The James Herriot series
by Jemima D'Sa
This series is one of my absolute favourites. It tells the story of a young vet in the Yorkshire Countryside, recounting his tales at a veterinarian practice. In essence, it is more of a collection of stories, loosely bonded together to create a lighter, more enjoyable atmosphere for the reader. I love the way Herriot portrays all his endeavours with the animals, and the way he describes even the most mundane veterinary procedures to be humorous, and good willed, one of my favourites being the birthing of a calf in the first book. Though plot and structure are not prioritised for this type of story, I still love the arrangement of each tale, and the smaller plots and climaxes within each. Each animal has its own storyline, and can be emotionally difficult or laughably airy. I think it is this range within the tales that gives the book so much meaning, as Herriot simply observes and writes what he sees and feels. This is a great book for all animal lovers, and so I would definitely encourage you to read it. The books are as follows: All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wise and Wonderful and The Lord God made them all.