West with Giraffes

by Lynda Rutledge
West with Giraffes cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1551
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9781542021746
  • Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
  • Published: 2021-02-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99

In 1938, amidst the Great Depression and rising global tensions, two giraffes survive a hurricane and captivate America. Woodrow Wilson Nickel, a young man from the Dust Bowl, drives them across the country in a custom truck, delivering them to the San Diego Zoo. This journey becomes a defining moment in his life./n/nAt 105 years old, Woody recounts this extraordinary adventure, revealing how it shaped his understanding of kindness, time, and the profound impact of animals on human lives. As he faces the end of his own life, he finds solace in the memory of these gentle giants and the strangers who became family along the way.

Reviews
Reading Ladies · 2023-02-10
Excellent 4.70

A captivating historical fiction novel featuring a cross-country road trip with two giraffes and a desperate orphan.

This book is a compelling blend of historical fiction and adventure, following a young orphan and two giraffes on a journey across America. The story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, with well-developed characters and a unique premise.

Quick quotes

    West With Giraffes is unputdownable historical fiction featuring two giraffes, a desperate orphan, and a cross-country road trip.

    The story is set around a truly extraordinary real-life occurrence that captures the hearts of many.

    What a truly fascinating book!

Potpourri · 2021-02-13
Heartwarming 4.30

An endearing and heart-rending piece of historical fiction based on a real-life event.

This novel is a beautiful blend of historical fiction and emotional storytelling, centered around a real-life event involving two giraffes. The author masterfully balances lighthearted moments with deeper themes, creating a memorable reading experience.

Quick quotes

    West with Giraffes is an endearing, and also heart-rending piece of historical fiction.

    The story is set around a truly extraordinary real-life occurrence that captures the hearts of many.

    What a truly fascinating book!

Goodreads · 2021-02-01
Positive 4.50

An emotional and rousing novel inspired by the true story of two giraffes that captured Depression-era America's hearts.

This book tells the incredible true story of two giraffes that became a sensation in Depression-era America. It's a heartwarming tale that combines historical fiction with a touching animal story, making it a must-read for anyone who loves animals or historical fiction.

Quick quotes

    An emotional, rousing novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America.

    The story is set around a truly extraordinary real-life occurrence that captures the hearts of many.

    What a truly fascinating book!

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