West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

4/5 Stars

If you are a fan of historical fiction and carry a love for animals, West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutlege beautifully combines both. Inspired by the true story of two giraffes who won the hearts of Americans and lifted their spirits during the Depression Era, West with Giraffes is an absolutely delightful read.

Well-researched and eloquently written, the story is told from the perspective of Woodrow “Woody” Wilson Nickel, an old curmudgeon and World War II veteran who has a story to tell. And by golly, he is going to tell it before it is too late. No one and nothing will stand in his way. His story is one of not only perseverance, determination and grit, but of love, survival, adventure and history. And it is a tale that you, the reader, will fall in love with. Be ready to laugh. Be ready to cry. And be ready for every emotion in between. The story culminates beautifully and will leave you fully satisfied yet yearning for more time with the giraffes and their human friends.

I learned quite a bit about the history of this time period. I was unaware of the story of the “hurricane giraffes” prior to reading this book. It is an absolutely fascinating and wholly interesting story! I learned about the geography of our nation in the 1930s, the Dust Bowl and other interesting tidbits about the United States decades ago. I love a good story, but I love a good story where I can learn something new even better. West with Giraffes fit that bill.

Check this book out. It is a wonderful tale of two lovely giraffes and their long road trip across America. Just wonderful!