The Cay

By: Theodore Taylor

Narrated by: Michael Boatman

Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Phillip is excited when the Germans invade the small island of Curacao. War has always been a game to him, and he's eager to glimpse it firsthand, until the freighter he and his mother are traveling to the United States on is torpedoed.

When Phillip comes to, he is on a small raft in the middle of the sea. Besides Stew Cat, his only companion is an old West Indian, Timothy. Phillip remembers his mother's warning about black people: "They are different, and they live differently."

But by the time the castaways arrive on a small island, Phillip's head injury has made him blind and dependent on Timothy.

©2002 Theodore Taylor (P)2005 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"A tense and moving experience." (Publishers Weekly)

"Michael Boatman is a fabulous narrator. His narration expresses both the urgency of learning a new way of life and the joy of new friendship. The lilting calypso intonation Boatman gives to Timothy - and his uniquely outrageous “wisdom” - transports the listener." (AudioFile)

Memorable Story for 50 Years

My sixth grade teacher read this book to my class and I purposefully memorized both title and author so that one day I might have a copy of my own. Half a century later I found it had not lost it’s charm nor it’s place in my heart. Recommend for all ages. A timeless classic.

This edition includes a brief interview of Theodore Taylor just a year before he left this life. Invaluable insights in that interview.

the KKK is not gay

Love this reader and this book .I just need to say more so ignore the following,hand shins 's s jeans Jan s n Ann's 's sons an an am ask Jason's Karnataka .

G Rated Castaway

Loved the story and the narrator. Touches in more than survival. Deals with race, disability, friendship and loneliness that younger readers can understand while still interesting to the older crowd.

A Story that will change your life

Loved this book!!! I read & discussed this book about 3 yrs in a row to & w/ my struggling readers. They learned to love the book & learn from the book that under a person's skin, we are all alike & just because someone looks big & scary, it doesn't mean that they are. They learned from the book that people that weren't given access to schools, can be very smart based on their experiences. This book is a classic to read, discuss & learn from. I believe Dr MLK, Jr would be proud that this book was dedicated to him and his cause for equality.

In tears!

I'm so glad my children have gotten to experience this book. Wow! Can't wait for my youngest to experience this book in the future. We will be back to re-reading and listening again and again.

The day

This book is really dog I think people should read this book but not for summer reading it took some time but it was good

Fantastic

Not only is this a superbly written book, Mr. Boatman's narration is perfect. An absolute MUST listen!!!!

great book

great listen. listened together as a family. not for very young kids, but great all around book. so much great things about this book, will make you rethink many things. plus, history, geography, etc etc....

Color of skin

Read this as a kid and 20+ years later I understand why it stuck with me. Great quick story.

The Cay

Great book!!! From first chapter to the end it was edge of your seat reading. my 11 year old boy and i read it together, it was a great way to spend time with each ither.