Synopses & Reviews
Neil Pearts travel memoir of thoughts, observations, and experiences as he cycles through West Africa, reveals the subtle, yet powerful writing style that has made him one of rocks greatest lyricists. As he describes his extraordinary journey and his experiences from the pains of dysentery, to a confrontation with an armed soldier, to navigating dirt roads off the beaten path he reveals his own emotional landscape, and along the way, the different masks” that he discovers he wears. Cycling is a good way to travel anywhere, but especially in Africa. You are independent and mobile, and yet travel at people speed fast enough to travel on to another town in the cooler morning hours, but slow enough to meet people: the old farmer at the roadside who raises his hand and says, 'You are welcome,' the tireless women who offer a smile to a passing cyclist, the children whose laughter transcends the humblest home.”
Review
"Peart's writing is lyrical and his tale poignant, fully capturing an extraordinary journey, both as a travel adventure and as memoir." —Library Journal on Ghost Rider
Synopsis
Dysentery, drunken soldiers, and corrupt officials provide the background for Neil Peart's physical and spiritual cycling journey through West Africa. The prolific drummer for the rock band Rush travels through African villages, both large and small, and relates his story through photographs, journal entries, and tales of adventure, while simultaneously addressing issues such as differences in culture, psychology, and labels. Literary and artistic sidekicks such as Aristotle, Dante, and Van Gogh join Peart and his cycling companions, reminding the reader that this is not just another travel bookit is a story of both external and introspective discovery and adventure.
About the Author
Neil Peart is the drummer and lyricist for the rock band Rush and the author of "Ghost Rider." He lives in Santa Monica, California.