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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
This was a very interesting story, a likely fictional account of a fact based event that happened in the 1938 and told by a old man in present day who’s over 100. I’m an animal lover, like Jones and Woody I don’t have much respect for people who treat them poorly. Book #9 in 2022
"West with Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge is a heartwarming and captivating novel that whisks readers away on an extraordinary adventure. An intriguing tale of fact and fiction set against the backdrop of an actual historical event, this novel beautifully blends fact and fiction.
At its core, the story revolves around the desperate and determined efforts to transport two giraffes from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States during the 1930s. The author artfully combines the challenges faced by the giraffes with the human drama of the Great Depression, infusing the narrative with a sense of both wonder and hardship.
Rutledge's storytelling is a standout feature of the book. Her prose is evocative, and she skillfully navigates between the perspectives of the human characters and the giraffes themselves. This unique approach allows readers to form a deep connection with the animals, making them more than just exotic creatures but, instead, central characters in the story.
The characters in "West with Giraffes" are well-developed and relatable. Woodrow Wilson Nickel embarks on this cross-country journey with the giraffes and is a particularly endearing character. His narrative voice is engaging and offers valuable insights into the novel's historical context. Additionally, readers will find themselves rooting for the giraffes as they endure the journey's challenges.
One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of themes such as resilience, hope, and the enduring power of the human-animal bond. Rutledge paints a vivid picture of the American landscape during the 1930s. This backdrop enhances the story's authenticity and immerses readers in the era.
While "West with Giraffes" is a delightful and touching read, it does have moments where the pacing slows down, particularly during some of the journey's more repetitive and challenging parts. However, Rutledge's prose and character development keep the reader engaged, and the plot ultimately remains captivating.
"West with Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge is a remarkable novel that highlights a little-known historical event and celebrates the resilience of humans and animals. It is a heartwarming story filled with adventure, hope and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
The book is worth embarking on if you're looking for a touching and unique historical fiction novel.
At its core, the story revolves around the desperate and determined efforts to transport two giraffes from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States during the 1930s. The author artfully combines the challenges faced by the giraffes with the human drama of the Great Depression, infusing the narrative with a sense of both wonder and hardship.
Rutledge's storytelling is a standout feature of the book. Her prose is evocative, and she skillfully navigates between the perspectives of the human characters and the giraffes themselves. This unique approach allows readers to form a deep connection with the animals, making them more than just exotic creatures but, instead, central characters in the story.
The characters in "West with Giraffes" are well-developed and relatable. Woodrow Wilson Nickel embarks on this cross-country journey with the giraffes and is a particularly endearing character. His narrative voice is engaging and offers valuable insights into the novel's historical context. Additionally, readers will find themselves rooting for the giraffes as they endure the journey's challenges.
One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of themes such as resilience, hope, and the enduring power of the human-animal bond. Rutledge paints a vivid picture of the American landscape during the 1930s. This backdrop enhances the story's authenticity and immerses readers in the era.
While "West with Giraffes" is a delightful and touching read, it does have moments where the pacing slows down, particularly during some of the journey's more repetitive and challenging parts. However, Rutledge's prose and character development keep the reader engaged, and the plot ultimately remains captivating.
"West with Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge is a remarkable novel that highlights a little-known historical event and celebrates the resilience of humans and animals. It is a heartwarming story filled with adventure, hope and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
The book is worth embarking on if you're looking for a touching and unique historical fiction novel.
It's not the book, it's me!
I completely see the appeal of this coming of age story. It's informational, well written, and who doesn't love giraffes? While I see why it's rated so highly, it just wasn't for me. I listened via audiobook and had trouble paying attention because honestly, I was bored. I didn't get any sense of climax with this book, there was no anticipatory build-up and you could see where the story was going the whole time. Aside from that, I wasn't able to connect with the characters. Not because they're unlikeable, but overall the characters and the book was just lukewarm for me.
While I wouldn't reread it, I would suggest it to anyone who likes historical fiction, animals, slight dual timelines, and a plot with little to no conflict or climax
I completely see the appeal of this coming of age story. It's informational, well written, and who doesn't love giraffes? While I see why it's rated so highly, it just wasn't for me. I listened via audiobook and had trouble paying attention because honestly, I was bored. I didn't get any sense of climax with this book, there was no anticipatory build-up and you could see where the story was going the whole time. Aside from that, I wasn't able to connect with the characters. Not because they're unlikeable, but overall the characters and the book was just lukewarm for me.
While I wouldn't reread it, I would suggest it to anyone who likes historical fiction, animals, slight dual timelines, and a plot with little to no conflict or climax
adventurous
emotional
tense
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:
Complicated
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I was finishing up a super long review of this book, but then Goodreads crashed on me and I lost it
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An interesting story about a historical trip for two giraffes that traveled cross-country in 1938. There weren’t any ginormous issues or tensions that carried the story forward. It was just kind of a nice story. I appreciated that it was based on a true event, but overall was underwhelmed.