The Cay Audiobook By Theodore Taylor cover art

The Cay

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The Cay

By: Theodore Taylor
Narrated by: Michael Boatman
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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 Action & Adventure Black & African American Difficult Discussions Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Multicultural Stories War

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)

Powerful Message • Timeless Classic • Perfect Narration • Captivating Storyline • Educational Value • Engaging Reading
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Wonderful book for cat lovers, themes of racism, marooned/shipwrecks, tropical survival, creole/calypso, blind heroes. builds empathy.

This book is close to my heart

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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.

G Rated Castaway

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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.

A Story that will change your life

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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.

In tears!

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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.

Memorable Story for 50 Years

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This was a very interesting book and i liked it I would give this book 4 stars recommend

Very interesting

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Super great version of a book from my childhood. The narration is above and beyond any I’ve heard. A great story.

Excellent Narration!

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What did you love best about The Cay?

The vivid description, intense action, and range of emotions.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Both Timothee and Philleep

What does Michael Boatman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Not sure. I think that I would enjoy it either way.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Timothy dies and leaves Phillip to survive alone

Any additional comments?

Just a breath taking story about relationships, prejudice,hardship, and the will to survive.

Awesome Book for All Ages

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This was one of my favorite books growing up. I am not disappointed in the audible reading.

I love the story of an old man teaching a child how to look past short comings. A great story about life and the surprises that come with.

I loved this book as a child.

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I read it when I was in school, now almost 25 years later I’ve listened to it on audible and still love it. But I wish it was longer.

Amazing book!

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