BORIS
Cynthia Rylant
Harcourt Children's Books
Nonfiction/Poetry
ISBN-10: 0152058095
ISBN-13: 9780152058098
80 pages

Boris is more than a cat; he's a catalyst.

Adopted from a shelter at the age of four (or maybe seven, or maybe eight), Boris was originally named Hunter --- a nice, safe, generally appropriate if somewhat yuppie cat name. Within days, though, he proves himself worthy of the name Boris. He's as sharp as the claws he uses for climbing trees, and his owner, who wears long skirts and doesn't own an iron or a pair of nylons, loves him for it.

Boris is the center of a larger story, told in free verse. Cynthia Rylant uses her thoughts and observations of Boris to talk about larger life themes, including love, independence, and personal fulfillment.

Rylant's writing is beautiful and insightful, and aspiring poets can learn a lot from it. That said, I believe that women who are taking control of their own lives and living happily will especially enjoy the messages in BORIS. Living happily is a message that teens can certainly benefit from, but because of the adult perspective and lack of focus on the lives of teens, adult readers will appreciate this book the most.

   --- Reviewed by Carlie Webber

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