KARA THE LONELY FALCON

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Summary: The Falcon-KARA- transforms, consciously in this short story
Review: 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.

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Summary: A BEAUTIFUL ALLEGORY
Review: 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.