Book Review: How the Rhino Lost His Horn

Reviewed by Philip Zozzarro

A funny, engaging memoir ranging from Pennsylvania Dutch Country to South Africa

One year in college was enough for Jack Rathmell to put his collegiate experience on hold to find meaning in what he considered more worthwhile pursuits. Jack wanted to go and see the world that existed outside of Pennsylvania, and it was the music of composer Hans Zimmer (The Lion King) that inspired him to travel to South Africa. He had heard about voluntourism, where one could travel internationally and sightsee while also performing volunteer work. When Jack learns about a teaching opportunity in Muizenberg, South Africa, he begins making his plans.

The opportunity may be priceless, but the costs of getting to South Africa via planes and trains are not cheap, especially for a college-age kid. Luckily, Jack was able to put together the requisite funds from savings and parental assistance to buy airfare to Cape Town.

When he arrived, he was lodging with a group of similar volunteers who would be working at a nearby school. Jack would be working as an adjunct Phys Ed teacher for multiple grade levels, where one of the significant rules was not to venture off the school grounds as certain areas adjacent to the school were dangerous.

The credible fish out of water element arises in how the rampant crime and danger, which often shock Jack, are viewed as commonplace by residents and volunteers who have been in the country long enough. When Jack arrived, Apartheid had been gone for 20+ years, but the wealth gap is sizable, corruption in government is rampant, and tourists like himself are vulnerable when not vigilant. Jack experiences the danger firsthand when, after attending a soccer match, he and a friend are nearly abducted by a cab driver intent on extorting a ransom from the two young men.

Jack’s time down in South Africa has dangerous experiences that aren’t all negative; some are fun activities that happen to have moments of pure terror, such as shark cage diving. The dive was a result of a challenge to Jack’s masculinity issued by an alpha male roommate, and Jack felt he couldn’t back down. The guides teach respect for the sharks and clear up popular misconceptions while emphasizing their unpredictable nature. The proximity of the sharks to Jack was made abundantly clear once he saw the photos taken showing how up close and personal they could get. The other hair-raising experience was when Jack went bungee jumping with other volunteers and fear was the emotion he felt before and after the jump.

The safari trip allowed Jack to see beautiful and majestic creatures such as rhinos and lions enjoying their natural habitat. A trip to the mountains afforded him the opportunity to see peaks that seemed to reach limitless heights. The government was imperfect, there were those looking to hoodwink him, yet a few months in South Africa left an indelible mark on Jack.

How the Rhino Lost His Horn is a compelling coming-of-age story about a young man gaining an education in life while experiencing the culture and customs of a distant country. Jack Rathmell’s story is easy to identify with: a young adult unsure of where his future lies. Rathmell’s narrative is candid and at times achingly funny. Whether his anecdotes relate to the adventures of a lothario roommate or the bureaucratic nightmare in submitting travel paperwork, he retains the same wry sense of humor throughout. The book contains a fair balance of hilarious, scary, uncomfortable and poignant moments that make for a well-rounded read. Rathmell proves insightful in his comparison and contrast of his home country and host country.

Ultimately, this is a book about getting outside your comfort zone, exploring the world, and gaining an understanding and appreciation for your global neighbors. An adventurous, humorous memoir well worth the read.

Thank you for reading Philip Zozzarro’s book review of How the Rhino Lost His Horn by Jack Rathmell! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

The post Book Review: How the Rhino Lost His Horn appeared first on Independent Book Review.