West With Giraffes is an enthralling piece of historical fiction that narrates the tale of two giraffes, a destitute orphan, and an exciting cross-country journey.
Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, Animals, 1938 America, Dust Bowl.
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My Thoughts:
What is your preferred animal to observe at the zoo?
If You Like…
West With Giraffes is a captivating, emotional, and impossible to stop reading book, especially if you connect with the atmosphere found in News of the World (a journey with two unexpected companions), Water For Elephants (narrative structure focused on storytelling and friendships with animals), and Out of the Dust (experiences during the dust bowl era).
Newspaper article describing the journey.
Interesting, Fascinating, Unique, and Unputdownable
Yep! I really liked this compelling story for its historical interest and unique content about the first arrival of giraffes in San Diego Zoo, and I appreciate hearing about the woman director who played a key role in the acquisition. I’ve been to the Zoo many times.
Multi-layered and Fast Paced Plot
In 1938, a riveting story was unfolding in a newspaper. It depicted a perilous journey filled with setbacks and obstacles, as well as a budding romance and a multigenerational friendship between Woody, an older man who acted as a father figure, and an orphaned 17-year-old who was coming of age. The story also delved into the horrendous conditions of the Dust Bowl era. Will they face the obstacles that they encounter, such as the live giraffes in Giraffes With West? This complex story, filled with various storylines, will keep you hooked. I love it.
“The first time a poor soul gets a bit of grace in his wretched life, especially from a man who, by his own pronouncements, abides no chicanery, it’s a hard thing to recognize let alone accept, and even harder to trust.” ~Woody
Themes
Themes of kindness, compassion, and caring for animals are included in this story, which follows strangers from different generations who form friendships and pursue their dreams. The age of these individuals is not a barrier, as they exhibit determination, endurance, and are willing to take risks. The overall message of the story is one of thoughtfulness.
Recommending West With Giraffes
YA Mature readers might enjoy this story. Those who visited the San Diego Zoo in Southern California might also find Giraffes With West an excellent book club selection. Thanks to The Project Junia and Gail for encouraging me to move this up on my TBR list. I highly recommend Giraffes With West for fans of coming-of-age and multigenerational stories, as well as animal lovers.
My Rating: 5 Stars.
Additional details can be found here.
My Summary of West With Giraffes:
The key elements of the narrative include perseverance, surmounting challenges, and unexpected allies. In 1938, a destitute child embarks on a twelve-day journey across the country with two giraffes, drawing inspiration from real-life incidents described in the book West With Giraffes.
Meet the Author of West With Giraffes, Lynda Rutledge
Lynda Rutledge, a lifelong animal lover, has experienced the joy of petting baby rhinos, strolling through a tower of giraffes, and snorkeling with endangered turtles, while also winning residencies and awards for her fiction writing and being well-known in organizations and publications for her eclectic freelance career.
The novel “Giraffes with West” was inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who captured the hearts of America during the Depression-era and made headlines.
Claire de Folie Dernière, a film set in Texas Austin, revolves around the life of a dog owner and her husband. It is an adaptation of Last Darling’s Bass Faith, the debut novel by the talented writer. This novel was the recipient of the prestigious Texas League Writers Book Award in 2013.
For additional information, please visit her website: http://www.Lyndarutledge.Com.
QOTD:
Is this new publication on your to-be-read list or have you already read it?
Happy Reading Book Buddies!
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