My wife, Jenny, and I recently discovered just how perfect All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot can be for a road trip. We listened to it while traveling through four incredible national parks—White Sands, Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains, and Carlsbad Caverns—and it became one of the highlights of our journey.
Finding an audiobook that both people enjoy for hours on end isn't always easy. Many books appeal more to one person than the other, or become tiring after long stretches in the car. Herriot's classic memoir was different. From the first chapter, we found ourselves looking forward to getting back on the road to hear what would happen next.
Based on Herriot's experiences as a veterinarian in rural Yorkshire, the book is filled with humorous, heartwarming, and occasionally suspenseful stories about animals and the people who care for them. The stories are engaging without being complicated, making them ideal for a road trip where conversations, scenic overlooks, and occasional stops naturally interrupt the listening experience.
What impressed us most was the book's universal appeal. Children enjoy the animal stories. Adults appreciate the humor, wisdom, and memorable characters. Men and women alike find something to connect with. And in a time when so much entertainment seems designed for a particular audience or point of view, All Creatures Great and Small feels refreshingly timeless.
The book is largely free of politics and controversy. Instead, it focuses on themes that almost everyone can appreciate: kindness, hard work, community, perseverance, and compassion. The characters feel authentic, the humor is genuine, and the stories remind us of the goodness that can be found in everyday life.
As we drove between the white dunes of White Sands, the vast landscapes of Big Bend, the rugged beauty of Guadalupe Mountains, and the underground wonders of Carlsbad Caverns, Herriot's stories provided the perfect accompaniment. They were entertaining without demanding too much attention and meaningful without ever becoming heavy-handed.
A great road trip audiobook should enhance the journey, not distract from it. All Creatures Great and Small did exactly that for us. By the end of our trip, Jenny and I agreed that it was one of the best audiobooks we've ever shared on the road.
If you're planning a road trip and searching for something that can be enjoyed across generations, genders, backgrounds, and political viewpoints, it's hard to imagine a better choice than All Creatures Great and Small. Some books simply tell a story. This one becomes part of the journey.