At my latest book club meeting, we discussed West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. I wasn’t too excited about reading a book about giraffes, but then I read this quote in the introductory pages: “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” As someone who has loved their dog, I knew that I would probably appreciate this book

”Favorite character?” asked the book club member who was leading the discussion. Without hesitation, I replied, “The giraffes.” The giraffes are so dog-like, showing affection for those humans that they like and quick to pounce on whoever gives them a problem. Their actions entertained me.

But this book is about more than the giraffes. It’s about animal and human interactions and relationships, the coming-of-age of a young man, and even women’s rights. Woody is 18 years-old when he drives the truck containing the giraffes across the country to the San Diego zoo. Their adventures are depicted with emotion and a sense of adventure. I loved it.