The Horse Boy

This is Rupert Isaacson signing copies of his book, Horse Boy at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute. I attended a screening of his film, after which he answered questions and spoke about his journey through Mongolia on horseback with his wife and child, who has autism.

The good news is that the DVD of the film will be out in April. And the book is currently available in both hardback and paperback. And if you are looking for an engrossing story, I heartily recommend both.

Isaacson, who is a journalist and has written extensively about the bushmen of South Africa, had experience with traditional healers and when confronted with his son's devastating diagnosis decided to go to the literal ends of the earth to try and help his child. The combination of horses and non-traditional healing proved to be remarkable. I won't spoil the story for you but suffice it to say that you will be engrossed, regardless of how you feel about alternative medicine.

The truth of the matter is that whether you are walking across America to raise awareness for canine cancer or traversing the plains of Mongolia by horseback, it is all about the journey. And whatever route you take, the important thing is to focus on the steps, one by one. I was struck by how both Rupert and Luke are very much in the moment, taking in everything about the here and now rather than focusing so much on the what ifs and when. It is a great lesson.

The other is to follow your instincts--trust your gut and believe in the validity of your insights. They are usually spot on.

Enough philosophizing. Buy the book