The Art of Listening to the Heart

by James Kenyon

In this memoir collection, retired veterinarian, James Kenyon, recalls a number of experiences from heartwarming to heartbreaking and everything in between. He writes of his care for beloved family pets as well as livestock and the welfare of the Iowa farmer. His memories illustrate a true devotion and love for veterinary work as well as a passion for people and local history. Each chapter relates a specific memory of working with a quirky, loyal, and/or lovable animal as well as the quirky, loyal, and lovable humans who own them. The work offers not just insight to the work of a veterinarian but to human nature and how genuinely good people relate to and care for each other as well as their animals.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2016

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across Dr. Kenyon in Anchorage. He was hanging out with Rod Perry, a pioneer of the Iditarod race. Perry was bringing attention to the proposed Iditarod Historical district, and selling his own book. He told me that James' book made him cry, and reminded him of "All Creatures Great and Small."
Kenyon did, indeed, model his stories of rural veterinary practice in Iowa, in the 1970s and 1980s, after James Herriot's books. The stories were sweet, occasionally sad, and often humorous. I actually listened to the audiobook, but that version wasn't available to review.

[Nancy Standafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great afternoon read

This book was truly a Jim Kenyon original. His warmth, his sense of humor and his caring personality were evident in each vignette. Knowing him and knowing some of his clients made this a very memorable read.