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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
Woody Nickel at ripe old age of 105 hears in the news that giraffes are becoming extinct. He punches the television because he can not bear to hear such words.Giraffes can not become extinct because two young giraffes, almost 80 years ago, became 17 year old Woody's salvation.
As America is dealing with depression, the Dust Bowl is killing people at an alarming rate and Hitler is threatening just across the ocean, the mood in the country is bleak. At this time 2 East African giraffes arrive at the Port of New York to be transported to the San Deigo Zoo. But as the ship landed, the city was hit by a violent hurricane that did tremendous damage to the ship that the giraffes came in as well as injuring the girl giraffe. 17 year old Woody Nickel is a dust bowl youth from Texas Panhandle area who came to New York after the death of his family to dust pneumonia. Woody is attracted to the giraffes but he is more attracted to the idea of traveling to California - the land of milk and honey. But the zoo keeper who is responsible for escorting the giraffes cross country is not interested in the inept driving skills of young Woody. But Woody is determined and fate smiles upon him for once. Thus begins the journey of Woody, zoo keeper Riley Jones, the two young giraffes and a woman photo journalist whose dream is to publish her photos of this journey in Life magazine. As they travel through the heart of America, they learn about love, trust, kindness, animosity, greed and also about themselves.
Based on true events and incorporating true historical characters along with fictional ones, the author writes an incredible story about humanity, nature and our interdependence.
As America is dealing with depression, the Dust Bowl is killing people at an alarming rate and Hitler is threatening just across the ocean, the mood in the country is bleak. At this time 2 East African giraffes arrive at the Port of New York to be transported to the San Deigo Zoo. But as the ship landed, the city was hit by a violent hurricane that did tremendous damage to the ship that the giraffes came in as well as injuring the girl giraffe. 17 year old Woody Nickel is a dust bowl youth from Texas Panhandle area who came to New York after the death of his family to dust pneumonia. Woody is attracted to the giraffes but he is more attracted to the idea of traveling to California - the land of milk and honey. But the zoo keeper who is responsible for escorting the giraffes cross country is not interested in the inept driving skills of young Woody. But Woody is determined and fate smiles upon him for once. Thus begins the journey of Woody, zoo keeper Riley Jones, the two young giraffes and a woman photo journalist whose dream is to publish her photos of this journey in Life magazine. As they travel through the heart of America, they learn about love, trust, kindness, animosity, greed and also about themselves.
Based on true events and incorporating true historical characters along with fictional ones, the author writes an incredible story about humanity, nature and our interdependence.
adventurous
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
This is a historical fiction book about two giraffes which are taken to San Diego from New York after being stranded from a hurricane. It was an easy read with adventure and quite the cast of characters. But, it all tied together and touched my heart at the end. The last chapter alone made the entire book worth reading and raised my rating a full star.
Based on the true story of the transportation of two giraffes across the US from NY to California during the Great Depression. I enjoyed this a lot, not only is a good historical fiction, it also is about the value of storytelling (one of my favorite things!)
One of the best books I’ve read this year. I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time. Playlist picks:
“Africa” Toto
“Diamonds on the Souls of her Shoes” Paul Simon
“Africa” Toto
“Diamonds on the Souls of her Shoes” Paul Simon
This was a fun read! I really liked the main character--Woody Nickle. The setting during the Depression and right before America's entry to WWII created a fascinating look back in time. I enjoyed the message of the book about how animals are special and should be cared for. I wish we could have seen more about Augusta Red, but the small glimpse into her life is very much like how in real life sometimes people come in and out quickly even though you wished to know them longer. The ending was tearful, but not in a completely sad way. The book also made me consider giraffes more closely. Next time I'm at a zoo, I might linger a bit longer at their exhibit than I would have otherwise.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This story was so unique and genuinely an adventure. A bit slow in the beginning but once it gets going you are sucked in.
Charming story that was inspired by true events. Although this was about animals going to the San Diego Zoo, it made think how lucky we are to have the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha and what it must have been like when the animals arrived when it opened in 1894.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Very reminiscent of Water for Elephants and very enjoyable!