Would you survive on a deserted island?

I know of so many classes that have read The Cay by Theodore Taylor that I decided it was time for me to read it, too, and I'm glad I did.  Taking place during World War II, young Philip is on a freighter that is hit by a torpedo.  When he comes to, he's on a raft in the middle of nowhere with Timothy, an elderly black man, and his feline companion, Stew Cat. They eventually land on a small, deserted island; Philip's head injury leads to blindness, and he must depend on the knowledge and kindness of Timothy to survive.  Will they make it through the approaching hurricane?  Will they ever be rescued?  A lot of action and food for thought are packed into this relatively small book.