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

Fantastic Story

This is a great feel good kinda story about 2 giraffes brought to the United States in 1938,, arriving in New York City and transported by truck 3,200 miles to the San Diego Zoo..Part adventure, part historical and part love story between humans and animals. The two amazing giraffes are referred to as "Our Darlings" in the story. Danny Campdell does a good job of narrating...This was one of my two selections from Prime First Reads, then when the audio book came out, I snapped it up.

Giraffes Rock!

I enjoyed West With Giraffes right out of the shipyard. Danny Campbell is a stellar narrator who gave voice to the characters. I recommend this audio to everyone.

Charming

A thrilling and charming true story. Loved every minute of it. I'd be shocked if this isn't made into a movie.

Could not get past the narrator.

This is a wonderful story if you can tolerate the narration. If another version is ever presented be sure to listen.

Fun with Giraffes

I didn’t want this book to end! It is wise with insight, witty in its writing and telling, and wonderfully narrated.

A story of not only two giraffes and their drive across the US to the San Diego Zoo, but one of a young man coming to terms with life after the Dust Bowl and what his future might hold.

The giraffes lured me in, the tale of Woodrow Wilson Nickel’s adventure with said giraffes and a cast of feisty characters kept me engaged. The writing is crisp and descriptive, the pace is quick as the story unfolds.

This book just made it to my Top 5 of all time!