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The Cay (The Cay, #1)

Theodore Taylor

Discussion: Books Set in the Caribbean

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Books Set in the Caribbean

* Caribbean Authors
By Diane , Armchair Tour Guide · 9 posts · 460 views

last updated Oct 22, 2017 03:32PM

Puerto Rico
By Diane , Armchair Tour Guide · 21 posts · 1073 views

last updated Sep 21, 2025 03:25PM

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What Members Thought

Jul 17, 2016 Karen rated it liked it

Shelves: travel-the-world

This was a bit of a slow read for me. WWII comes to the Island of Curacao in 1942, which forces Phillip and his mother to flee the Island, even though fleeing has its' own risks, because German U boats are scouring the area. Unfortunately the Germans have seen them. The book starts off slow, but gets better farther on, and discusses some very important topics. Although I didn't enjoy this one as much as his Outer Banks Trilogy, it was a good book and I learned a few things that I didn't know. ...more

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Sep 29, 2012 Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance rated it really liked it

Shelves: problems-ideas, kids-1001, children-s-books, adventure

I am astonished at all the things I learned from reading this very short children's chapter book. I never knew that Caribbean islands lay just offshore from Venezuela in South America. I never knew there were valuable oil refineries on these islands. And I never knew the Germans tried to destroy these refineries during World War II.

All of which appears in this story and all of which are based on true events.

A wonderful little story about a boy who connects unexpectedly with a person he'd though ...more

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May 31, 2016 Tanya rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: kids-1-001-books, genre-children-s-literature, kids-1001-books-12, kids-1001-12-plus, 2016, challenge-2016-colapub

My daughter picked this book up for me because it met a challenge for author initials. I discovered later that it is on the book list for 1,001 children's books to read before you grow up. I really like this story and think it would make a good discussion book about race relations and compassion. What a turning point when Phillip decides he wants Timothy as a friend. The child grows in courage and maturity in a short span and based on the head injury he suffered and then the activities he needed ...more

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Nov 02, 2009 Jenny rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A very sweet story about the friendship between a boy and an old man. A great book for discussions about human nature, race, survival, love, and sacrifice. It's a bit like Uncle Tom's Cabin for younger readers because Timothy is the savior figure. It's a fabulous quick read that I would recommend to everyone. ...more

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Aug 08, 2016 Nancy H rated it it was amazing

This was an exceptional book. It was originally for young adults, I believe, but adults will find it fascinating as well. What a story of courage and survival, and of growing up and changing one's outlook on the world! ...more

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