Boris

By Cynthia Rylant

Book Overview

Boris is a big gray cat who loves sleeping and playing and exploring and hunting. And his owner loves him for all of his simple cat ways.

But Boris, typical as he may be, is part of a much larger story in this moving exploration of love, longing, compassion, and most of all, the continuous give-and-take of companionship.

Newbery medalist Cynthia Rylant's powerful collection of poems is sure to find its place in the hearts of readers of all ages, especially those who have been lucky enough to experience the many joys and hardships that come with true friendship.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152058095
• ISBN13: 9780152058098
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.0" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher

Customer Reviews

For the love of Boris

This book will catch your heart. It is slim enough to carry around to reread in odd moments. There seems to be always something in its spare prose to bring quiet peace and reflection.

Boris is a book and a cat to know!

"Boris" by Cynthia Rylant is a book made entirely in poem form, where a young, unmarried woman cannot resist the pet shop she passes on her way to work. She finally stops in, promising herself a girl cat, but big, gray Boris catches her eye, laying next to his sister. So she ends up with two cats, and Boris is somecat who opens the woman's eyes to the world and recalls memories she'd forgotten. She tells of the quirks and mysteries of Boris, the things he does, his pride. She tells of her life before him and the cats who shared her home ahead of him. Her worries and the adventures Boris has on his ten day disappearance. "Boris" is a rather peaceful book, and a quick read (74 pages). But the author's words will stay with you, and you'll look at your cat after reading it.

Accounant's wife: I'm keeping my Cat . . . .

Title: Boris Author: Cynthia Rylant Number of pages: 74 Summary: BORIS is a big gray cat who loves sleeping and playing, exploring, and hunting. And his owner loves him for all his simple cat ways. But Boris, typical as he may be, is part of a much larger story in this moving exploration of love, longing, compassion, and most of all, the continuous give and take of companionship. Reader's thoughts: At first glance I would've thought this book was actually a short story told from the point of view of a cat named Boris. In all honesty, the moment I opened the book is when I found out it was actually a poetry book told from the point of view of a nameless owner who happened to buy Boris (the cat) and his sister (also a cat), though reluctantly. From there the story continues to describe Boris' life with his owner, and his relationship with his sister who is honorably mentioned in the book several times. It's a short read, but its full of the depth you'd get from a book and probably more. Boris' behavior is described just like a cat's much to my delight. It reminded me much of two of my own cats (who happened to be spoiled tabby cats). From his mishaps -breaking his leg, beating down an old cat--- to his lazy behavior -sleeping in other peoples houses, usually annoying them to watching kitty TV-- this book does justice to what it's about. The book is full of humor and heartfelt drama which really got to me. I recommend this book to anyone who loves good poetry stories and cats (9-9-05).--- [a 5 out of 5]

Refreshing ...

This tale is true and a little gritty. Definitely not, Hallmark-ish. It chronicles a segment of life lived by, Boris, the main character. And, yes, I mean character. The author uses humor in such a clever way. Humor that sneaks up and surprises the reader. I read this book late one night and in the quiet of a very quiet house could not keep from laughing out loud. The humor softens the hardness and rounds out the edges. This book is a quick read. An excellent re-read. A small bit of poetic wisdom to keep handy for those days when life catches up and threatens to over take you. Slip into this tale, enjoy a good laugh, and rest assured that if you see life for what it truly is, you will always experience happy endings.