Reviews
“This frank, funny memoir of a messy maturity dissects Rathmell’s need to
surpass the stifling low expectations of his community and encourages readers to find their own path out of hopelessness and stagnation.”
- Booklife/
Publishers Weekly
“ Rathmell’s narrative is candid and at times achingly funny. The book contains a fair balance of hilarious, scary, uncomfortable and poignant moments.
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.”
- Independent Book Review
“How the Rhino Lost His Horn is an irreverent but insightful look at society and its norms on two continents… The author reflects on an increasingly complex world, personal relationships, and politics… The result is a charming reflection on life in a foreign country, with its different culture and social challenges. It is entertaining, enlightening, and highly recommended.”
- Readers' Favorite by Leonard Smuts
"A dazzling romp across continents and contradictions, How the Rhino Lost His Horn is as mischievous as it is thought-provoking. Jack Rathmell spins tales that sparkle with wit, satire, and a kind of reckless honesty that makes every page a delightful surprise. It’s a travelogue, a fable, and a confessional all at once: always playful, never predictable. Readers will come away grinning, pondering, and perhaps a little braver about facing the absurdities of life."
- Kathryn Dare, Manhattan Book Review
“Grounded in keen observations and contextualized in a crash course of history, How the Rhino Lost His Horn is a knowledgeable, tantalizing travel memoir–cum–social critique.”
- Foreword Reviews
“Rathmell tackles both personal anecdotes and tough, timely topics—including South African and U.S. politics, tensions between different racial and socioeconomic groups, and the ethical implications of “voluntourism,” among others—with insight and moments of humor.
A skillfully written personal narrative that doesn’t lose sight of the wider world.”