renouvelée.

Ich kenne alle Vorgänger dieses Buches, habe sie alle mehrfach gelesen. diese Neuerwerbung ist genau so liebenswert und gut zu lesen wie alles von James Herriot. Empfehlenswert für alle, die tiere mögen, etwas für Yorkshire und den englischen Humor übrig haben. Ein wirklich reines Vergnügen.