“More than anything, it was the blue dolphins that took me back home.”
― Scott O'Dell, Island of the Blue Dolphins

Sigh. I never read this as a kid. At least I don't think I did.

And I have long had it on my TBR. Survival stories are not usually my thing but I am aware how this beautiful story and I wanted to check it out.

I cannot say with honesty I loved it. I am sure I would have, had I read it as a kid. What I CAN say is I can see why it is considered a classic.

I had heard of Robinson Cruso. And I am not 100 percent sure I did not read it as a kid. There are so many books I read in my long ago youth. I very well may have.

I struggled with a rating. I did not just want to rate it a five because of its status as a classic. But I couldn't give it a low rating either.

Things I loved....the animals, the pet dogs, the birds and that dang fox! The little red fox made its mark on me! I love red foxes.

I felt all the animal death was a bit much. Yes, I am a wuss and do not like that even in children's books! I actually felt a bit bad for the devil fish!

I loved the sea and the beauty and tranquility of the island.

And I loved the protagonist who is a heck of a lot more gutsy then I'd ever be in that situation!

But the real reason it gets a four....and almost a five...is the unforgettable, to brief, sequence with the dolphins. That was just....I cannot even express how exquisite that little part of the book was. I do wish it had been longer.

Words cannot express how I adore dolphins....along with seals and otters and sea lions. I still have so many pictures of them taken on various vacations.

If one could be an animal for a day...wouldn't it be fun to be a dolphin? Or a sea otter? Such playful and joyous creatures.

The school of dolphin that surround, befriend and help Karana in this story were adorable and so exquisite to read about. Such a lovely story.

So I do think if this is one you've missed as a kid, you may want to do a read. Particularly if you like dolphin! ( )