The Horse Boy

A Father's Quest to Heal His Son

By: Rupert Isaacson

Narrated by: Rupert Isaacson

Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

When his son Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson was devastated, afraid he might never be able to communicate with his child. But when Isaacson, a lifelong horseman, rode their neighbor's horse with Rowan, Rowan improved immeasurably. He was struck with a crazy idea: why not take Rowan to Mongolia the one place in the world where horses and shamanic healing intersected?

The Horse Boy is the dramatic and heartwarming story of that impossible adventure. In Mongolia, the family found undreamed of landscapes and people, unbearable setbacks, and advances beyond their wildest dreams. This is a deeply moving, truly one-of-a-kind story--of a family willing to go to the ends of the earth to help their son, and of a boy learning to connect with the world for the first time.

©2009 Rupert Isaacson (P)2009 Hachette

So glad I found this recording!

I'm so glad that I discovered The Horse Boy through Audible! I sort of wonder how I missed hearing about the book when it was published, but I'm glad that I was able to hear Rupert Isaacson telling his own story. This is a real treasure.

Amazing!

This story touched my heart, as I'm sure it will touch the heart of any parent! I cannot imagine the strength and patience it takes to deal with a child on the autism spectrum - and the lengths that these parents went to to improve the quality of their child's life, as well as their own, is quite awe-inspiring. An inspirational story, even more incredible because it's true, and the author's narration is great.
A terrific listen - I couldn't put it down!

Most inspiring!

This is an inspiring book that helps a person understand the challenges and victories accompanied with a child with autism. I was so touched by this book many times! The relationship between the parent and child and the parents together has made me want to try better in my own life!

This is a Must Listen

I didn't want the book to end. It was wonderful.

Just beautiful

This is a must read. My heart is so full after listening to all the thanks at the end of the book. Horses, nature, the spirit of the wilderness- and the shamans- bringing healing, love, and hope to a family who will go to the ends of the earth for their son. I think I might even read it again.

Most beautiful!

This is the most beautiful book on Audible I have ever had the pleasure to hear! Not only the story, which is absolutely beautifully written, but the author’s own reading of this awesome journey he and his wife took with his autistic son. I see the hand of God in all of this. And, I, was raised by an atheist.

Untapped potential

Prologue and epilogue were the most interesting parts of this audiobook for me. The former gave me an insight into an autistic child's parent's life, the latter provided some wise conclusions which made for a graceful ending. I regret to say that much as you can extract some of these from the in-between as well, unless you are crazy about shamanism and horses, you run the risk of falling asleep a couple of times while listening.

The audio production is good. Rupert Isaacson is yet another author who does well at reading his book. While doing the latter he seems to relive the adventure which adds to human aspect. His renditions of Rowan's tantrums sound very faithful and sometimes a little bit funny.

Worthwhile but...overall just average

There were interesting sections but overall I had to give it a three. It does have a happy ending.

Interesting adventures

This story of how a family went to unusual and extraordinary lengths to help their special needs son was interesting but I did not find it particularly compelling. There was an aspect of the story that was mildly bothersome to me and I kept hoping for a turn in the author's focus but it never came so there was something of a personal disappointment that other readers may not even notice. No regrets, but not a Favorite.

Boring

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

It just was too long and too detailed and uninteresting. Somehow I thought it was going to be like the HORSE WHIS{ERER and I was disappointed. Probably my expectations were too high.

What three words best describe Rupert Isaacson’s voice?

Nice fine voice

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Can't think of too many. Had the makings of a great book but I can't put my finger on why it was so boring.