West with Giraffes: A Novel

Written 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Feb 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781713551140

Lynda Rutledge

Lynda Rutledge, a lifelong animal lover, has had the joy of petting baby rhinos, snorkeling with endangered turtles, and strolling with a tower of giraffes in her eclectic freelance career writing nonfiction for well-known publications and organizations while winning awards and residencies for her fiction. Her debut novel, Faith Bass Darling’s Last Garage Sale, was the winner of the 2013 Writers’ League of Texas Book Award. It was adapted into the 2018 French film La dernière folie de Claire Darling starring Catherine Deneuve. Lynda, her husband, and their resident dog live outside Austin, Texas. For more information visit www.lyndarutledge.com.

Reviews for West with Giraffes

[maggie Ballas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Awesome book about a trek across the country in 1939 to transport two giraffes to the San Diego Zoo .

[Deborah Briers · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful story, exceptional characters, and passionate portrayal of the wonder of animals. Took a very difficult time in history and filled it with hope and humor.

[Andrea Epperson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This wasn't my typical genre but really enjoyed the story!

[Edward Beveridgr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Only one word can adequately describe this story……. EXCELLENT…… it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so very much.

[Tam Anderson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very interesting. Never read a story quite like this one. Loved the animals.

[Chana Rivka Hersh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent, clean, fun read! Loved the audio version and the languaging pulled me back to the time period.

[Pat Robbins · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like the colloquialisms of the period.
Readers may like to know that there is a large breeding herd of giraffes in Colorado Springs at the Cheyenne Mtn Zoo. You can hand feed them lettuce leaves and see their big prehensile tongues. They are a sight to see!

[Camille Walker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely loved this book! Listening to the audio version the Narrator took me back to another time, another place -he did an excellent job! I loved this heartwarming story; the characters were precious; the author had a wonderful way of adding everything that makes great story! It’s in my top 10 favorite books now, so will buy the hardcover to add to my collection.

[Bekah Page Turner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best books I've consumed all year! I loved it! Highly recommend!

[Jamie Hall · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was a very moving book and the “adventure” really resonated with me.

[jade · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It's a good story! Thought it was a bit hard to get into. The middle was the most fun to listen to. The end was a bit anticlimactic. I did enjoy it, though.

[afo28 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely heart wrenching and delightful! Can help but consider my grandparents while listening to this! Woody is one of my forever favorites as a “leading man”!

[Lauralyn Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent story and very good reader. I highly recommend listening.

[Ron Brewington · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Danny Campbell did a great job reading this very touching story. I sometimes wondered where the story was going and it didn't lead to where I anticipated. It just ended. Not abruptly but a very sad yet very happy ending.

[George Szmaj · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was so surprised at how much fun it was to listen to West with giraffes. It was especially easy because of the narrator sounded like an older guy who is telling a memory. It did refer to the actual transportation of two giraffes through after a hurricane and a storm, who made it across the United States in 16 days, it was worth reading.

[Gayle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read a lot of books and many of them have a deep effect on me. This one though, has covered a lot of my emotional territory.
I’ve loved this book and feel myself changed for the better by reading it.

[Michelle Belan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story had it all: humor, thrills, humanity, compassion, regret and a lesson about appreciating the natural wonder

[shayholst · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful story with a heartfelt ending. Works love to see this as a movie.

[Alison Deckard Ramos · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of those stories that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. By the end, Woodie, Augusta Red, the old man and the giraffes feel like old friends you've known all your life. A blessing of a book.

[Diane Pater · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Way out of my normal listening but this was a delight a little history and an interesting tale. Narrator did a splendid job.

[Cheryl Tippett Harrell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A must to listen to as the voice is perfection for this story. I was totally immersed and all I can say is that this is a bucket list book. Do not miss it. This book has so many sliding door moments that you have to keep reading. It also is a miracle in action.

[Victoria Lob · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I’m not sure if any of this story is true. I’m not sure if the characters really existed. I am sure that every last bit of it could have happened. The 1938 story beginning during the Great Depression seems so very real. I am sure this is one of my favorite books.

[Gretchen Grace Harrison · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Everyone is on a trip with this book—-not just the giraffes! Excellent writing. Riveting story. Compelling characters. This one will stay with me for a while!

[Jason Johnson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good fun Read I liked it I recommend this audiobook

[Elizabeth McCune · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Poor character development, nothing compelling about the giraffes other than the fact they’re giraffes called boy and girl, as though the author could barely be bothered with them. Tons of details about old trucks and rutted roads. And a completely abrupt end that made very little sense and left more questions than answers. Completely forgettable.

[Cathy Kepley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

West with Giraffes is a wonderful adventure. Told through the eyes of a young man who is truly finding his way, as he drives two giraffes across country. I enjoyed this story so much. Such interesting details and the narration was perfect.

[Jackie Hall · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story line loved the characters and the historical information.

[JoAnn Jurica · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s was fun book to listen to. A pure joy!

[Anthea-Ann Mills · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A delightful tale, beautifully written and narrated. Well recommended, well worth reading this engaging story?

[tamara · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Some history spread throughout but mostly about the giraffes. A book Most suited to animal lovers or those who don’t fit into societal roles. Was a good overall book and message. Inappropriate for minors.