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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Horse Boy summary
Rupert Isaacson
Brief summary
The Horse Boy is a memoir by Rupert Isaacson that chronicles his family's journey to Mongolia to seek traditional shamanic healing for his son, who has autism. It is a powerful story of love, hope, and the bond between humans and animals.
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The Horse Boy
Summary of key ideas
The Journey Begins
In The Horse Boy by Rupert Isaacson, we are introduced to the author's son, Rowan, who is diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Rupert and his wife, Kristin, are devastated by the news and are determined to find a way to help their son. They try various therapies and treatments, but nothing seems to work. Rowan's condition continues to worsen, and he becomes increasingly aggressive and disconnected from the world around him.
Desperate for a solution, Rupert, who is an experienced horseman, remembers the calming effect horses have on Rowan. He decides to take Rowan to Mongolia, a place where shamanic healing and horses are deeply intertwined. Kristin, who is skeptical about the idea, reluctantly agrees to the journey, and the family sets off on an extraordinary adventure.
The Healing Power of Horses
As they travel through the vast Mongolian landscape, Rowan's behavior begins to change. He becomes more relaxed and engaged, and his tantrums decrease. Rupert and Kristin are amazed by the positive impact the horses and the natural environment have on their son. They meet with Mongolian shamans who perform rituals and ceremonies to help heal Rowan, and the family starts to believe that they might have found the solution they were looking for.
Despite the progress, Rowan still struggles with his autism, and the journey is not without its challenges. The family faces harsh weather conditions, logistical problems, and cultural differences. However, they are determined to continue, believing that the healing power of the land and the horses will help their son.
Shamanic Healing and Spiritual Connection
As they delve deeper into the shamanic healing practices, Rupert and Kristin learn about the spiritual connection between humans, animals, and nature. They witness the shamans communicating with the spirits and performing ancient rituals to heal people. They also observe how the Mongolian people, who live in harmony with the land and animals, have a different perspective on disability and mental health.
Rowan, too, seems to connect with the spiritual side of the journey. He shows a particular interest in the shamans and their rituals, and his behavior continues to improve. The family starts to believe that the healing they were seeking might not be a cure for Rowan's autism but a deeper understanding and acceptance of his condition.
Acceptance and New Beginnings
As their time in Mongolia comes to an end, Rupert and Kristin reflect on the journey and its impact on their family. They realize that they might not have found a miraculous cure for Rowan's autism, but they have found a way to help him live a better life. They have also gained a new perspective on disability and a deeper connection with each other.
Returning home, the family continues to incorporate the lessons they learned in Mongolia into their daily lives. They start a therapy program for Rowan that includes horseback riding and nature walks. They also establish a foundation to help other families with autistic children. The journey to Mongolia might not have been a magical cure, but it has led the family to a place of acceptance, understanding, and hope.
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What is The Horse Boy about?
The Horse Boy by Rupert Isaacson is a memoir that chronicles the author's journey with his autistic son, Rowan. Frustrated with traditional treatments, Isaacson takes Rowan on a quest to Mongolia to seek healing through shamanic rituals and horseback riding. This deeply personal and inspiring book explores the bond between a father and son, and the power of unconventional therapies.
The Horse Boy Review
The Horse Boy (2009) is a captivating memoir that takes readers on an extraordinary journey of healing and discovery. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With raw honesty and vulnerability, it explores the author's quest to find a cure for his son's autism through a transformative horseback trek across Mongolia.
- By immersing readers in the magical landscapes of Mongolia and the author's personal struggles, the book offers a unique perspective on the power of nature and connection.
- Through intimate storytelling and thought-provoking insights, it challenges conventional beliefs about autism and presents a powerful testament to the human spirit.
Who should read The Horse Boy?
- Parents or caregivers of children with autism
- Individuals interested in alternative therapies for autism
- Educators and professionals working with special needs children
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The Horse Boy FAQs
What is the main message of The Horse Boy?
The main message of The Horse Boy is the transformative power of connecting with nature and animals.
How long does it take to read The Horse Boy?
The reading time for The Horse Boy varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Horse Boy a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Horse Boy is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of The Horse Boy?
The author of The Horse Boy is Rupert Isaacson.
What to read after The Horse Boy?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Horse Boy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright