Amped: A Soldier's Race for Gold in the Shadow of War Book

Unbelievable. Disgusting. Annoying. Breathtaking. Gripping. Soul searching. Intense. Amazing. Curious. Disappointing. All words I could use to describe this book. I have a real love-hate relationship with this book. In the beginning, it didn't hold my interest very well and I couldn't wait to get it over with. As I continued to read about the adventure in Mongolia I was so riveted I could barely put it down for wanting to know the outcome. Only to be disappointed at the end when the final Shaman didn't shed any light on what he saw or what his vision was in regard to what the roots of Rowan's afflictions were and how what he saw would help, just that it would. The descriptions of the ceremonies and rituals were so graphic I could barely stand to read about them. In the end, I am so happy for the family that Rowan and his family were healed from the experience. Not to take anything away from them and their experience, but many families have children who suffer from Autism and have no funds or guidance or contacts to help them get the help they need; in these cases I find it so sad that these lost souls have no recourse but to be saddled with their afflictions and not to be able to fly free with their wonderful personalities and talents and share with us their special gifts. Can I recommend this book? I don't know. I don't feel that everyone would benefit from reading about this, it is a very unconventional (and for most unthinkable) treatment path to seek. However, some of the proceeds from this book go to the school/camp the author has established for treatment and therapy with horses for Autistic children, which I support whole-heartedly.