- Date Published:
2021 - Length:
372 pages—Listening Time: 10 hrs, 28 minutes - Genre:
Historical Fiction, Adventure, Coming-of-Age - Setting:
1938, Cross Country Road Trip--New York to San Diego - Awards:
Goodreads Choice Award Nomination 2021; Coronado Community READ Winner 2022; Texas Great Read Selection 2023 - Language :
English, but translated into over 20 languages - Sensitive Aspects:
Animal welfare concerns, historical hardship and trauma, some violence and mature themes - Movie:
As of March, 2025, there are no movie deals for this book - Recommend for Book Club:
YES, most all book clubs will enjoy this book
Rarely do I give a book 10 stars, but this was one of those times. West With Giraffes was my favorite read for 2023!
Because it is so multifaceted, describing West with Giraffes is a challenge. It is a love romance, a sociological commentary on America's worst hour, a coming-of-age tale, a road trip, a tribute to animals (giraffes in particular), and a work of historical fiction all rolled into one. Until I read this book, I didn't realize how much I love giraffes. What's not to love? They won't eat you. About the worst thing a giraffe can do to you is spit in your face. And, despite their size, giraffes, similar to penguins and pandas, possess that "cuteness" quality. Two of these intriguing creatures, "the darlings," mesmerized a nation plagued by the Dust Bowl and the terrible poverty of the Great Depression. The giraffes, which were transported across the United States in 1938, garnered so much attention that they could have passed for unicorns.
About the Book
The book revolves around 105-year-old Woodrow Wilson "Woody" Nickel, who recounts his experiences as a 17-year-old, transporting two African giraffes from New York to the San Diego Zoo in 1938. After the death of his family in the Texas Panhandle, Woody travels to New York to live with a cousin. As chance would have it, a hurricane hits New York at that time, killing the cousin and washing ashore the giraffes. Woody is captivated when he sees the creatures and ends up following them in their customized crates along with their handler Riley Jones, who Woody refers to as "the old man."
Historically, the trip actually occurred, and it was the first instance of giraffes in the U.S. Eventually, the truck driver quits, and Woody, although he has never driven a rig, especially one hauling wild animals, assumes the task. Despite the old man's gruff exterior and Woody's penchant for lying, the pair are brought together bonded by their love for the giraffes, referred to as "the darlings" by Jones.
The ordeals that must be overcome as the two-week journey progresses highlight the very worst and best sides of humanity. To add to the mix, a self-proclaimed Life magazine photographer, Augusta Lowe, aka "Red," follows the rig in her green Packard. She shares Woody's wonder about the giraffes, and of course, Woody falls for the auburn-haired beauty.
The story is filled with adventure, peril, quirky fictional characters, and admirable true-life characters, the most memorable being a pair of traveling giraffes.
Why Read This Book?
Oh my, if you have not read this book, I highly recommend that you do. It delivers on so many levels.
Inspiring True Story: The novel is based on the incredible true story of two giraffes that survived a hurricane and captivated Depression-era America. This historical backdrop adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Multi-Genre Appeal: It combines elements of adventure, historical saga, and coming-of-age love story, making it appealing to readers who enjoy diverse genres.
Emotional Depth: The story explores themes of transformation through animal grace, kindness, and the passing of time. It's an emotional journey that can evoke a range of feelings. It made me cry, but in a good way.
Engaging Characters: The protagonist, Woody, is a compelling character whose life story unfolds as he writes it down in his final days. His journey is intertwined with other intriguing characters, including a young photographer and a gruff but kind old man.
Historical Context: Set during the Great Depression and on the eve of World War II, the novel provides a rich historical context that adds complexity and interest to the narrative.
Beautiful Writing: Lynda Rutledge is a Texan. Since I'm from Texas, this makes me a bit prejudiced, but the research alone that went into this book is astounding. The beautiful writing and wisdom make the story both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's one of those books that will stay with you the rest of your life.
My Morelia book club read this book last year, and it was a huge success. The book was my pick, so I got to be the meeting organizer. Lynda Etheridge was not available to come to Mexico, and I couldn't get the Morelia zoo to bring one of their giraffes over for our meeting, but if you would like to review the materials that were used, check out the West with Giraffes BOOK CLUB KIT post. Everyone walked away from the meeting with parting gifts: handouts about the book, a giraffe refrigerator magnet, a West with Giraffes bookmark, and an onion, which after you read the book, you will understand is giraffe food.
Table preparations for West with Giraffes club meeting
I hope your club enjoys this book as much as we did.
West with Giraffes printable BOOK CLUB KIT
The RWW book club kits provide everything you need to organize a great meeting with insightful discussions. These resources simplify book club preparation with character lists, book quotes, refreshment suggestions, recipes, and carefully prepared book club questions!
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