In my youth and 20s, I was an avid reader. You could almost never catch me in my free time without a book in my hand or, at the very least, close by. As I aged, and my vision slowly started to deteriorate, I stopped reading. In fact, until September of 2022, I had not read the entirety of a book in perhaps 10 years. My eyes felt tired or I would get a headache and I would simply give up. Then I got glasses and what a glorious gift they have been! I read 17 books last year – starting in September! I am on Goodreads if you are interested in checking out my reviews for the books that I completed in 2022. Let’s be friends!
WEST WITH GIRAFFES Book Review
The more historical fiction I read, the more I become a fan. On its own, the story of the “hurricane giraffes” is quite a heart warming tale. But weaved into their story is the journey of our hero, Woody, that most people can relate to on some level. Woody just wants to see the country [“Californy” specifically], to find a better life while outrunning the seemingly insurmountable challenges of his past. Adventurous and spontaneous [perhaps reckless] Red comes along and Woody is smitten.
If you love reading about people facing, and often overcoming, mountainous odds, then this book is for you. West With Giraffes has a plethora of things I look for in books: adventure, richly developed and empathetic characters, a fast moving and interesting storyline, all while mingling with a true storyline enough to pique your interest, prompting further investigation.
Before reading this book, I was unaware of the “hurricane giraffes.” As an animal lover, I was moved by their often terrifying trek to the San Diego Zoo – to an eventual much safer life than that which they would have lived out in the wilds of their native Africa. Giraffes are close to extinction and we need to do anything we can to save these beautiful creatures. Learning about and/or seeing these magnificent animals helps us realize what we would miss if they were no more. Lynda Rutledge did a beautiful job raising awareness to both their beauty and plight.
2023 Goodreads Reading Challenge
I am participating in the 2023 Goodreads Reading Challenge. I have pledged to read 40 books in 2023 and so far I have finished 3 books. I have rated each book 1-5 stars and you can read my full 2023 reviews on Goodreads.
1. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K Rowling ★★★★☆2. No Home For Killers by E.A. Aymar ★★★☆☆ 3. West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge ★★★★★
I am currently working on WAXING ON by Ralph Macchio. Have you read any of these books? If so, what were your thoughts on them? Do you have any books to suggest for me to read this year? Leave a comment below! Also, if you are participating in the 2023 Goodreads Reading Challenge, I would love to follow along with your journey. Be sure to add me as a friend!
