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Summary: You don't need to be a Rush fan, but everyone should be....
Review: I first thought that I may be biased, as I revere Neil as a God (the best drummer and musician that ever lived), but it turns out that his book is truly excellent!! I recommend this book to all non-Rush fans, and I guarantee that after they read it and learn what a complex, intelligent, and talented man Neil is, they will become Rush fans. And for all Rush fans that have yet to read it, what is wrong with you? True Rush fans will have already read it by now, so get your acts together!! :-)
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Summary: From First to Last, the Peak is Never Passed
Review: This is THE best nonfiction book I have ever read. Neil Peart's writing style is as simple yet elegant as his lyrics. I could not tear myself away from Mr. Peart's book. It was a powerful firsthand account of cycling in Africa--the politics, the landscape, the dysentary. Mr. Peart's reflections upon life and philosophy (I was proud to say I'd read all of the books he'd mentioned and discoursed upon) provide another, deeper level of understanding of this complex man. I must say that certain parts of the book, those concerning his wife and daughter, were very sad when looked back upon now. I will admit I got a lump in my throat when Mr. Peart wrote about finally meeting Jackie in Paris after being separated for so long. There was also one section where Mr. Peart talked about how losing a child must be the worst thing a parent has to go through...it was heartbreaking. This book is definately worth the wait from the publisher. It took me three months to get my mitts on this book, and I'm so happy I did. The book is fun, sad, scary, and an excellent read. RUSH RULES!
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Summary: Neil or the Africans? Or both?
Review: I just finished this book, after having demonstrated physically to others that I could not put it down. What I fear people lose sight of is Neil's wondrous descriptions of the people he met during this journey.I am as huge a Rush fan as you can find, but part of the reason for that is absorbing Neil's humanistic (if not always kind) takes on his fellow mankind. Most of the reviews I read on this site emphasize him as an individual, which is fine. However, he spotlights so many other great individuals in the book, for instance Leonard, that you have to believe the reason he wrote the book was because of his interactions with all those other folks. In other words, this book offers us a tool Neil didn't have along his journey: a mirror. He reminds us it is okay to have an ego, so long as we use it wisely. By helping ourselves we help others, and by helping others we help ourselves. Great read!
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Summary: Rush fan? MUST read!
Review: I picked it up... and was resentful evreytime I had to put it down to work or sleep or eat. I couldn't read it fast enough. Right from the beginning I was caught up in the story of Neil's journey through Cameroon in West Africa. His writing makes the journey come alive. I felt as if I were there with him experiencing personally all the ups and downs, the joys and difficulties of his month-long trek by bicycle. What was more impressive, was the depth of insight I received about my favorite drummer in my favorite band. I can see more clearly where so many of his themes come from. I was deeply touched by his feelings for his wife and daughter whom he recently lost under such sad circumstances. It has always been hard as a fan to feel "close" to any members of the band. I certainly respect their rights to privacy and I dont' feel they owe me anything. I am grateful for the joy that their work brings me. At the same time, to read this book made me feel closer to Neil Peart, the guy. Yeah, he's the drummer for Rush. But he's a guy that likes to have a few drinks, who loves his family, who likes to travel and meet people. He has come more alive to me through his writing. I was very impressed by the journey, the detail, and the passion that Neil puts into his work. Reading this book now gives me new and greater insight to the vast collection of lyrics. I will read them and listen to the songs with a new eye and ear. I happily recommend this book to all Rush fans as a wonderful reading experience and a way to feel closer to the heart of the greatest drummer of the greatest band ever, Neil Peart of Rush!.
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Summary: More than a Rush....
Review: One need not be a Rush fan to find this to be a wonderful work. Anyone with an intrest in cycling, travel, Africa, or merely thinking, will enjoy reading of our group of five travelling through Africa. The writing is clear, and immense with detail, as the detail serves to lend to the story of a very difficult journey. The book is capativiating and difficult to put down. A must read for any modern day thinker or adventurer.
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Summary: Great Job Neil!
Review: The book was a complete personal account of the hardships of West African cultures and the interaction of himself and his co-travelers. You'll feel a little better about yourself after reading this book.
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Summary: Lyrical and insightful ride
Review: Neil's book was a pleasurable ride through and impossible lasndscape. His narrative nature certainly comes through with great detail around every corner. His humanist views are razors that slash into the current defeatest mentality so very present and I found them inspiring and motivating. The portions along the trail tend either to be gripping and poignant or later, tired and redundant as Neil wraps up the journey in Chad. Otherwise a delightful romp that I have passed on several times already!
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Summary: Entertaining and thought-provoking
Review: I am almost done with this book, but I'm very anxious to offer my opinion on it. The "Masked Rider" flows much like a long bike ride. Peart's finely crafted narrative has the quality of a personal diary. His honest depiction of the people of Africa and the members of his own small "team" of cyclists is admirable and, at times, humorous. Peart shares his thoughts on religion, philosophy, art, and humanity while pushing his bike up the nastiest of hot, dusty roads across Cameroon and other parts of western Africa. I can't say the book instills a strong desire to attempt such an arduous tour, but it does succeed in offering many memorable descriptions of African landscapes and people. Peart questions himself on a variety of moral issues, and these "inner conversations" make for some very absorbing reading. I'm sure I will revisit this book from time to time when I feel the need to travel down the road less traveled.
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Summary: Great writing
Review: This book painted a picture in my head while reading in color! The author did a great job on this one. I could feel his agony at times during the book as well as his excitement. I recommend this book to anyone!
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Summary: An Incredible Tale...
Review: Not only is Neil Peart a gifted drummer and lyricst, but a very well-read writer as well. From cover to cover, I could not put this book down. His attention to detail is remarkable but not cumbersome. It is a gripping adventure that will give you some insight into the percussional genius that has given Rush their unique and virtuosic sound that has influcenced so many bands.
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