About book De Paardenjongen: De Zoektocht Van Een Vader Naar De Belevingswereld Van Zijn Autistische Zoon (2009)
This book has copped a bit of flack. People say it's middle class nonsense. They say, most people can't afford to go to Mongolia. They say, ooh here we go, another miracle "cure" for autism. They say, "it was probably just a change on parental expectations that was the catalyst for such a seismic shift."And yes, I see their point, but at the same time, Rupert is clear that he doesn't want to "cure" his son's autism; he merely wants to find a way to make his son's life happy and purposeful. Who can blame him? And the beautiful miracle at the end was that it worked. It doesn't matter how it worked. What matters is that their child stopped soiling his own pants and going into complete meltdown on a regular basis.I thought it was a gorgeous story. A nature lover myself, I could absolutely understand Rowan's sensitivity to nature, or the deprivation of it. I loved the magic and mystery in the story.I also thought Rupert was a wonderful story teller. Prior to reading this book, I saw the movie, and I kind of suspected that Rupert was a bit of a lightweight, new agey guy. I thought I might find him annoying, to be honest. Instead, I found him very earthy and connected to the world around him. I admire his activism and his commitment to improving life for people with autism and people on the brink of losing their traditional land and culture. Much respect. He is an excellent journalist and his writing is stunning. Four stars from me. This is one of the best nonfictions I have read in a long time! Not only do you learn more about Autism, as a reader, you learn how far a father will go to heal his son. If you like animals, shamans, and heart-felt stories that will will change how you see life, please read this book. I got to meet Rupart during my student teaching near Austin and got a book signed. He still lives in Austin with his son and they run a horse farm that allows disabled (physically and mentally) children to come to the farm and be with the animals. Check it out!
Do You like book De Paardenjongen: De Zoektocht Van Een Vader Naar De Belevingswereld Van Zijn Autistische Zoon (2009)?
A very inspiring story. Rupert is a man everyone should respect and look up to, a true hero indeed.
—t_dolla
I really enjoyed this one...particularly since it was narrated by Rowan's father.
—cindyturnquist
Mama's suggestion. Better than I thought from the dust jacket.
—anna
