What a truly amazing person

I’ve been a Rush fan since the 70’s and listened to all Neil’s books. He’s one of my hero’s and what an incredible life to not only be a top drummer but a top writer and the icing in the cake is his sheer intelligence and emotional literacy. What a life and role model. Xxx

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Very enjoyable, thank you Neil.

Such a great listen. I find it interesting to note that Neil was definitely the one who stayed out of the Limelight the most, and yet through his writings I feel like I know him the best. These books are a real gift on multiple levels. Music aside, his views on life and his love for the road and humanity are infectious.

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A slow burner, but worth sticking with...

As a drummer myself, I am well aware of Neil Peart’s status as one of the most talented players around, respected by both fans and peers around the world. So you can imagine my reaction when I saw the cover of this title; A lonely desert road stretching to the horizon, a powerful motorbike and a drummer on his way to play a gig with one of the most successful and loudest rock bands around. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, quite a lot, actually. I am aware that my illusion that this book would be all “rock ‘n roll and lock up your daughters” was mine and mine alone, and bearing in mind the members of his band Rush are all well established family men, there was always a chance that this may not be the walk on the wild side I was anticipating. But all the same, he doesn’t actually get on the bike until Chapter 9! The first 8 chapters are used up with background information and meandering observations on the environment in general and the author’s in particular, with long sections talking of the little island he owns in a lake in Quebec, and how enjoys the peace and solitude there. That’s all fine and dandy, but I personally have a taste for some road stories.

Finally, at Chapter 10 they saddle up, and the whole book shifts to, for me, a more engaging and entertaining gear.

Neil has a real taste for going off the beaten track, and during his long trip planning sessions he does extensive research to ensure he and his biking buddies get the most from each leg of their cross-country rides. And it’s fair to say that when Neil does go off the paved highway he doesn’t do so by halves. Winding gravel roads give way to deeply rutted muddy tracks and, in one case, no actual road at all when a sink-hole removes the actual pavement of the road and Neil and his biking wingman on that day have to edge their bikes gently around a very precarious drop. The fact that this hazard was marked by a large road sign some miles earlier which Neil chose to ignore just adds to the occasion.

Interspersed with tales of adventures and obstacles on the road, Neil also shares his observations on the vast land known as the USA; the farms, the small towns, abandoned factories and welcome diners along the way. As a Canadian who only recently took American citizenship he has an interesting view of the people and events that impact the country during his ride, and is repeatedly surprised and yet touched by the simple kindness of strangers. On one occasion he discovers that one of his saddlebags has fallen off the bike, containing a very expensive watch, his wedding ring and other personal items. He places an ad in the local paper and receives a voice message from a person saying they found it. Unfortunately, Neil then accidently erases the message and the caller never calls again. Almost ten years later, with the event all but forgotten, he receives a message from a person who heard him tell the tell as part of a book launch, and they’ve still got the saddlebag, its contents intact, and soon they are returned at last to their very grateful owner.

There are a couple of places where I laughed out loud as Neil recounts, with not a little self-deprecation, tales of his well-known reputation as not exactly being ‘Mr Sunshine’. This disposition has not mellowed as he entered his 60s, and his consequent run-ins with photographers, selfie-hunting fans and local law enforcement in the deepest heart of the country are brilliantly told and highly entertaining.

Narration by Paul Hecht is engaging throughout, his rich delivery putting you right on the saddle of the bike with Neil.

Recommended

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Nobody's hero

Neil would hate this but he's always been a hero of mine. I've been a Rush fan for far too many years than I'd care to admit, Neil's drumming a massive part of that. Although I've perhaps listened to this first when in fact I'd probably should have gone to Ghost Rider I don't think it mattered that much. It's also given me a new view point on the later Rush albums, a revitalised interest. Hoping that one day that one more tour will happen..

My only ctritism is the reader, I really wish it had been Mr Peart himself, there are times where there are sentences/quotes that I felt lacked the inflection intended, feeling read rather than spoken? Overall though still brilliant

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Best drummer in the world

A truly unique and great human and musician and lyric writer.
And when the music stops, there's only the sound of the rain

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Neil Peart, modern renaissance man.

All good, nothing bad no filler, just Neil being Neil. His legacy of music and writing is extraordinary.

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A wicked book by an even more talented drummer

Far and Wide by Neil Peart. He is the world's greatest drummer. The fact he's an avid biker makes me love him all the more. RIP. This autobiography of @rushtheband's drummer is as exciting as their music is technical. Just wish it had been read by NP himself.📚4/5🌟 #BookReview

Follow me on Twitter @zennyreadsalot for more great book reviews

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Brings closure to the Rush story

I must admit, I hated Neil at the time for calling time on Rush , who decreed it's All or not at all..

This book brought the necessary closure, explaining why retirement was necessary, and for that I thank him.

The closing line of "The Garden" has backed up my understanding of its message, Neil Peart had planned this at the time of writing "Clockwork Angels" , the message was there, cryptic but as clear as day.

Thank you for the memories, and the lifetime I have been one of Rush's adoring fans.

Excellent narration, could easily have been Neil Peart, maybe we will find out in a couple of years.

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Narrator

This book is for the fans of which I am one, but…….
The narrators voice is so boring it is enough to put you off and turn it off. Just drove me nuts and almost ruined the whole book!!

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