OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY

When his son, Rowan, was diagnosed with autism in 2004, Rupert Isaacson says he felt grief and "this weird, irrational shame, like I had cursed this child by giving him these faulty genetics." Sometime later, though, during rides together astride a horse named Betsy, Rowan began to talk, letting his father into his world and prompting Rupert to wonder whether Rowan's affliction might instead be the gateway to adventure. Rupert recounts that adventure — which took the Isaacsons to Mongolia, a crossroads of horseback riding and shamanic healing — in his book, The Horse Boy: A Father's Quest to Heal His Son. Rainy Day Books welcomes Rupert tonight at 7 with a multimedia presentation and signing at Unity Temple on the Plaza (707 West 47th Street). Admission costs $24.99 plus tax and includes two tickets and a copy of the book. For more information, see rainydaybooks.com or call 913-384-3126.
Thu., April 30, 7 p.m., 2009