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justcallmeemily's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
Moderate: Racism, Violence, and Suicide
Minor: Vomit, Child death, and Racial slurs
oceanwriter's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I’ve had this book on my TBR for a while now. I don’t remember what drew me to it in the first place aside from it being historical fiction, so I went into it fairly blindly.
I was surprised in the opening pages to see it set in the future (2025) where we meet Woodrow Wilson Nickel toward the end of his life. After the introduction, the book follows him in the 1930s while tensions are building around the world when two giraffes are found to have survived a hurricane in transport. We follow their cross-country journey along with Woodrow and others.
It didn’t register as I was reading that this book is inspired by a true story. I might have appreciated it more had I realized. I didn’t find myself overly absorbed in the story, though I did enjoy the premise. It kept me good company during a day of commuting and waiting room visits, so for that, it was perfect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Animal death, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Violence, Suicide, and Racism
Minor: Racial slurs, Vomit, and Child death
amachonis's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Vomit and Fatphobia
jennjoy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Beautiful story of forgiveness, coming of age in the 1930s for a poor orphan and in fact a country that was in turmoil. The giraffes are the hope and serenity, pure souls that can save a life that is shattered. Wonderful story and I was completely invested throughout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death of parent, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Vomit and Gun violence
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