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West with Giraffes: A Novel

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.

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371 pages

Average rating: 7.76

1,297 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

KBRielly
Mar 28, 2025
7/10 stars
Group Rating 7
JanieLM
Mar 13, 2025
8/10 stars
“West with Giraffes” is a beautifully crafted novel, reminding me of the writing style of William Kent Krueger. The plot takes us on an odyssey in a roughly assembled truck rig which transports two men and two giraffes across the USA during the 1930’s. It’s a story of joy and trust between man & giraffe, of growing up, of facing one’s past and moving on and in finding love. The author has blended fiction, history and non fiction seamlessly. An excellent epic book I highly recommend.
Dr. Pam
Feb 14, 2025
10/10 stars
Excellent book. Everyone in my book club loved it. Ms. Rutledge did an excellent job of blending a fiction and history.
BeachBookBabe
Feb 13, 2025
9/10 stars
Everyone LOVED this book. We all agreed that the author masterfully crafted true events and people into an engaging, memorable fictional narrative.
kateeloften
Feb 02, 2025
8/10 stars
My son loves giraffes, so this book felt especially meaningful! I felt so connected to ‘Boy,’ ‘Girl,’ and Woody’s journey. West with Giraffes beautifully blends a story of self discovery with the miraculous true tale of two historic giraffes. The ending felt tough but purposeful—leaving a powerful message about protecting wildlife and the importance of conversation efforts. Loved this book and it’s celebration of giraffes!

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