Customer Reviews

Kara, the Lonely Falcon

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This is truly a lovely allegory. Kara, the central character in this story is a large, powerful falcon. He is a predator by nature, devouring smaller creatures. During one attack, he swoops down on a dove. The dove begs for her life and when Kara looks into her eyes and sees her fear, he relents and releases her. From then on, Kara changes his priorities. He learns to eat berries and vegetables because he can no longer bring himself to kill another living creature. The gentle dove in turn, welcomes Kara into the woodland creatures' community where they bond and welcome even more animals of all species.

Kara is a symbol for St. Paul, the former Saul known for his persecution of Christians. The gentle dove is a symbol of the Angel who appeared to Paul and who helped him rethink his priorities and become a Christian. (The dove, long recognized as the symbol of peace is often referred to in Scripture). The woodland creatures could be the Disciples or as a Christian community of caring. The end of the book reinforces the Christian theme beautifully by describing Kara's ultimate sacrifice -- he eats Manna (communion, perhaps) and takes a swan song (falcon song) flight into the sun. At the end of his life, he is transformed into a myriad of beautiful colors that his woodland friends know as being him. It is one of best books in Christian literature. It is a heart warmer. Please read it. It will really touch your heart.

I found this book yesterday in my search for a 'spiritual' book for my 13 year old female cousin. I started to read it to see if it was appropriate for her and ended up reading the whole story in less than two hours. It is beautiful- my thoughts are with it today. An adult wanting a short story...get it, also it could be read outloud to a small child, it is basically an animal story. Any reader of any age would enjoy its inspiring simplicity. Hint: The powerful Falcon becomes conscious of its predatory nature and chooses not to kill. Humanity's same struggles of right and wrong begin to stir in a Falcon's thoughts.

I found this book yesterday in my search for a 'spiritual' book for my 13 year old female cousin. I started to read it to see if it was appropriate for her and ended up reading the whole story in less than two hours. It is beautiful- my thoughts are with it today. An adult wanting a short story...get it, also it could be read outloud to a small child, it is basically an animal story. Any reader of any age would enjoy its inspiring simplicity. Hint: The powerful Falcon becomes conscious of its predatory nature and chooses not to kill. Humanity's same struggles of right and wrong begin to stir in a Falcon's thoughts.

Kara, the Lonely Falcon is among the earliest writings of Joseph Girzone. This charming allegory parallels common Christian themes including mercy, sacrifice, and friendship. While it is written for young adults, it can be enjoyed by all ages.

Kara, who is a bird of prey, makes a decision. He no longer wants to use other animals for food. This comes as a shock to the other creatures of the forest. Many creatures are not convinced of the change in Kara until he protects the creatures from other birds of prey. An alliance is formed between Kara the falcon and the creatures of the forest. A conflict arises when Kara must find a new source of food. While he can eat berries during the warm season, the winter months are more problematic. The food donations of the forest creatures are not enough to maintain the large falcon. A mysterious food that resembles a flat mushroom appears near Kara's perch. This food gives Kara warm feelings which makes him want to share the food with his friends. Kara is never able to share the food with his friends because of the day in which he mysteriously disappears. However, the creatures do discover the mysterious food.

For animal lovers and fans of Christian fiction, this is a wonderful book. I can envision myself using this book as a gift for young nieces and nephews in the future.

I found this book yesterday in my search for a 'spiritual' book for my 13 year old female cousin. I started to read it to see if it was appropriate for her and ended up reading the whole story in less than two hours. It is beautiful- my thoughts are with it today. An adult wanting a short story...get it, also it could be read outloud to a small child, it is basically an animal story. Any reader of any age would enjoy its inspiring simplicity. Hint: The powerful Falcon becomes conscious of its predatory nature and chooses not to kill. Humanity's same struggles of right and wrong begin to stir in a Falcon's thoughts.

Gently told, this inspiring parable of KARA, and friends, is masterfully written and read by Joe Girzone (author of the JOSHUA series of books) ; and, is one of his best. KARA's life-changing experience helps to bring out the best in his friends, and invites the readers to become their best as well.