The Masked Rider

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!.

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.

Being a rush fan and having pondered over every line of each song he writes, I was so tuned to the way neil thinks that reading his book was almost like reading a piece of my own writing. And as a book in itself : the choice of words are beautiful and a very plesant read for those who don't know the way Neil thinks. You can feel that neil has enjoyed the liberty to express his thoughts in more words than he can usually allow himself, and words that don't essentially have to rhyme or fit into to a song. Coming at a time when he has changed over from his hectic drumming style to a more comfortable and easy style, this book in a way brings out to the reader the change in his perception. Instead of the prototypical neil's choice of few fitting words this book is a beautiful contuinity of thoughts. I know there are many a bunch of restless youngsters who were motivated by Neil's words to think rational, work harder and stay focussed. To all of those this book is the best possible gift. Get naked and party !

The narrative is highly polished and thoughtful. The Masked Rider details an enlightening spiritual retreat from the author's perspective. "Westerners" would surely appreciate this work enough to draw their own assertions about themselves and their surroundings.Neil has released several travel articles to friends and family prior to his African journeys. Hopefully we'll see more.

This book is the best "travel book" I have ever read. It is true reading joy to live vicariously through Mr. Peart's adventures while bicycling through Africa. He is a brilliant observer of human behavior, personal interactions and cultural differences. Combine this skill with his obvious mastery of prose and you end up with the unforgettable experience of reading, "The Masked Rider." Regardless of whether you are a Rush fan you will undoubtedly enjoy this book if you like great writing and the sense of "being there" as the story unfolds. Critics of Rush often point out that Mr. Peart can sometimes be "difficult" or is lacking "people skills." I have read several passages from Mr. Peart, on various Web pages, that summarize his take on such opinions: he never wanted to become famous, all he wanted was to play the drums the best he could and perfect his craft and style in percussion. He is a free-thinker, intelligent, articulate, creative and exceptionally talented as a drummer/percussionist and a writer. He doesn't try to be everybody's best friend nor does he bend to expected modes of behavior in certain situations. He is his own man. Read this book and you will gain keen insight into a remarkable person. And bicycle through Cameroon along the way!