reviews
Jan 28, 2012
James Herriot was the pen name of James Alfred (Alf) Wight (1916–1995), an English veterinary surgeon and writer, who used his many years of experiences as a veterinarian to write a series of books about animals and their owners. In 1940, he moved to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, England, with Donald and Brian Sinclair, and the following year married Joan Catherine Anderson Danbury. In his semi-autobiographical books, Wight calls the town where Herriot lives a
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Sep 08, 2011
I've read James Herriot before. Not only does he seem an outstanding vet, but he's a pretty good writer as well. And since most people love animals, he really can't go too wrong with his genre.
Cat Stories is just that. A series of short stories about some of the cats Herriot has had the pleasure of working with. Whether they are patients, ones that he visits while out and about on errands, or his own cats, these felines all have some unique aspects to them. There's Olly and G More...
Jun 18, 2010
For years, I haven't thought about James Herriot and then I saw this book near the cat behavior books I was perusing in the library. And whenever I think of him, I instantly recall my schoolmate Jessica Simon. Those who have met me in person know that I am short to the point of being a pygmy. So it will come as no surprise that my childhood was filled with being last picked during recess and gym and the first to be shoved aside when any treat was to be had. The only person remotely close to me i
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Nov 14, 2009
Finished this book today. It was only 3 CDs long, so it went really quickly. It was a super cute little book of some of James Herriot's experiences with the cats in his life. (That's James Herriot of All Creatures Great and Small, etc., the British veterinary surgeon, in case you're unfamiliar with him...)
This group of short stories were put together about a year before James Herriot's death (that's a pen name, fyi) in 1995, and I really loved that he told the stories not only bec More...
This group of short stories were put together about a year before James Herriot's death (that's a pen name, fyi) in 1995, and I really loved that he told the stories not only bec More...
Oct 14, 2009
First, a disclaimer: I’m absolutely crazy about cats. Totally nutty. So a very ordinary collection of cat stories would have delighted me. But these stories are superb. James Herriot, a Yorkshire veterinarian, is a true cat lover, and he also happens to write really well. So I was completely enchanted with these stories of truly unforgettable cats. If there’s a common thread, it’s this: contrary to popular opinion (shaped by cat haters) that cats think only of themselves, there’s abundan
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Oct 23, 2011
I’m not much of a cat person (I’m allergic, so have never spent a lot of time around them), but I still found this collection of vignettes about the various cats Herriot has come across both in his private and professional life as a veterinary surgeon in Yorkshire just charming. I fell in love with Herriot’s first memoir, All Creatures Great and Small, and read his next two eagerly. This slim volume concentrates specifically on his feline friends (and patients). The stories are brief and tende
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Nov 16, 2011
I re-read this in memory of my friend and fellow book-group member, Lauri, who recently passed away. We had a book group meeting in which we all read something we "connected" with Lauri somehow. She loved cats (and science, and science fiction, and mysteries, and fantasy, and music, and crafts, and all kinds of things). Anyway, I read this favorite from my shelf in her honor. It's a short, sweet, lovely collection of stories from James Herriot (well known for the All Creatures Great an
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Jan 05, 2012
So you can probably tell that I'm in a bit of an animal or nature phase but how can someone not love James Herriot's stories? They are perfect for any age level and even though this book is about cat stories it will appeal to the animal lover in general with its heartwarming tales that make you or me at least want to grab the pet nearest to me and hug them.
I first read a James Herriot book on October 6th and I read his Dog Stories which had literally been sitting on my bookshelf for More...
I first read a James Herriot book on October 6th and I read his Dog Stories which had literally been sitting on my bookshelf for More...
Feb 13, 2011
My wife loves cats and she had this book in the car as we were driving back to our home in Eagle Mountain after a visit to the warmer climate of St. George. She sometimes reads to me as we ride along and she picked James Herriot's Cat Stories on this trip. I'm a cat tolerater, but hearing the delightful stories in this book almost converted me to cat lover. Herriot has a charming way of relating his stories and his love for animals shines through, whether he's writing about cats, as in this book
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Oct 28, 2010
This is just a fast little light collection of cat-centric James Herriot stories. I'm a big Herriot fan - interesting and usually pretty happy endings to the bits you read about, which is always good when animals are involved.
I will say that I usually listen to his stuff, however, which I tend to love (the guy who read his books is terrific). This one I properly read, though, which was odd. Not actually sure which experience I like better.
Anyhow, not much to say. Very no More...
I will say that I usually listen to his stuff, however, which I tend to love (the guy who read his books is terrific). This one I properly read, though, which was odd. Not actually sure which experience I like better.
Anyhow, not much to say. Very no More...
