An Eagle Named Freedom: My True Story of a Remarkable Friendship

I’m a sucker for animal stories so, of course, the picture of a magnificent eagle (along with author Jeff Guidry) that adorns this book jacket drew my attention immediately. What I received upon reading this book more than I bargained for. I not only learned about wild animal rescue, but I also entered the private world of Jeff Guidry. The story he tells is simple in words but profound in experience. It traverses the spiritual world, the customs of Native Americans, and the companionship of individuals who devote their lives to helping wild animals in distress. In a sudden bout of misfortune, Guidry also tells of being diagnosed with cancer and having to endure its gruesome treatment. I marveled at how an eagle named Freedom became show more the symbol of life for the author.

Maybe I’m a bit too sensitive, but I was getting teary-eyed at both the happy parts of this book as well as the sad parts. I loved the color photographs of the more interesting “patients” (and their humans) at the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center in Washington State. My only wish for this book would have been to have the few specific animal terms (for example: bating, green, flight--when used to mean a cage) explained when first used.

To animal lovers and those who respect the natural order of the world, I must say that you’re in for a treat with what Guidry has chosen to share. My hope is that this book will evoke your compassion and a bit more understanding of wild animals and help you to make some good decisions should you encounter any wild animals in distress in the future. In the meantime, grab a hankie and begin to read. show less

This author worked as a volunteer in a wildlife rescue facility. Most of the animals were treated for injury or illness and then released, some that could never live free again were given a lifelong home. He tells about a resident cougar, hawks and owls, raccoons and deer that came and went. But mostly it’s about one particular eagle that was brought in very young, with damaged wings. She could never fly again. He bonded closely with the eagle, and when got diagnosed with cancer, felt that his emotional and spiritual connection to her helped him through that. Half the book is about his cancer battle. Some parts had me raising my eyebrows in a bit of disbelief, as the author went further into exploring Native American religions and show more felt he could feel what the eagle was thinking (sometimes putting human words into its mouth). One scene in particular had me really questioning what happened- when he described the eagle literally enfolding him in a hug, wrapping her wings completely around him. This isn’t a behavior eagles naturally do (as far as I know) so I wondered if he was misunderstanding something he experienced, or making it up. But then I remembered earlier in the narrative, he told how he would always put his arm around the eagle to gently pin her wings when carrying her through doorways, to prevent her banging them on the door fame and injuring herself. She was trained wear jesses and sit on his gloved hand, he would take her outside for walks and she got very excited anticipating this. So now I think- probably that young eagle learned the behavior from the man. And applied it in a manner that felt very comforting. The eagle was also taken out to Native American celebrations and ceremonies, and used to educate the public- in schools and other gatherings. She became famous in the area and people would write to the author, or travel just to see her. Mostly though, it’s all about his personal closeness to this magnificent bird. Who had a teasing, sneaky side to her character as well. Who knew that an eagle could have a sense of humor! show less

This book is so much more than a story about an eagle named Freedom. It is a story about the importance of taking care of our planetmates (animals), and it is a story about how they can take care of us. The author discusses the value of respecting all creatures for what they are, and what they are is more than some object flying or running around out in the wild. Those with a scientific mind may be frustrated with the absence of the anthropomorphism discussion in the book, but this was not intended to be a scientific story. This book is not concerned with the scientific facts of how animals and humans bond, it just shows that it can be done and the benefits obtained by all parties by doing so. The author does not advocate humans running show more out to the forest to grab a bear, squirrel, eagle, or some other wild animal to bond with. In fact author discusses the importance of letting animals stay in the environment they are best suited for, which is in the wild. In some regrettable circumstances, however, this is just not possible. It is in these times, when helping animals in crisis, the bonding can occur and our lives will be forever changed. This is a fantastic book about the benefits of helping those we share the planet with. show less

"An Eagle Named Freedom: My True Story of A Remarkable Friendship" by Jeff Guidry is a beautiful story, written simply of a not-necessarily so simple relationship between humankind and the animal world.
It seems some books are read for one sentence, paragraph, idea. In this book, this was, "We stood outside looking out over the valley. . . . Freedom was on my right arm facing me. I felt Freedom's injured left wing drape over my right shoulder.
"Then I realized she had brought her right wing clear around to touch me in the middle of my back. I could feel the tips of her primaries pressed into my body. I could feel the bones in her wing on my shoulder. . . . In that instant I felt my friend enfolding me in a full embrace.
"I leaned back. . . show more . We looked straight at each other. We both leaned forward. She gently touched her beak to my nose. I don't know how long we stood that way. The world was gone. It was just Freedom and me."
A lovely little book about life and death--and the possibilities that occur in between the two. A wonderful, inspiring read for a rainy summer morning, snuggled with my dog and a pot of tea on the side table. show less

I read this book in one sitting. I laughed, I cried. I had a wonderful time reading it. It brought back memories of my husband's cancer, as well as many others. I had my dog to help me through. Not as cool as an eagle, but helpful, and loving, nonetheless. Well worth reading, and I will do so again.

An Eagle Named Freedom is a true story about a man's remarkable relationship with an eagle; but more than that, it is a glorious story about life, the will to live, and living in a meaningful manner.

The narrator, Jeff, becomes interested in wildlife and eagles in particular, and begins working at a sanctuary for "wild ones" that have been injured. He is able to form relationships with some special wild animals - a mountain lion, bears, a squirrel, and raptors including Freedom, the eagle. Freedom is brought in to the refuge in a very weak state, and Jeff helps her regain her will to live. She in turn teaches him about fighting for life when he is diagnosed with cancer.

The story is beautifully written, bittersweet, touching, funny and show more thought provoking. It is captivating -- I read it in one long evening because I couldn't put the book down. It is a gorgeous story and I hope that it will stay with me, reminding me to be a better caretaker of this beautiful world & its wild ones. show less

Animal lovers and cancer survivors true inspiration

I thoroughly enjoyed the story line involving the animals, for obvious reasons I did not like the story line about Jeff's cancer. What brutal horrific disease. Having a veterinarian of 40 yrs as a mother in law who retired and with in 1 yr was dead from cancer this book hits home but Jeff's courage and inner "animal" gives those of us fighting a disability strength! A nice easy read that will make you wipe away tears.....but are they of joy or sadness?? Both!