The Raven Who Spoke With God [Paperback]

Christopher Foster (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 2001

The Raven Who Spoke With God is the inspiring, heartwarming story of a young raven who believes there is more to life than eating and playing, but faces obstacles at every turn as he seeks to understand and realize his life's true purpose. The book is also an invitation to step outside our busy world and experience the serenity of Now--the simple joy of Being.

When he sees his family and friends killed in a massacre, Joshua is overcome with despair. However, as we follow his adventures in this inspiring fable, we realize that the answer to our difficulties is never far away, but is found in the quietness of our own heart.

Christopher Foster paints a vivid portrait of a hero's journey as step by step a sensitive, vulnerable, but determined raven follows his destiny and becomes a friend and ally to humankind.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fun book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages." -- Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi

"Christopher Foster has paid a wonderful tribute to our feathered friends." -- Angeles Arrien, author, The Four-Fold Way

"It reminded me of a Jonathan Livingston Seagull in the Rockies." -- Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews

"It soars... (this is) no ordinary bird, and no ordinary book." -- The Sunday Oklahoman

A magical fable that illuminates many truths yet never preaches. Gentle, touching, and a perfect vehicle for deep conversation. -- Communaissance magazine

An incredible story so full of adventure and emotion that you cannot finish it without a gasp of joy. -- Kathryn Lanier, Innerchange magazine

How I loved soaring through the air with Joshua, feeling his pain, his hunger, his torture, his triumph. -- Tami De Palma, Marketability

That's the blessing of this book... we find a mirror for our own life. I enjoyed it and recommend it. -- Marie T. Russell, Inner Self Magazine

The book helps to bring a little peace in a difficult time -- Margaret Wallace, former Education Director, Denver Botanical Garden

The writing is lyrical and the story is inspirational and uplifting." -- Green Bay Press-Gazette

From the Author

Dear Reader,

If you are like me, you long for more peace and joy in life, a sense of being one with the universe rather than an isolated human entity constantly under threat from hostile sources.

I wrote my fable, THE RAVEN WHO SPOKE WITH GOD, as a way to share this longing for oneness that I feel is at the heart of all creation. More importantly, I sought to portray through allegory the manner in which this urge may be fulfilled.

In these perilous times especially, we will not find our way home without listening very keenly indeed to the voice of wisdom that speaks to us from the silences of our own inner being. Needless to say, if we do this kind of listening, and find the fulfillment that is waiting for us, then it will bless the natural world too! Nature depends upon us more than we may think.

Joshua, the hero of my book, is a vulnerable, sensitive, passionate young raven, but he is more than that. As he overcomes his grief and fear, he represents to me the brave, steadfast spirit that dwells in each one of us, longing to be free and to live in joy and peace.

There is a wonderful myth in the Haida culture of the Pacific Northwest that tells how the Raven brought life to the land after the flood—several human beings within a large clam shell. Another legend tells how this most fascinating and intelligent creature stole a magic box containing light. When he opened the box, curious as usual, Raven brought light to the world.

There’s a line in an old text called the Koyukon that goes like this:“Make prayers to the Raven. Raven that is, Raven that was, Raven that always will be. Make prayers to the Raven. Raven, bring us luck.” Joshua and I wish you luck, and I hope you’ll take a few moments to read the sample chapters on this site. Christopher Foster.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Singing Spirit Books (September 4, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971179603
• ISBN-13: 978-0971179608
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,346,574 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't miss this book, I almost did, December 22, 2003

By 

Harold McFarland (Florida) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Raven Who Spoke With God (Paperback)

A book written on an adolescent level, but appropriate for all ages, this is the story of a raven named Joshua who has a special purpose in life. After witnessing his family killed by malicious children he becomes afraid of people. Unfortunately, as it turns out his purpose has something to do with people and this fear almost keeps him from following through on his calling. This is a tale of overcoming fear, of reaching for your goals despite obstacles, of finding where you belong, of healing your life. "The Raven Who Spoke With God" is a lighthearted and fun read that also teaches very important moral and life skills.

When the author contacted me about possibly reviewing this book I ignored his e-mail. He sent a second request a few days later and I read the synopsis but still decided that it did not interest me and did not respond. Finally he sent a copy anyway. I could not be happier that he did. Many people try to write symbolic short stories that teach deeper lessons much like an elongated parable. Most fall sadly short of that goal; Christopher Foster does not. "The Raven Who Spoke with God" is a highly recommended read and it would have been my loss if I had missed it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superbly written inspirational novel, August 4, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Raven Who Spoke With God (Paperback)

The Raven Who Spoke With God is a superbly written inspirational novel by Christopher Foster about a journey to hope and healing, and a look at nature through the eyes of a creature who is part of it. When a young raven loses his friends and family to a massacre, he is at first consumed with despair; his subsequent journey and adventures form a parable in this highly engaging narrative. The Raven Who Spoke With God is highly recommended reading, especially for those who prefer their fiction to showcase a deftly presented and spiritually uplifting message. Also highly recommended is Christopher Foster's previous novel, Winds Across The Sky.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good reading for ravens or humans of any age, November 24, 2001

By 

Jon R Tyson (Saranac Lake, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Raven Who Spoke With God (Paperback)

The book does not preach or expound on any particular philosophy. It is as accessable for children as it is for adults. It speaks to a part of us that is looking for meaning and tells, thru allegory, of the many pitfalls in that search. If you have ever been in a relationship with someone who looked at the world differently, with different values than yourself, you will be able to relate to many of Joshua's adventures. Easy to relate to and full of interesting views on ravenkind. If you've ever wanted to spread your wings and expand your horizens and assist others on the way, Joshua is your raven.