22 January 2021
West with Giraffes
An emotional, rousing novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America.
“Few true friends have I known and two were giraffes…”
Woodrow Wilson Nickel, age 105, feels his life ebbing away. But when he learns giraffes are going extinct, he finds himself recalling the unforgettable experience he cannot take to his grave.
It’s 1938. The Great Depression lingers. Hitler is threatening Europe, and world-weary Americans long for wonder. They find it in two giraffes who miraculously survive a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic. What follows is a twelve-day road trip in a custom truck to deliver Southern California’s first giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. Behind the wheel is the young Dust Bowl rowdy Woodrow. Inspired by true events, the tale weaves real-life figures with fictional ones, including the world’s first female zoo director, a crusty old man with a past, a young female photographer with a secret, and assorted reprobates as spotty as the giraffes.
Part adventure, part historical saga, and part coming-of-age love story, West with Giraffes explores what it means to be changed by the grace of animals, the kindness of strangers, the passing of time, and a story told before it’s too late.
| Title | : | West with Giraffes |
| Edition Language | : | English |
| ISBN | : | null |
| Format Type | : |
Readers Also Enjoyed West with Giraffes
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A Book I Wanted to Like, But…I liked the idea of this book until I started reading. What's not to like about a historical tale partly grounded in truth about two giraffes’ journey across the count...
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My great escape This story offered a delightful escape from today's stresses. I devoured it in two days. One of those books you don't want to put down yet hate to see end. A wild rollicking ride with ...
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A delightful read, I couldn't put it down. Told through the memory of an aged veteran, the story is set against the background of the Dust Bowl, the Depression and the advent of a World War. This impr...
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Quite an adventure, indeed! I love historical fiction, especially when it's able to really take me back in time like West with Giraffes did. This is the first book review I've written since High Schoo...
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So good you hope it never endsRich characters, historical accuracies, and a writing style that is captivating. This novel is so enjoyable I read it in one winter day in front o the fireplace not wanti...
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An adventure!Could not put this down... It captures the essence of the time s and longing for hope, love ,belonging and adventure....
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Already recommend to a friend , I love stories that are real, not lovely unspoiled lives , but well lived ....
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Fantastic readA wonderful story. It grabbed me within the first page or two and I couldn't put it down. Thank you Ms. Rutledge for taking me along on the adventure....
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Great readReally enjoyed this book. Sat down to read and didn't want to stop,finished in 2 days. Still thinking about it....
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Excellent book!You have got to read this book. It will end up being one of your favorites. Too good to miss!...