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.
Amazon Customer –
Lynda Rutledge’s story about a young man who travels west with two Giraffes is a sweet and heart-warming tale. Woody Nickel finds himself orphaned and alone during the Dust bowl and the Great Depression on the brink of World War II. He has just survived a great hurricane that actually happened in New York in 1938. He’s not the only one who survived. Two Giraffes also made it through the hurricane aboard a tempest tossed ship. Woody is about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime when he offers to drive these amazing creatures cross country, from New York to the San Diego Zoo in California.
Really loved this story!
DDD –
I’ve given this as a gift since I read it. A really good, unexpected novel. You won’t regret reading it.
Diana H. Maine –
West with Giraffes is written by Lynda Rutledge.
The book is a historical story. An animal story. An adventure story. A love story.
The story concerns a very young, abused, saddened boy, Woodrow Wilson Nickel, who at age 105 throws himself into writing down his amazing, unforgettable experience with two giraffes. He cannot let his story die with him.
In 1938, with the Great Depression lingering and a World War looming on the horizon, Americans welcomed a ‘feel good story’ of two giraffes who survived a deadly hurricane while crossing the Atlantic. What followed their rescue was a road trip cross country to the San
Diego Zoo.
I liked the writing, the uniqueness of the situation, the giraffes themselves, and the emotional (often frustrating) story of Woodrow Wilson Nickel.
I liked the historical facts of the story itself, the headlines and news stories, the telegrams.
I liked the epilogue. I liked the ‘author’s note’. I especially liked the historical notes – the information about Belle Benchley, the Zoo Lady; the Burma-Shave Ads; info about the Great Hurricane of 1938; the very real ‘Giraffe Hum’; Hobo Cards; Hoovervilles; James Fenimore Cooper, considered to be the first true major American novelist; Lloyd’s of London; the Lee and
Lincoln Highways; the Mann Act; the SS Robin Goodfellow; Rube Golberg; the Tin Lizzie; the WPA/CCC.
I loved one of Woody’s quotes “Few true friends have I known and two were giraffes.”
****
DHSTEIN4 –
This book was recommended by a couple of my teacher friends. At first when I read the description I knew this was my typical book that I normally read—so wasn’t sure if I would even finish it— but it bought it for my kindle and saw I could listen to it for $1.99–sold! I had a two day driving trip coming up so I thought why not. My husband and I LOVED it — loved the characters— made you laugh, made you feel sad and made you happy. Great writing, incredible story. I think I got more out of it because of the narration, I think that is what did it for me. I cannot recommend it enough— I hope to read or listen to more books by this author. Buy it read it you will not be disappointed .
Anjana –
It’s quirky, poignant, easy to read, fast paced with characters that are relatable and drama that is understated. What more can a reader ask for? 😁
Kimberly Banta –
Quite a story, full of plain speaking and complex emotions of a young man, turned ancient. The giraffes are so real, and majestic. A love story of animals and man, and a woman. So glad to have read this journey of two giraffes, a young man, an older man, and a fabulously adventure-seeking woman.
david canford –
A fabulous book inspired by a real event: two giraffes who are driven from New York to San Diego Zoo in 1938 after arriving from Africa. The writing is superb and often gripping.
The author adds imagined characters, the two main ones being a young ‘Okie’ who has a ‘dust bowl’ back story and a female photographer. Apparently, the en route adventures are also imagined.
The other main character, who is based on a real person, reminds the reader that animals don’t have the hatred and evil in them that we humans can have, and that they are so often better than we are.
A wonderful book that will stay with me a long time.
BonnieLC –
I started reading this thinking, oh what a cute story and not much else. However at some point that turned to what a captivating story and I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend, full of heart mixed with lots of reality checks.
Debra Kirby –
‘West with Giraffes’ is interesting, educational, emotional, and an easy read. I highly recommend this book for all readers of fiction/historical fiction/historical, or for a Book Club. Whether you’re a history buff or an animal lover you will enjoy West with Giraffes with it’s handful of well defined and relatable characters and the story of two gentle giant’s amazing historic journey across the country during a time of great hardship and struggle for many Americans.
Amazon Customer –
A beautiful and adventurous story set in one of the most challenging times in America. Growing up in Southern California, I had many opportunities to visit the San Diego Zoo- a very special place! I thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully written book and the adventurous story of its first giraffe residents.
Amazon Customer –
A must read to warm your heart, quench your thirst for adventure , and leave you with happiness. Well written and hard to put down.
KT –
I thoroughly loved the author’s style of writing. This book is sentimental, caring and comedic. I enjoyed the follies of all the characters and fell in love with the giraffes. Unbelievable true story.
Ursula –
Ein wirklich tolles Buch zu lesen.