Travel Book Club: West with Giraffes Discussion (Jan 2025)

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It’s time for the first discussion in our 2025 Travel Book Club! This month we read West with Giraffes and I’ve compiled some questions below to get the discussion started! Share your thoughts check out what we’re reading next month!

Caution: Spoilers Ahead!

Based on the true story of two giraffes that were transported from New York to the San Diego Zoo after surviving a hurricane while on the cargo ship, West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge is a heartwarming and unique historical fiction novel set in the 1930s. At its core, though, the book is about so much more than just giraffes—it’s about resilience, connection, and the wild journey of life.

The story is told from the perspective of Woody Nickel, now 105 years old and reflecting on the adventure of a lifetime he had as a teenager. Back in 1938, 17-year-old Woody was a scrappy kid from Dust Bowl Texas, trying to figure out how to survive in the aftermath of the Great Depression. He stumbles upon the giraffes at a port in New York and ends up tagging along with their driver, Riley Jones, as they haul the animals cross-country in a custom truck.

The road trip is full of drama: broken-down vehicles, sketchy characters, and plenty of moments where it feels like everything is about to go horribly wrong. Woody, who’s got a complicated past and dreams of starting fresh, bonds with the gruff Riley and learns more about himself than he ever expected. Along the way, there’s also Red, a spirited young photographer chasing the perfect shot, who adds both tension and charm to the journey.

Rutledge does a fantastic job of weaving historical details into the narrative. You really get a sense of the time period, from the dust-choked towns to the lingering effects of the Great Depression. But what really stuck with me (besides the slobbery giraffe kisses) is the emotional heart of the story. Woody’s coming-of-age is so compelling, and the bond he develops with the giraffes is incredibly moving.

Overall, West with Giraffes is a quirky, feel-good book with a lot of heart. It’s got adventure, history, and just the right amount of sentimentality. If you’re in the mood for a story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and think about how weird and wonderful life can be, this one’s definitely worth a read.

Check out the discussion questions below and join the conversation over on Facebook!

Discussion Questions | Share Your Thoughts on Facebook

• Is Woody a likable character? Why or why not?
• How did his adventures with the giraffes shape the rest of his life?
• What do the giraffes symbolize to Woody?
• What do you think Woody was hoping to find in California?
• Why do you think Red told Woody that she didn’t have heart issues? Do you think under different circumstances she and Woody could have had a relationship?
• Why do you think Riley continued to give Woody another chance after he made mistakes? What do you think he and Woody learned from each other?
• While you were reading the book, did you know who the “you” was that Woody was writing to, or were you surprised at the end?
• The historical journey the novel is based on happened more than 80 years ago. Why do you think this story is compelling even today?
• What did you like most about the book? What did you like least?

February’s Book

In February, we’ll be reading Black Girl in Paris by Shay Youngblood. I took this book with me on my first-ever trip to Paris and it was interesting to read in the evenings after spending the day wandering the city! We’ll begin discussion on February 24, so pick up your copy today and start reading!

If you like it, put a pin on it!