Review: Boris

Boris
By Cynthia Rylant
Published 2005 by Harcourt, Inc.

Another book I stumbled upon while perusing the 800s of the YA non-fiction, this is the simple yet engaging story of Boris, a cat. It's difficult to tell if this is a work of fiction or autobiography, though in the end it doesn't really matter. Rylant has crafted a quiet portrait of the inexplicable love between owner and pet - even when the owner has tried so hard to resist becoming such of this particular pet. This is a quiet book, as nothing really happens over the course of its short length, but a delightful read for anyone who has ever been completely taken with and loved by an animal. Boris has a distinct personality but at the same time, he could be a stand-in for any cat, or any pet, really. It's a wonderful skill that Rylant has executed here. A very sweet read.