West with Giraffes

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.

These book club discussion questions were prepared by Bookclubs staff.

Book club questions for West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

The author describes being inspired to write this novel after learning about the historical journey of the giraffes coming to the San Diego Zoo. Why do you think this particular story captured her imagination so strongly? What makes it compelling even 80 years later?

How does the narrative framing device of old Woodrow recounting his memories impact the book’s tone and emotional resonance? What perspective does it add? Why do you think the author chose to situate his reminiscence in the future (2025)?

How do Riley and Woodrow exemplify the power of storytelling and the value of preserving personal histories? What purpose can storytelling serve both for individuals and communities?

Discuss how the author balances historical fact and fiction. Are there places she takes creative license that worked well?

The novel provides a vivid portrayal of life during the Great Depression era. What specific details does the author include to capture the challenges and realities of this time period? How did this economic context shape the characters' choices and the story?

Examine the book’s depiction of 1930s attitudes around race, gender, and social class. What stood out to you?

Track the evolution of Woodrow's perspective on race, discrimination, and segregation over the course of his travels. What were the most poignant moments that challenged his views?

What do you make of Red's adventurous spirit and her "bucket list" aspirations? How were her dreams constrained by the time she lived in?

Discuss Woodrow’s instant connection with the giraffes. What do they represent symbolically and emotionally for him? Why is he so compelled to follow them?

What surprising facts or details about giraffes themselves stood out for you as a reader? What did you learn?

Questions about the Old Man's mysterious past are left largely unanswered. Why do you think the author made this choice? What unique role does he serve in the story despite his hazy history?

Analyze the dynamics between humans and animals portrayed in the book, from circuses to zoos. How did attitudes about animal welfare differ then compared to now? Do you think circuses should be allowed to have animals? How do you feel about modern zoos’ balance between conservation and entertainment?

The author notes that she wrote this story in part as a response to the current extinction crisis affecting giraffes and other species. In what ways does the book highlight human-animal connections and their importance? How might it influence how readers feel about endangered animals?

West with Giraffes Book Club Questions PDF

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