Riff, Remember

by Lynn Hall

Both misfits in the hunters' world in which they live, Riff, a gentle, exotic Borzoi, and Gordy, the violence-hating son of the hunting camp owners, become inseparable.

107 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Lynn Hall was the author of over fifty novels for juvenile and young adult readers, as well as over two dozen novels for younger readers. Her books focus on coming-of-age stories featuring dogs and horses.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A borzoi, whose original owner has died, finds a new home with a lonely boy who lives at a wilderness campground. Unlike those around him, the boy doesn't like to kill animals--only to "hunt" with his camera. When the boy is killed by a hunter in a covered-up accident, Riff does his best to bring the killer to justice. Very sad story that stuck with me throughout my childhood, and was just as touching when read much later as an adult.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet but tragic story about the love of a dog for his boy. Riff, a rare breed in the U.S., and Gordy, a teenager who prefers shooting wildlife with a camera over a gun, are both out of place in a rural hunting community full of sportsmen and field dogs. They are both taken care of and treated well, but there is a distinct shared Otherness about them that makes their bond so strong...and the twist that separates them so upsetting.

[Shannon O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 7th grade, and it has remained with me ever since. For years after reading this story, I dreamed of having a Borzoi dog when I grew up. Not a practical dream. It is a beautiful and haunting story for those who love dog books, but it's a sad one. The wonderful thing about this story--the true power of it--is that it will never leave you. Once you've read it, it just kind of becomes a part of you. I keep this one inside my heart, always.

[Kelly]

one of my first favorites! i cried every time i read it. :)

[Mikki Bunnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only read this book if you want to cry.