All Things Bright and Beautiful

"The warm and joyful sequel to All Creatures Great and Small, by James Herriot, the Yorkshire Dales veterinary. This book takes place after his marriage to Helen and before he is posted to the Royal Air Force in World War II. He reminisces about his various cases, often sharing more about the farmers than about his patients. He shares about his courting of Helen and about his luck at finding the perfect wife. I especially like the part where he advises that one study the relationship between your choice of mate and her father. Helen dotes on her father after the death of her mother, and Herriot is the lucky recipient of a doting wife. Herriot makes all his characters come alive with his rich and homey descriptions. He writes more than once that he loves his work and despite the hardships he is a happy man with his choice of work. The world was lucky to have such a man write his memoirs for the vast audience that accepted and loved his books.