The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa

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Summary: I'm a very big fan of Neil Peart and Rush.
Review: This book, masterfully written, lets you see inside Neil's mind. For me, it gave me real understanding of just how intensely he feels things and how intelligent he really is. Clearly he is well-read as well as observant and insightful. Now I see how he is able to write such brilliant song lyrics. I must admit, though, that at the point when he mentioned how he looked forward to seeing his then-ten-year-old daughter Selena, I had tears in my eyes (knowing that both she and her mother have passed away). This is a great read even if you aren't familiar with or particularly fond of Rush, but if you are, it will mean even more to you.

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Summary: Excellent documentation of an African Bike Expedition!
Review: Neil Peart has shone in his ability to tactfully describe his experiences of his 1988 bike tour in Cameroon. It took me about 4 times (to read) to catch all the nuances he described; from fear to anger to disgust and self-description. That and the synergistic perspectives he also had on the other riders Leonard, Annie, Elsa and leader David. So descriptive, one can feel as if they were on the tour with him!

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Summary: A wonderful and entertaining journey!
Review: Of course, I am a Rush fan, as is the case with most of this book's readers. However, I have been very careful in determining the source of my enthusiasm for this book. I could easily argue/defend that the book's merit stands on its own. My original concern when I read all of the "rave" reviews, was that Rush fans (including I) would bias our reviews because of Rush loyalty. I can assure you that this is not the case. This is a wonderful book that can be enjoyed by anyone who likes a well written and entertaining book. My wife and I are reading it together. We continue to laugh out loud and enjoy his articulate observations and experiences. By the way, my wife- although she likes Rush, is not the Rush Loyalist that I am. She is an opera singer and an avid reader of the classic genre. I gave it five stars without hesitation.

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Summary: Fun, enjoyable and thoughtful reading
Review: Forget Neil Peart the drummer - this is Neil the traveller and writer, and he's just as adept. This book isn't really about bicycling at all, though riders should enjoy that facet of the book. It really seems to be more about observing human thought and behavior and how perspective changes the way we see what it is we experience. This is one of the best books I've read in several years.

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Summary: Neil can truly "see" into others and himself
Review: Up until about 6 months ago, I never really read many books. But I have always been a big Rush fan. This is easily the best book I have ever read; even if you aren't a big Rush fan.

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Summary: Primal Bicycle Ride
Review: Though I read this book over a year ago, the images that are conjured up when recalling excerpts from "The Masked Rider," a writing of Neil Peart's travel through West Africa with a group of bicycle enthusiasts leads me to think, "I'm not sure if I'd want to subject myself to what he and his fellow riders did." His writing is (as usual) eloquent and very thought provoking and really helped to place my fanny on the seat of my own bike riding along side him on the dusty trails of a primitive land. He details so many great stories of encounters with African tribal leaders and their people, good (and not so good!) meals, sicknesses, danger, laughter, home sickness, and the ever present oven-like heat that I'm not sure if I ever could summon up the courage to take a trip such as his on my own bicycle. Intruiging thought though I think I'll stick with the annual 42-mile Bike NY ride and call it an accomplishment. :-) "The Masked Rider" is definitely worth a second read. Neil Peart has traveled all over the planet and I hope he writes more on his journeys as they would likely be lessons in geography, social studies, personal endeavors, and triumphs.

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Summary: Shows us the man behind the drum set. Great detail of Africa
Review: It gives us a personal look into the life of Neil Peart and his views. I could not put it down. It has great detail on his journey and struggles. Gives us compassion for this far away land and respect for their lifestyles. I am going to get his other books. Great reading.

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Summary: A journey shared with great insights on people and places
Review: Rare is it when I read a book and feel as though I was on the journey with the author. Peart is able to pull you out of your daily routine and take you across the world on a fascinating bike ride through Africa. He was able to explain the trip in great detail and shares his feelings and thoughts in a way that you think you are his companion, not just an outsider reading a tale of a trip. I was hesitant to first read it, as other books look at the journey as a trip from point A to point B, however Peart is able to give great insight on the people he encounters and the trials of a bike ride through an unfamiliar land. I found his story uplifting and unique, making me wish I had the time to take a "vacation" from myself, or the masks I wear, by bicycling in a far away place. He also makes a reference to the book "Dear Theo", which is another great read on the life of Vincent VanGough. This is a book I'm looking forward to reading again, or anytime I need an escape from the grind of life.

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Summary: Neil Peart's work shows us all that...
Review: Neil Peart's work shows us that a person's journey shouldn't be marked by how many airports you went to or how many souveniers you purchased. Rather, the mark of a true journey is what you gained as an individual. Peart shows us that a truly great journey will allow an individual to learn as much about himself as the new places he encounters. If you traditionally love to explore but suddenly feel lost within, please read this book. Please.

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Summary: Masked Rider
Review: As a person who has been to a few countries in Africa, including some mentioned in this book, I found it to be hard-to-put-down-the-book reading. This book is one man's view of a bicycle tour, non-fiction, with no other opinions of events being discussed. But it does not pretend to be anything else. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in world bicycle, or non motorized travel in general. My jealousy was intensified when I realized my world travel has been so restricted by airports, highways, etc. that I haven't really been to these countries, or most of the 37 countries that I have been to in my 29 years. Although my interest was initially sparked by the fact that I am a fan of the band Rush and Mr. Peart's lyrics, I soon forgot that and was immersed in the book. Great reading.