The Raven Who Spoke with God (A story of courage, integrity, and following your dream) [Kindle Edition]

Christopher Foster (Author)

Book Description

The Raven Who Spoke with God is an inspiring story anyone can relate to in these uncertain times.
Are you facing challenges? Do you feel as if your life is off track in some way? Do you have a nagging sense something is missing in your life, or your dream is slipping away?
Joshua is a brave, sensitive young raven with an excruciating decision to make. Will he follow his dream to restore the true honor of the raven as a messenger and guardian of humanity? Or will he allow the scorn and disapproval of his father and siblings to influence him so that he settles for a normal, “comfortable” raven life like his brethren?
Alone, scared and hungry, he gives up everything that is familiar and embarks on a journey into the unknown -- "The Hero's Journey," as it has been called -- in which he learns important life lessons vital to us all.
• Trust your own unconquerable spirit.
• Listen to the wisdom of your own heart.
• Discover new friends and mentors who will help you fulfill your dream.

Sample reviews: “It soars...this is no ordinary bird, and no ordinary book.” – The Sunday Oklahoman.

“Having a raven ally is powerful medicine indeed. Christopher Foster has paid a wonderful tribute to our feathered friends.” – Angeles Arrien, PhD, author, The Four-Fold Way.

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

• File Size: 381 KB
• Print Length: 160 pages
• Publisher: Watermark Publishing LLC; 3 edition (March 24, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007OLLQYM
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #688,323 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 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 HALL OF FAMEVINE™ VOICE

Format: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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

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

By Midwest Book Review

Format: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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book- Dealing With Growing Up April 26, 2002

By Dr. Grant Johnson

Format:Paperback

In addition to relating a fine story, well written, Foster reveals a sesitive understanding of the challenges young people make as they grow up.
The main character struggles, endeavoring to make decisions in keeping with his integrity. Is this not true of most individuals as they try to make sense of a confusing world?
As a clinical psychologist, having worked with children and teens most of my professional life, I am very appreciative of The Raven Who Spoke With God. Congratulations are merited!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This Raven is an Inspiration! April 10, 2012

By Angela Artemis

Format:Kindle Edition

Christopher Foster has written a marvelous allegory in "The Raven Who Spoke With God." Joshua, the raven, could be any one of us. His spiritual quest for truth, purpose and the meaning of life has universal appeal. The story of his life is marked with tragedy and triumph that inspires us to look for the deeper meaning in our own lives.

Once I started reading this remarkable story I had a hard time putting it down. Joshua, the raven, is such a compelling character that I found him coming to mind several times during the day after I began reading the book. I looked forward with great anticipation to finishing the book the following day. I won't give away any surprises but, I will tell you this book is a worthwhile read. Don't miss it. Your soul will be inspired.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Timeless Tale for All Ages April 5, 2012

By Vlad

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

What a delightful tale with such a profound message! I sent out an email to my friends and readers announcing the "give-away". I am happy to see that my friend and fellow blogger, Chris Foster, has published his animal fable on Kindle!

Ravens have always been my favorite bird! On my fathers side of the family whose ancestors came from Israel, we have a family crest. Image of a raven is a part of that crest.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Through A Raven's Eye April 19, 2002

By catherine bauer, author of ONE DAY ON EARTH, A Third Eye View

Format:Paperback

How often it takes a myth, a legend, or a fable to awaken awareness and reveal the truth we cannot otherwise see. Such a tale is THE RAVEN WHO SPOKE WITH GOD.

Beneath the beautiful cover lies a heartening story of a hero's journey. Joshua, the disheaartened raven asks himself, "What does it matter? I wanted to find the truth, but it was an illusion." Confessing to naivete, he feels he can only hope for a normal life--"you know, eat, sleep, and die." Haven't we each known similar disillusionment?

Sharing his quest will reward the reader with insight, raised consciousness, and hope for our universe.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A touching story with a bird hero April 12, 2002

By Mark S. Schmidt

Format:Paperback

..., I especially enjoyed this book due to the carefully drawn out personalities of the birds. Each bird is so individual and special that the writing touched my heart, as the author became one with this raven, his setting, even his special language.
The animal world is sometimes cruel and can change minute by minute, and this was reflected in an interesting fashion.
Families are important, as birds flock and create their own families in life. I felt the details reflected this.
But, the most important part for me was the spiritual connection between the bird, the human, and the "special voice " to whom the bird listened. It was very real to me because that's what I try to do in my own life.

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 23, 2001

By Jon R Tyson

Format: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.

More About the Author

Christopher Foster was born in London in 1932 and has been a writer all his life. He wrote his first story in an old scrapbook as a boy of 8 living with his mother in central London with bombs falling all around their apartment block. It was during the early days of the Blitz and his father was overseas as a war correspondent in India and the Far East.

Foster loves writing, Nature, and truth. He also loves imagination, the power to dream, and the unconquerable spirit at the core of our existence. He is author of two books of poetry, a biography, and three novels.

His most recent work, The Raven Who Spoke with God, was self-published in the US and mailed out on the morning of 9/11. A few months later, it was published in hardcover by a Spanish publisher, Ediciones B of Barcelona, and later translated into 10 more foreign-language editions. The book is a story about following our dream and mirrors some of the author's own life experiences.

Foster lived a normal British middle class life (if you don't count WWII) until he was 16, when things started going off the rails. An only child, he told his parents at lunch one day that his goal in life was to find the true meaning of existence. It rattled his father, a veteran London journalist, and led to a fierce argument that ended when his dad slapped the young dreamer angrily across the face.

Christopher worked on newspapers and magazines in London, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), New Zealand, and Victoria, British Columbia, where he bought a small sailboat. One day his imagination was fired when he learned about a British lord who had established a spiritual community in the interior of BC. It sounded so intriguing that he left the Daily Colonist and after a three-month cruise on his boat, sailed to Vancouver where he met the man who was to become his mentor. He was Lord Martin Cecil, a descendant of Lord Burghley, chief adviser to Queen Elizabeth I, who had himself rebelled against society as a young man, resigning a commission in the Royal Navy to manage his father's cattle ranch in British Columbia.

For 36 years, Christopher was a member of the spiritual community Lord Martin had established, and thought it would be his home forever. But following his mentor's death, the community went into decline and at the age of 63, Foster had no choice but to return to the world he had abandoned in his youth. It was a brutal transition but - as he later realized -it proved to be a door to new freedom and purpose.

Foster re-invented himself as a blogger in 2009. He named his blog The Happy Seeker. 80 years old in May 2012, Chris writes about moving through challenges and living a happy, fulfilled life at any age. He and his wife JoAnn live in a Denver, Colorado townhome complex that sits near a creek and is home to a large family of perpetually hungry ravens.