West with Giraffes

A Novel

De: Lynda Rutledge

Narrado por: 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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“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

This story will make your heart smile!

When I first saw that giraffe at a preserve near Gualala, California on the coast, I could not believe the graceful walk, big eyes and curious tongue. So absolutely mesmerizing, I have never forgotten. When I saw West with Giraffes, I couldn’t help but put it on my audible to listen to as I drove from Colorado to Texas. The trip went by like a flash as the author immersed me in such a delightful story that makes me wish I could be back in their presence again. The reader was just terrific and story is very worth your while. You will want a giraffe’s song to rumble in your bones too. Highly recommend it when you have time to listen!

Engaging and heartening story

I was sorry the story was over. It was a fun and engaging lesson. The narrator made the story pop

Excellent!!!

If you’re an animal lover you’ll love this story, if you’re not you’ll still love it. I got caught up in it right away, I listened I smiled I was amazed and concerned I laughed and cried. I thought it was great! I hope we all care for and love all animals and never let them all vanish from this earth.

Boy and Girl

What a beautiful story. It encompasses a horrible storm at sea, a travel with a very tall truck, would be hijackers, and a country needing an enjoyable experience. It takes place during the dust bowl with signs of war on the way and an immense number of poor and starving people. Experience every emotion as the story progresses. You will be drawn in and want to read right through to the end!

West with Giraffes

What a wonderful story!! I loved it! Had it’s sad parts, funny parts and wonderful parts! I loved the variations of voices too! I would highly recommend this book!

How much more difficult life was

The narrator was good with expression. The story was interesting and made me realize how difficult life was back then.

very moving story

I loved giraffes before this story. Now I love them even more. Great insight into a hard part of American life.

Great book

The narrator is perfect....for the main character...
this should be a movie someday.
Don't miss this one !!!

wonderful story

the author is a marvelous story teller. I've listened twice and enjoyed it immensely both times.

What a wonderful story

So beautifully written . The narration was perfect. A story to be remembered. Thank you.