Books & Banter

This month we will be reading, "West with Giraffes" by Linda Rutledge.

An emotional, rousing novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America.

It’s 1938. The Great Depression lingers. Hitler is threatening Europe, and world-weary Americans long for wonder. They find it in two giraffes who miraculously survive a hurricane while crossing the Atlantic. What follows is a twelve-day road trip in a custom truck to deliver Southern California’s first giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. Behind the wheel is the young Dust Bowl rowdy Woodrow. Inspired by true events, the tale weaves real-life figures with fictional ones, including the world’s first female zoo director, a crusty old man with a past, a young female photographer with a secret, and assorted reprobates as spotty as the giraffes.

Part adventure, part historical saga, and part coming-of-age love story, West with Giraffes explores what it means to be changed by the grace of animals, the kindness of strangers, the passing of time, and a story told before it’s too late.

How it Works?

Books & Banter meets monthly at 5:30pm. Books will be available at the library circulation desk one month prior to the meeting date. If you would like an alternative format (large print, audio CD), please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

We want to hear from you! Fill out this reader survey to choose the monthly book genres: 

If you have questions or would like to be added to the Books & Banter email list, contact Rebecca at renman@peterboroughnh.gov or call the Help Desk: 603-924-8040.

All are welcome to our discussions!

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