Recently, my husband and I have been listening to some of our favorite Rush songs. He then began watching YouTube videos of Neil Peart’s amazing drum performances. As you might guess, the rabbit hole of the internet led to the discovery of interviews with Neil about the books he has written. As a complete book nerd, I set off to research his nonfiction works. Thanks to an incredible Audible sale, I purchased all of Neil’s nonfiction books. 

I decided to start with The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa. If my research is accurate, I believe this is the first book he wrote. Neil joined a group through African villages for one month on his bicycle. The group consisted of a total of five people: Neil, the tour leader (male), another man, and two women. The ride itself was physically and mentally challenging, and Neil shares the struggles of bike repairs, long rides up steep hills and treacherous terrain, and searches for food and drink. He documented the beautiful scenery with photographs and insights gained through journaling. 

Neil didn’t hold anything back with this book. I appreciate how he described all aspects of the journey, from the special moments he experienced learning the African culture to the horrible illnesses he suffered and frustrations with his group members. He was a great storyteller and a transparent person. Neil demonstrated his humanness, which helped me relate to him.

It might seem small to some people, but it warmed my heart that one of the books Neil took on his travels included Dear Theo, Vincent van Gogh’s letters to his brother. I was fascinated to read how portions of the book correlated to events occurring on this trip. Vincent appeared to give Neil someone to relate to as he journeyed physically and mentally on this adventure. 

Watching the YouTube interviews with Neil, I immediately liked him. He was not only talented at playing the drums; he was also intelligent, enjoyed reading, and was curious and adventurous. Playing drums and being a member of Rush was a career he seemed to genuinely love, while also having other interests. A lot of the books I read about celebrities primarily focus on their specific careers. I loved that The Masked Rider rarely mentioned his profession. This book is about Neil’s experience cycling in West Africa; it’s not about his celebrity or playing drums. This is Neil Peart, an adventurous cyclist. I’m so glad I went along for the ride.

Below is an interview with Neil that I think is great. I learned a lot about him, and it sold me on wanting to read his books.

I will definitely read more of Neil’s books. I’m excited to learn about his other adventures. Not only that, but I also have Geddy Lee’s book, My Effin’ Life, which I plan to read soon.  

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