Eagle Reviews

Philip Red Eagle is an amazing writer! There have been many exceptional books written about PTSD and the reality of the warzone. What makes this book different is the mind, body and spirit approach that Philip Red Eagle expresses so well. He not only takes you there with him,but shows you a way home through the pain, distrust and loss and to the strength of your heart and spirit. For anyone who wants to help a vet who is struggling to regain his or her spirit, this is the book you've been looking for! This is a way home.

There's been a lot written about Vietnam vets and post traumatic stress, but I've never read any author who portrays the pain and anguish as well as Red Eagle. Then he portrays the healing. But to understand it you must enter a different skin. The skin of a people not held to standard conventions; where time has a different meaning and visions and dreams are an important part of life. I have never read an author who managed to accomplish this, but Red Eagle does. Even Alexie, an author I greatly admire, still leaves the reader on the outside looking in. But with Red Eagle you are truly taken inside.

I am an avid reader who usually consumes one book after another. However, when I finished this book I couldn't start another one for a couple of days. It has that kind of effect on you.

I have taught this book alongside classic works of Native American (such as Leslie Silko's "Ceremony"), alongside exceptional works of Native philosophy (e.g. Vine Deloria's "Red Earth / White Lies") and alongside some of the most popular contemporary Native writing (Sherman Alexie, among others). Red Eagle's "Red Earth" holds its own in all these contexts, and has been the favorite of many students in my classes.

"Red Earth" is a magical pair of stories dealing with the trauma not only of Vietnam, but American colonialism.

This book is extremely important for Metis - those of mixed blood, who have to struggle for identity and self worth in a nation of freedom and denial of freedom. Unfortunately, Kirkus leads off with a judgmental and skeptical review. Kirkus needs to employ editors who have understanding and experience in the spiritual worlds! We need the support of generations of elders of integrity,dreams, visions,spirituality, our indigenous heritage, and knowledge of the violence, exploitation and greed which was also formed the foundation of the United States. My spirit soars with this book to the mountain tops, to the pine forests, to the circles of elders and people who walk the path of love and healing. We are here. Our teachers are here.Our ancestors are here. The animals and plants and stones are here. Sakanta Running Wolf, Th'e Chupe ke ya ka Pah, Walks in Freedom.

i am the gggggggg ( i believe thats right maybe one less g) granddaughter of william weatherford through his youngest son who survived to adulthood Alexander . last semester i wanted to do a paper about him in frontier history class and bought the book. at first i thought the author was a little corny with her always thinking Red Eagle was with her. when i dropped out of that college i was unable to complete the paper. this semester in one of my english classes we learned about sacred time and it opened up my mind to think differently. now i think the book is beautiful because it isnt just a book full of jumbled up facts but real feelings. when i was younger i was afraid of the native american blood in me--im also signifcantly Cherokee. this book helped me to be proud of my heritage. i give the author 5 stars !

I am a direct descendant of Red Eagle and his wife Mary Stiggins. Mary Ann Wells takes you on a quest and delivers the goods. The real man is revealed from a Native American viewpoint. The Red Eagle that my grandfather loved and told us of flooded back into my psychic (his hatred for Andrew Jackson as well). I felt as though I was actually seeing those tragic days through the eyes of my illustrious ancestor. Ms.Wells has cleverly turned our hearts toward each other!

The people of the Dagara culture relate to us that children have themselves recently re-emerged (via being born) from the world of the spirit, of the ancestors. They are fresh and full of wonder at being here, still very expressive of the spirit of the other world in all its truthfulness and spontaneity.

Sobonfu's husband [Malidoma Patrice Some] has covered very incisively the funeral and male initiation ceremonies in his three books; Sobonfu, by contrast, goes much more than he (given the stated topic) into such things as the pre-conception naming ritual. Then there is the ritual asking the child [before birth] what he/she is coming to life to be, to accomplish within the community. Then everyone in the community will be able to help the child in every way possible to grow into the person that he/she would be.

And there is the welcoming ceremony done for every child, each who has come on this long journey from the land of the ancestors to the land of the living. One beautiful feature of this is that the other village children (standing together in the next room) imitate the newborn child's first cry as accurately as possible to let the newborn know he/she has come to the right place.

Sobonfu goes into exquisite detail describing the bounteous relationship between children and their grandparents. The old ones are all getting closer to the world of the ancestral spirits, as they are approaching closer to the time they leave this world, whereas the young ones are most familiar with that world, having recently returned from there.

