I like reading "deep" and "heavy" books. I love history, biographies and really intense novels. But occasionally I need just a good story and I found it with An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor and the best part of it is that it's part of a series!
Here's the synopsis from the authors web site:
"Barry Laverty, MD, can barely find the village of Ballybucklebo on a map when he first sets out to seek gainful employment there, but already he knows that there is nowhere he would rather live than in the emerald hills and glens of Northern Ireland. The proud owner of a spanking-new medical degree, Barry jumps at the chance to secure a position as an assistant in a small rural practice. At least until he meets Dr. Fingal Flahertie OReilly. The older physician, whose motto is never let the patients get the upper hand, has his own way of doing things, which definitely takes some getting used to. At first, Barry cant decide if the pugnacious OReilly is the biggest charlatan he has ever met, or possibly the best teacher he could ever hope for. Ballybucklebo is a long way from Belfast, and Barry soon discovers that he still has a lot to learn about country life. But if he sticks with it, he just might end up finding out more about life and love than he could ever have imagined back in medical school."
There's no great controversy or dilemma in the book. It's just a good story about life in small town Northern Ireland in the 1960's. Patrick Taylor is masterful at character development and putting his reader right in the moment. You will love all of the unique personalities that make up this entertaining story. It's all delivered with the wonderful Irish accent of narrator, John Keating.
Audible has 6 books in the Irish Country series and I'm looking forward to listening to another one. Afte I finish the 41 hour long Washington: A Life.
Have you started the Washington book yet? I was wondering how you like it. The reviews are good, but it is a looong listen.
Posted by: Gail | April 04, 2012 at 05:07 PM
That sounds like James Herriot, the vet! :) I was a bit afraid of tackling Robert Chernow's 900-page book on Washington, but hadn't thought of audio-book. Good idea. Did you know he spoke at Mary Washington last year?
Posted by: Ivory Spring | April 04, 2012 at 05:36 PM
I recently read the Irish Country Doctor (on paper) -- I really enjoyed it, too. It is a bit like Herriot, but with people. But then...it's been a long time since I've read Herriot, so I don't know if that's an entirely accurate characterization.
I just brought home book #2. I've got about 4 different audio books started, and I can't seem to get in to any of them.
Posted by: Suzanne | April 04, 2012 at 06:07 PM
I have listened to the whole series and loved every minute of them. It was light and caring and just what I needed. I love books that you can really get to know a character.
Posted by: Diane | April 04, 2012 at 09:20 PM
I just bought this book at the store! Haven't started reading it yet but it's nice to know that it has gotten positive reviews. Thanks for sharing. :)
Posted by: Jane S. | April 04, 2012 at 09:54 PM
How interesting that you are reading Washington:A Life - I've been reading it too - seems like it's been months already but I am truly enjoying it. I feel like Washington has gone from being a mythical god-like Founding Father to a person. Our school history books never explained what made him great - it was a given. I know I'm going to be sad when I finish!
Posted by: Cheryl K. | April 05, 2012 at 08:56 AM