West with Giraffes

A Novel

By: Lynda Rutledge

Narrated by: Danny Campbell

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.

©2021 Lynda Rutledge (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“A delightful read.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Every year I find at least one book that soars above all the others. This year West With Giraffes is that book.”—Florida Times Union

“[A] larger-than-life story about the power of both animal magnetism and human connection…witty, charming, and heartwarming.”—Booklist

Wonderful Story

Seldom do you find a book that teaches a history lesson (The great depression and the dust bowl experience in the late 1930's), and a zoology lesson (Learning about the giraffes), while shedding light on multiple cultural themes (racism, sexism, animal rights, parent-child influence, poverty, etc) woven into such an engaging journey. the narrator is perfect to tell this story. I couldn't wait to get to what was coming next. I highly recommend this for readers if all ages.

I'm in love with this book.

This wonderful book entertains so well. The characters draw you into this masterfully scripted adventure. It is a must read.

Such a beautiful story

This was such a delightful tale! I’m researching the background stories now. So much I don’t know. Thank you!

Wonderful Book

I absolutely love this book. For anyone who loves animals even more so. Beyond the beautiful story of the giraffes, I love the 3 main characters. I know I would fit right in with this group. What a wonderful movie this would make. It is not a “fluff” book but deals with a most trying time in our country’s life. I strongly encourage reading this story.

greatest book ever!

I loved this book so much. it was a great tale of hardship, friendship and love. I can't wait to recommend to our book club.