In another chapter she discusses how and why miscarriages occur, how strongly they affect the community (especially the mother and other close relatives), and what this has to do with the world of the ancestors. Then she articulates, once again, the rituals which attend the phenomena to help the grieving process that occurs as a result of this emotionally and spiritually traumatic breach [in the thin, permeable barrier between village life and that of the world beyond].

And there is the bonding ritual [re-commitment between husband and wife], the fertility ritual, and the bonding ritual between the child and its grandparents, as well as other ancillary activities.

Through all these examples she effortlessly and courageously articulates the vision the Dagara have of their life and community, so seamlessly it astounds you - the dawning of this worldview almost sneaks up on one as it gradually takes shape, almost from within the reader's subconscious. Her writing is the equal of that of her husband, as she dynamically melds all aspects together into an interpenetrating, wondrous whole.

"Children are the life-givers, the healers, the messengers of the ancestors. They bring out the spirit of the community - they bring spirit home. Children are embraced, celebrated and supported, for without them there would be emptiness in the hearts of all villagers." [p. 85]

In her last chapter, she recapitulates and outlines in detail how to perform all of the rituals previously mentioned, for the benefit of those here in the West who would like to transit to this most humanizing and spiritual form of community in their own lives. She first gives a summary of how to set up a ritual in general (and how it usually should flow), after which she tells about how dreams and/or storytelling can have a role, as well as how and why healing and integration can take place. For healing of hearts and souls in the community is, if not the primary focus for a given ceremony, always [at the very least] a significant by-product.

For more on the subject of African childrearing and educational practices (as well as how this affects an economy in which women do all the farming), this time from a Kongolese (central African) point of you, be sure to check out the slim volume by Fu-Kiau and Lukondo-Wamba, titled 'Kindezi - the Kongo Art of Babysitting', available at a number of fine university libraries around the world.

This book is infused with wonderful stories and lessons and the beauty and power of ritual from the West African culture. The writer heightens the readers awareness of the importance of each member of community and their roles and contributions and rituals to strengthen each individual thereby the overall village. She presents rituals in such a way that they can be done in America and by you, the reader.

This is a beautiful book.

I loved reading this book! It helped me to understand so much about my life. The since of community and love that is transfused into the children that are cared for by the methods in this book is a story that needs to be told.The rituals sound wonderful and I only wish that I had this knowledge prior to the birth of my children.This is a book about healing as well as love and honor for all of nature.This book gives wonderful information to instill pride in my African heritage. Prayer and intent are also stressed in this book and I find both to be very powerful forces in my life.

There is something special about birds. Remember Jonathan Seagull? This calendar helps me to rise above the daily chores...and let go...and fly!Love it!Tom

I love eagles and this was a truly unique way to see them every day during my work day. The images by Jasper James are startingly dramatic. Can't wait for the new year to place it on my desktop. It'll give me a great feeling each time I look up on my desk and see it. Great idea for gifts as they are not intrusive and require little space. Everybody loves eagles except maybe salmon.

The work is totally professional and well put together. Unusual photos of eagles in outstanding poses and clarity. A must have for any eagle lover or nature love of any kind. Congrats to the publishers for the great product. A calendar that is easy to give as a gift and easy to place anywhere because of it's unique CD design for the desktop or any tabletop. Clever bordering on genius. Joe Scout

My son picked this book our at the library today. We read it together. Lots of great info along with a story of how baby eagles grow! Fun book!

I absolutely love this book--visually stunning with accurate, sometimes to the point of scientific, drawings of the growth cycle of the bald eagle. The narration is very informative while at the same time engaging for younger readers as well. I learned more in this book about eagles than in any field guide. When's the next one coming out?

The illustrations and the story are both immediately appealing. The information is fascinating and what is especially useful is that there are two levels of information available on each page. That is, the story for children about how a baby eagle joins the world and then additional information for the older child and the parent. Its so engaging and beautiful!