Jun 26, 2011
Adorable, short, easy to read cat stories. Great for a quick read and sure to pick up your spirits if you're feeling down. James Herriot, of All Creatures Great and Small fame, tells these wonderful stories about his interactions with our feline friends. From ferals and farm cats to beloved house pets, all sorts of cats are represented in these tales. The version I read contained beautiful full color illustrations by Lesley Holmes that made the stories come to life. Great for readers of all ages
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Dec 28, 2011
I loved this book. It was my first encounter with Harriot, and I'm now quite certain to read the rest of his work. The stories are cute & sweet, while the writing is straight forward but elegant. There is a homey quality to the stories that makes you think of an older gentleman recounting anecdotes, but with a voice and a humor that makes you want to listen. This is a quick book and a small collection of stories, but it was sufficient to draw me in. Highly recommended, especially for cat lovers.
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Jul 24, 2011
James Herriot is a vet who began his career in the 30's. This book is charming in the way it portrays that old British country town and the love and understanding of cats and their personalities. This book has heart warming short stories of the cat and owners he's met. The name James Herriot didn't ring any bells with me. I simple read the book because I like cats, but I was reading the stories of Oscar. Then it hit me! OSCAR!!! OSCAR CAT-ABOUT-TOWN!!!!!! This was one of my FAVORITE children boo
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Sep 05, 2010
Well, what is not to like about this book of stories about fascinating and adorable cats. Being a cat lover myself, these stories really touched my heart. Reading his books makes the reader wish for the ability to have accompanied Harriot for one day during his vet practice and meet the interesting characters that he encountered in Yorkshire as well as their animals. Excellent read.
May 18, 2011
Both my mother and stepmother got me this book at the same time. Hmmm, I wonder why? Could it be that I love cats so much? (I'm up to nine now...help me!) James Herriot was a master storyteller when it came to recounting his experiences as a vet. Through his stories, which are often so hilarious, you really come to see how extraordinary everyday animals and humans can be.
Apr 10, 2009
After reading a book about the aftermath and consequence of having a son confess to murdering his flatmate, I just had to grab a sweet, soft book -- and this one hit the mark. I had never read Herriot and just loved this slim gem of a book. His cat stories and simple but not simplistic, poignant without being sappy. I'll have to look for some of his other work.
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Jul 05, 2010
So I was at my grandma's house and we were chatting about our cats. And then she was like "oh, mi hija, I have the cutest book about cats, you have to read!" Truthfully, I just took it out of kindness "oh, thanks gram". But it turned out to be a pretty good book. I love cats but I didn't particularly think I would like Cat Stories...alas, I do.
Oct 18, 2009
These stories are simply the sweetest and heart wrenching stories ever. Herriot has such a passion for the people in his village and surroundings. He is able to describe their relationship with their pets so well. He is not afraid to make you laugh and cry and he includes himself as a "victim." Simply charming.
Nov 21, 2008
I'm a cat lover although I haven't been able to replace my last one. She was a beautiful siamese. I'd had her for 10 years and one day she just disappeared. This book by James Herriot is a sweet and funny book about, you guessed it, CAT's. Anyone who loves this animal will love this book.
Jul 05, 2010
This was a nice, quick read. I always like James Herriot's stories. I was already familiar with most of these, as I think all of them were published in other books. However, it was nice to see them collected together, and the illustrations are nice. I just wish he had more cat stories.
Feb 19, 2011
My sisters are big fans of his work. I was not expecting to be so impressed with his writing. He begins by saying cats are under appreciated. This is not true in my house. Cat lovers will need to have some Klenex near by for this one.
Jun 12, 2010
Anything written by James Herriot is wonderful. His stories about cats he has known and treated are touching and evocative of the Yorkshire Dales and his fine profession. It is easy to picture the setting and each distinctive cat.
Aug 02, 2009
I loved these stories, except that some of it was emotional and I couldn't keep from letting a tear drip out of the side of my eye. Not cool if you're at work. Otherwise, funny, touching, heartwarming stories from my favorite veterinarian writer.
Jan 14, 2011
I've read this before and just recently listened to it on audiobook. I love Herriot's stories, and listening to them is even more enjoyable than reading them, thanks to the excellent narrator, Christopher Timothy.
Sep 24, 2009
James Herriot knows cats, he loves them, and he knows all their little quirks. This book is beautifully illustrated with scenes of Yorkshire. You can re-read the stories and enjoy them any time. (If you like cats.)
Nov 23, 2008
A nice collection of cat stories. If you like cats, you will enjoy the stories. Some are cute & amusing - others sad. Great if you enjoy a quick reading story before bedtime. Beautiful illustrations too!
Sep 18, 2010
James Herriot turns his unique ability to create enchanting vignettes to short tales of cats and their people. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet little book although I did have a wee cry from time to time.
Feb 02, 2011
This is one of those charming little books that I read once a year. It made me laugh, it made me cry... It was nice to revisit old friends, with all their varying personalities. :o)
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Dec 28, 2010
A keeper on my bookshelf for life. James Herriot's stories are just so heart warming, I cannot put them down. My very favorite is a children's book called "One Woof".
Feb 14, 2010
A delightful little book that I'm going to keep in my guest bedroom. Short, charming stories about cats in Herriot's English countryside veterinary practice.
