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

Magical

Being a pragmatic business person, I don't really know why I picked this one out, but it will be part of me for the rest of my life. The love, the journey and the rewards are written and spoken in such a way that tears at the heart.

The parents and their love for their son is something to be cherished. Life lessons for us all. Excellent listen.

The Horse Boy

This is such an amazing true story, a fabulous book, and a beautiful "listen"! The fact that it is read by Rupert Isaacson, the author, makes it very special because you hear what is said in his own voice with his intonation and expression. This book was so inspirational, and it was amazing to see the love, loyalty, wisdom, sacrifice, and effort these two wonderful parents put forth in their effort to help their autistic son. I keep thinking what a lucky little boy to be so treasured by his parents. This is an amazing, true adventure story as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! My favorite book in a very long time.

Fascinating!

I loved this book. Beautifully read by the one person who could best represent the way his son expressed himself. Beautifully written.
Touching, educational, inspiring. I loved the honesty, the exotic world of the Mongolian shamans, the adventure.
What a journey.

Horse Boy

What a wonderful book, great writer and a wonderful father and mother to give this gift to their son. Knowing that animals and people have such a connection.

A True Love Story

This book is a wonderful example of love in it's purest form. The sacrifice that these two people made for their autistic son is so moving. The author does a great job of naration. I'm glad to see that their story continues, and that they have taken what they experinced and are trying to help others. You'll not be sorry you chose this one!

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.

Heart Warming Story and Wonderful Travel Journal

The book was well written, narrated, and absolutely inspiring without being maudlin or sugery sweet. These are real people (and horses) that I liked a lot and wish well. The descriptions of Siberia and Mongolia helped me feel like I was seeing it with my own eyes.
I have volunteered with a NARHA equestrian program (form of therapy on horseback) which made the story even better and am delighted that some of the proceeds will go to the equestrian therapy program started by Rupert. Yes I listened all the way through to every word - even the acknowledgements were fascinating.
This is the 2nd audio book read by the author that I felt made it a better (rather than worse) experience.

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.

A great listen

A good story, well told. The narration by the author was perfect, a nice change from the current trend of the overly dramatic reader.

Couldn't stop listening

Loved it. A wonderful, enchanting story that is also beautifully narrated. It captivates you on a quest of a father to Mongolia in search of shamans who would help heal his autistic son.