This is a very enlightening book. Finally, it seems someone has had the courage to divulge some of the more esoteric teachings of Native American spirituality. I have studied esoteric teachings for many years, and there is far between books like these that really gives you many and deep insights. Definitely a book that can be read many times, and each time you will get something more out of it. A far cry from the books of "plastic medicine men". T. ex you can buy books out there that tells you how to make your own medicine wheel, even coming from a non-native background. This book will tell you that you are not reallly ready for any such thing before AT LEAST 30 years of study and practice. No quick-fixes here! As non-natives we need to have an very deep respect for Native American spirituality. First we took their land, then we prohibited their religion and language, forcing their children to go to boarding schools in order to brainwash them into Churchianity and capitalism (this first ended in 1970!!), and THEN well-meaning, if ignorant, people come and demand to be initiated into their spirituality, taking Indian names, charging money for teachings, etc. I do believe we can learn from them, if we will listen with an attitude of respect.It is wonderful that Chokecherry Call Eagle had the mission and the courage to publish the teachings in this book. An extremely honest and higly recommendable book..!

I read a lot of books on Native American spirituality, Christianity and other spiritual paths, and I don't think I have ever encountered one this good. Chokecherry Gall Eagle has led a truly amazing and unparalleled life. The wisdom he has gained and the fact that he is willing to share this knowledge with everyone is still amazing me. There are so many lessons to be learned from what he has to say. I have read it twice and I am sure will read it many more times, just to soak in as much as I can. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in any aspect of spirituality, or to anyone who wants to read an amazing story.

This book was a delightful surprise! The author's words and opinions spoke loudly to me and I appreciate his candor and willingness to present the story and information in a way that is more easily understood by people who are not steeped in the traditions and concepts of Native American Spirituality. While the book was very interesting and entertaining, the most important impact this book had on me was triggering a lot of introspection and thought on my own beliefs, particularly in regard to Native American spirituality. The author's sincerity and seriousness about the subject matter were refreshing, and the depth of his committment is obvious. There is one thing about this subject, book, and author that I was left with to chew on that I have thought of many times before and still have not found much resolution on. For people who are sincerely trying to learn from this Red Road in order to make themselves a better human being, the author's personal experiences are enviable. There is so much "stuff" out there and so few people who truly have the traditional knowledge and the sincere commitment, that experiencing the "real" thing when it comes to interaction with people tends to be the exception rather than the rule. I guess we all have to do as best we can, stay sincere and committed, and trust that the Creator will provide us with the appropriate guidance and direction. In closing, I would like to thank Mr. Gall Eagle for his willingness to share his life experiences, his knowledge, and his wisdom; but mostly I would like to thank him for simply being who he is and living the life he is living. There is much in this book for people to learn from, if you take the time to look within and examine yourself honestly. Take time to sit and "Cogitate" (as my grandfather used to say), to let the messages and wisdom that are there for you individually, manifest themselves. There is much here below the surface for those who ernestly seek.

In The Eagle & The Wren, naturalist, conservationist, and wildlife activist Jane Goodall retells the classic fable of the Eagle and the Wren who once disputed who could fly the highest. The two birds held a glorious contest to determine the issue once and for all. But the outcome surprised them all -- especially the might eagle! Alexander Reichstein's superbly presented artwork is a perfect showcase and complement to Jane Goodal's exceptional story that will enchant young readers preschool through first grade. Also very highly recommended are Goodal's three earlier children's books available from North-South Books: The Chimpanzee Family Book, With Love, and Dr. White.

This book contains the retold fable of the eagle and the wren, which was a favorite bedtime story of Dr. Jane Goodall and her sister, Judy, when they were girls. In addition, Dr. Goodall has an epilogue in which she describes her interpretation of the fable in terms of her own life. The book also contains luscious, detailed pastel drawings that add a majesty and grandeur to the tale. You will feel like you are seeing the world from a bird's eye view . . . way up on high! It's beautifully peaceful there. That's a nice way to end a bedtime story.

The story begins when all the birds have an argument about who can fly the highest. Everyone loudly proclaims their superiority. Finally, owl points out that a contest can quickly settle this dispute.

Off they go. Many of the birds don't actually go very high. When they return to Earth, they are comforted by the ostrich (who, of course, cannot fly at all) who notes that they have each done the best that they can. Some are distracted (like the vulture) and don't continue the contest.

Finally, there seems to be a winner. Just then, an O. Henry style twist occurs to turn the contest onto its head.

"How can you fly so high?"

The answer to that question will open up important lessons about the potential for cooperation. What is impossible for one is often easy for several. Many people go throughout their lives without ever understanding that point. Anyone who has read this story will always know differently. That can be the beginning of many wonderful joint accomplishments and collaborations in life.

