West with Giraffes: A Novel
by Lynda Rutledge
What Amazon Says
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.
My Thoughts
I’ve always enjoyed stories about animals, and this one didn’t disappoint me. I was right there with Woody, the old man, and the giraffes, as they crossed the country, dealing with one adversity after another, wondering if they would make it to California. I appreciated the author’s and historical notes at the end, which explain the inspiration behind the book and provide fascinating background information about the time period during which most of the story takes place. If you’re interested in reading an adventure story involving animals and learning something along the way, West with Giraffes is for you.
New! Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me
Copyright 2021 by Abbie Johnson Taylor.
Independently published with the help of DLD Books.
Sixteen-year-old Natalie’s grandmother, suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home and rarely recognizes Natalie. But one Halloween night, she tells her a shocking secret that only she and Natalie’s mother know. Natalie is the product of a one-night stand between her mother, who is a college English teacher, and another professor.
After some research, Natalie learns that people with dementia often have vivid memories of past events. Still not wanting to believe what her grandmother has told her, she finds her biological father online. The resemblance between them is undeniable. Not knowing what else to do, she shows his photo and website to her parents.
Natalie realizes she has some growing up to do. Scared and confused, she reaches out to her biological father, and they start corresponding.
Her younger sister, Sarah, senses their parents’ marital difficulties. At Thanksgiving, when she has an opportunity to see Santa Claus, she asks him to bring them together again. Can the jolly old elf grant her request?
***
My Corner 
A stellar review and I love the descriptive photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Patty. I’m glad you liked the images. I had Two Pentacles Publishing resize them and provide descriptions for those unable to see them. They provide a variety of services to authors. Anyone interested can visit them on the Web at: https://www.twopentacles.com
LikeLike
I thought that was their work.
Thanks for plugging them.
LikeLiked by 1 person