A review by karenluvstoread
West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

4.0

“It is a foolish man who thinks stories do not matter – when in the end, they may be all that matter and all the forever we’ll ever know.” ~ West With Giraffes, pg. 338

 
This book was one of my Amazon First Reads choices this year and I’m glad I picked it. This novel is set during the 1930s in the time known as the Dust Bowl. The story is inspired by a true event of two giraffes who were on a ship during a hurricane, survived, and we’re transported across the country to a zoo. 

I loved reading this story! The writing is descriptive and engaging. I thought the author did a great job capturing some of what it must have been like living through that time in history. In addition, you can picture in your minds eye the giraffes and their antics as well as their grace and love. The giraffes have a particular impact on Woody, one of the main characters of the novel; but they also bring a spark of joy to various towns from New York to San Diego. The story is adventurous and hopeful, and captures the sense of belonging. It is also a beautiful tribute to animals.