Dr. Goodall's epilogue uses the eagle in the story as a metaphor for her life as an outstanding scientist. "We all need an eagle." "I like to think of all these people [who helped me] as the feathers on my eagle." "Each one has played an important role." " . . . [M]y eagle is part of the great spirit power that is all around us."

Almost all children's stories emphasize individual competition. This one celebrates cooperation. Every child deserves a chance to hear the cooperative side of that choice. This book is a superb way to open up that understanding.

After you finish enjoying the story together with your child, I suggest that you think together of places and situations where two or more animals, people, or combinations thereof can accomplish more together than singly. Let you child come up with the examples. That will deepen the significance of the lesson for her or him. You can cooperate by praising the ideas.

Like Dr. Jane Goodall, her staff, and the chimpanzees in the Gombe Preserve in Tanzania, may you and your child live in peaceful cooperation with all the living creatures around you!

Quick, children! Jump right into your jammies and hop into bed for a heartwarming bedtime story - a real "Once Upon a Time" treat. It's Dr. Jane Goodall's nifty version of a timeless fable, THE EAGLE & THE WREN. You'll witness an exciting contest to determine which kind of bird can fly the highest. Here's a hint as to how it turns out: With amazing results, one of the birds counts on another for help, just the way people do. But what's more, we can all be winners even without the ability to fly the highest. We just need to strive to do our best. Take it from the ostrich in the story, "You have all done as well as nature intended...You all have wings, but each of you flies to a different height for a different purpose..." Throughout the story, be sure to keep your eyes wide open and the lights turned way up, so you can thoroughly relish the accompanying delicate, feathery pastel illustrations by Alexander Reichstein. Isn't that a gruff, menacing-looking eagle on the cover? Not to worry! He plays a very gentle and caring role in this story. THE EAGLE & THE WREN is bound to peacefully and happily carry you soaring off to dreamland.

A tale of simple believing and self forgiveness. By letting go of the anger, including the ego and pride, Eagle Boy coupled the powerful believing in friendships and trusting in the inner spirit within all true hearts, a transformation of healing can take place in our inner mind and body, within our families, whithin our communities, within the nation and around the world. Imagine and conceive the resulting peace that cannot be robbed from us, no matter the events of the world. Great retelling of this legend, that combines the best in many cultures and beliefs. Perfect for these very times.

"Eagle Boy: A Pacific Northwest Native Tale" is retold by Richard Lee Vaughan with illustrations by Lee Christiansen. Together they tell the story of a Native American boy called Eagle Boy by the people of his village. Eagle Boy is scolded by the villagers because he shares his food with the eagles. But when his village faces a food shortage, Eagle Boy's kinship with the winged predators becomes important for everybody.

"Eagle Boy" is a story of ostracism, love, magical transformation, and a mystical human-animal connection. Eagle Boy is a memorable hero. The illustrations are truly marvelous: they are rich with warm colors, and make dramatic use of light and shadow. The book opens with a stunning picture of eagles fishing by the seashore, and contains many other great images. Recommended.

Sharing, kindness and friendship are the main themes in this wonderful Native American folktale. Readers will become aware of the true bonds that can develop between humans and animals. That is an invaluable lesson that will help deepen appreciation for nature.

If you love raptors, then this book is a great way to get you started learning about them. The drawings and full color paintings are superb. The information is more than enough for a good introduction, and if you like bird carving, then this is one of the best reference books you can have. I got one for myself, and gave the kids their own. It's not just a coloring book, the activities are designed to get the reader thinking and doing, especially observing nature and not television. Perfect for home schoolers.

This is the only children's book I've seen that does a comprehensive job portraying the richness and diversity of birds of prey that exist in North America...As a scientist, this is certainly the kind of coloring book I'd be happy to give my kids. And, as a raptor biologist, I'd be proud to give it to a colleague's kids.

Coloring books are not appropriate for library lending and are typically not featured here; but Raptors: The Eagles Hawks Falcons And Owls Of North America is a very fine educational guide and a highly recommended pick parents will want to pick up for their children and that librarians could utilize as a reading prize incentive for their summer reading program promotions. Color drawings of hawks, eagles, and owls accompany basic information on North American raptors, with complex and detailed black and white drawings kids can fill in. A simple, appealing coverage.