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- In “West with Giraffes,” Woodrow undergoes significant character development, transitioning from a young man freshly arrived from the Dust Bowl to an individual who has experienced love, guilt, loss, and redemption.
- The relationship between humans and animals is a central theme in the novel. Woodrow’s profound bond with the giraffes and his commitment to their well-being highlight animals as beings deserving of human compassion and protection.
- As Woodrow and Riley traverse the American landscape of 1938, they encounter significant social and political challenges of the era, such as oppressive racism and the dominance of big financial players like Percival.
- Red’s character provides a significant commentary on the expectations and roles of women in her era. Though society expected her to remain domestic and tied to familial roles, she dared to dream bigger, aspiring to be an influential photojournalist.
- West with Giraffes Summary
- West with Giraffes Themes
- West with Giraffes Book Club Ideas
- West with Giraffes Discussion Questions
In the year 2025, at age 105, Woodrow Wilson Nickel reads that giraffes are becoming extinct, and suddenly memories come rushing back. In 1938, the Great Depression is not yet a memory in the United States, and Hitler is becoming a major threat in Europe. Two giraffes miraculously survive a dangerous Atlantic crossing during a hurricane, and young ...
The Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, endangered and extinct species, human’s relationships to animals, how childhood shapes us as people, treatment of the elderly, the power of storytelling
Before you launch into your discussion, it might be helpful to come up with an icebreaker question to help get the conversation flowing. These can be silly or fun, and are not meant to be taken too seriously. For this discussion, try asking: What is your favorite road trip memory? Whether it was a relatively short drive or a long one like Woodrow’s...
Woody was looking for a way to get to California when he found out the giraffes needed a driver. Having already escaped the West (the Texas panhandle) and the Dust Bowl, what do you think Woody exp...Red is the young reporter who follows the giraffe truck across the country. She is married to a much older man, and Woody is just beginning his life, although they are close in age. Do you think th...Red has a bucket list, including famous people she’d like to meet before she dies. Do you have a list like that? If you do (or if you were to write one), who would be on your list?The Old Man, who is driving the truck with Woody, is a complicated character. What do you think he and Woody learned from each other?Discussion Guide. West with Giraffes Book Club Questions PDF. Click here for a printable PDF of the West with Giraffes discussion questions. Jump start your discussion of West with Giraffes: A Novel with thought-provoking book club questions from Bookclubs, the best app and website for organizing.
These book club questions should provide a solid foundation for lively discussions about “West with Giraffes.” Remember to respect everyone’s opinions and encourage open-mindedness as you explore the various themes and messages presented in this captivating novel.
Print PDF. Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers! In your view, who do you think is the real protagonist of the story? Woody went through a lot of injustices early in his life, how do you think his childhood shaped him into the person he became?
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- Lynda Rutledge
Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism. How do the giraffes that Woodrow transports amplify the thematic meaning of the novel? What might the giraffes symbolize?
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Jan 25, 2023 · Outstanding book discussion guide for West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. Includes character list, book club questions, photos of the actual giraffes being transported across the country, links to giraffes humming and birds in murmuration.
