Wednesday, August 27, 2008

All Creatures Great and Small

The funniest story in this book so far is the one where James Herriot has to go to a different vet's office with a dog that used to be his (the vet's) patient, so that he doesn't get offended to have an intruder doing surgery on his patient. While they are waiting for the dog to come out of anesthesia, the vet needs to make a call, so he invites James to go with him. It's a one-man job, so James thinks he'll just wait in the car. The other vet is incredulous that James didn't intend to go in with him, and offers him a suit to cover his nice clothes. Not wishing to insult this man further, James accepts. It turns out to be this big ungainly rubber suit that makes him look like an "automaton"! It is so stiff that his arms are stuck straight out from his sides, and he can barely walk in it. It is so bizarre looking, that as they approach the barn, the farmer's young daughter gets scared and runs to the house crying. All the men in the barn have never seen anything like this before, and they think "Wow, this guy must be getting ready to do something really important and spectacular!" The vet finishes delivering the afterbirth, and tells Jim it's time to do his job. ***SPOILER ALERT*** Jim makes his way, with much difficulty, to the doctor's bag, pulls out a tool, takes the paper off with one hand since he can't bring his hands together, and hands to tool to the vet! That was his whole job! I was dying laughing reading this chapter, I laughed through the whole thing! My husband was standing over me asking, "What? What's so funny?" Oh man! You guys should get this book, if for no other part than that one! Of course it was written much better than my summary, but seriously, even though I spoiled it, it will still be funny when you read it!

7 comments:

lizS said...

oh, i'm so glad you're finally reading that! those are the best books. there are many stories that are just as funny, keep reading!! what's hilarious, is just a couple of days ago, john brought that specific story up, cause it's one of his favorites! you guys are so similar, it's spooky.

Mary said...

Oh yeah, I've been picking it up and reading when I only have something like 15 minutes at a time to read, 'cuz I can read a chapter then get back to whatever I need to do.

Dana Cheryl said...

OK so I'm gonna have to read his books! Renae and Liz both have suggested them. I'll run by the library and see what they've got. That truly is hilarious!

Mary said...

Yeah, Liz told me to read it, and I was less than enthusiastic about accepting the book, but I'm really enjoying it so far.

timpani76 said...

I like the 2nd or 3rd book where it gets more into the courtship of his wife. Those were some sweet and funny stories.

Renae said...

Hey Liz, that was me that brought that specific story up. Geez! I love Herriot

Dana Cheryl said...

OK Renae... So if I read these Herriot books will you read Twilight? Or at least listen to it?