Far and Wide: Bring That Horizon to Me!

This is an incredibly well written and insightful look at a remarkable career as one of the world's most noteworthy drummers. It is bitter sweet to read this book because Neil goes through a lot of detail to explain to the reader *why* he has chosen to retire and why it is really non-negotiable. While some fans will chant "keep going, keep going," - he makes it clear that he is "done." And, while his drumming and writing have influenced me significantly since the 70's with All the World's a Stage, I completely agree with his reasons. Having suffered tragic and significant family loss in his past, he deserves to "tend to his own garden" now. If he were to ask me, I would have said "thanks for all the great work, drumming, writing, and entertainment - but... shouldn't you go be with your family since you know better than anyone that nothing in life is permanent and there are no guarantees?"The book is certainly a masterpiece of both design and writing, and is a crowning jewel in the king's crown (to further use the Farewell to Kings theme). In his previous blog-to-book efforts, Neil would take his blog posts, tweak them, and republish them in coffee-table format. Certainly not a bad thing, but it was a little weird to think "hey, I could read these exact same stories on-line..." Nonetheless, I bought the books, but that thought did cross my mind. It didn't cheapen the experience, but it did diluted it just a bit. With Far and Wide, only a few of the stories were distributed on his blog and greatly benefit from being interwoven together much more effectively (vs. being discrete stories) where the narrative of one story leads into the other. By the end of the book, you see why the life he has lead is so rich, and his achievements so fantastic, that you understand why "pulling out of the game" now is a worthy decision. At a certain point, with all the impact of age, hearing loss, physical stress, etc.. you have to ask "Rush are in their top form now - where else can this go but down?" Many entertainers, like cheese that has been left on the counter too long, become moldy parodies of themselves if they stay in the game past their prime.Anytime I read a Peart book (or lyrics), I get that much more motivated to be excellent and achieve all that I can within the scope of my life and to be that much more observant and curious. That is, and has been, Peart's influence on me since I was about 14 years old! What a fantastic thing that I have been lucky enough to have a "hero" who professed that it was OK to think for yourself, that it was ok to be driven and to rise above the norm (especially in a time when music (and art in general) was steadily turning more plastic and shallow.)So, this is a touching (often funny and always insightful) look into Neil's life, this last tour, the miles of travel to all kinds of interesting places and human interactions that go with that travel. It is a look at what drives (rewards and frustrations) someone who has accomplished so much and is surprisingly open in its observations inward and outward.From the very bottom of my heart, I am grateful for the inspiration he has given to me (and a whole generation) and thanks for this "going away" gift to readers, explorers and fans.

Strangest thing. I've never been that big of a Rush fan. I've listened over the years but never seen a concert. However, I have followed in the wheel tracks of Neil, traveling the same roads at different times. There is a synchronicity between his stories and my own. This book continues that shared narrative. I just wish I could describe it like he does. Fortunately, I just tell people to read his books, and they understand. If this is to be the last tour (of motorcycles), then he goes out on top. Reading it was like watching a travelogue of the real America, at least as I've come to know it.

I've read just about every Neil Pearl book and story published. All have been engaging and page turners, but this one had just an extra dose of pizzazz. Perhaps it was the plethora of photos accompanying the enthralling tales or just the underlying tone of wrapping up a trilogy of traveling adventures mixed with occasional bouts of earning gas money.I thoroughly enjoyed getting to hear about the band and some of his thoughts on lyrics he wrote and how some of the albums I've enjoyed came to fruition.Recommended for any fan of Peart's prose.

Neil Peart passed too soon indeed but leaves a collection of travelogs that truly put you in the saddle with him on his motorcycle travels between shows. Insightful musings of the landscapes, conversations, and interactions from city to city, as well as his Men at Work bandmates. Peeks into his family life with daughter Olivia are cherished memories that he's captured in such a descriptive way that feels like you're sitting there with them. Not many 'rock stars' I can think of that left behind such a catalog of writing along with their discography, and Far and Wide (and the whole series) provides what feels like a capstone to his library!

I had been looking forward to, and dreading, this book. It would be the final in a series of three that most likely will never see a number four.I totally enjoy reading Mr. Peart's journals and philosophic musings threaded together by his touring with my all time favorite band Rush.Knowing this would be the 'last one' on multiple levels I wanted to 'dose' my reading just to postpone that 'final page' as long as possible. Well I finally finished it and I feel grateful to have glimpsed such a great part of his career and his private life that he has shared on the written level.Neil's books are not so much about Rush but about one of the driving forces of Rush as an artist on many different levels. And for people who would love to travel the states and parts of Europe his last three books even offer a lot of adventurous incentive to 'take the roads less travelled', the dotted lines on the map :-)Excellent!

This is really a very good book. Most readers (like me) will come to it via Rush. But whereas Neil Peart's previous books have self-consciously skirted his drumming job, in this one he confronts it head on, in the knowledge that with R40 behind him he no longer has to maintain that side of his life. Peart has in the past come across as down to earth but thin-skinned about fame. As that recedes the warmth of the man becomes more obvious. So what if he was a world-famous drummer? Now he's just enjoying life and in this he is a good guide, being an autodidact with a steely drive to make the most of everything. It makes you glad not to be him. But equally he's a good writerly companion. He works hard at it so the reader doesn't have to. Because he is now fulfilled and job-free this is a more relaxed and gentle drive than Ghost Rider, for obvious reasons. Will I continue reading him beyond Rush? Yes, I think so - a fellow-traveller in how best to live.

As a long term fan of the band, Peart's books have allowed a certain insight into the behind the scenes goings on of the tours. This one is clearly the end for him, and he stresses it often and loudly. Should he however, continue to write prose, he may find that many of his readers were like me, and only read them because he was in Rush. I'm more interested now in what Alex and Geddy go on to do than reading more America by motorcycle dad books. Having said all that, he's given his all and I totally understand his bowing out at the top. I think the band and management could have handled "the end" better than a behind the scenes tour DVD Time Stands Still and this book, which only say Neil's done...

As with his previous travelogue's Master Peart has captures the trails & errors of a working musician. If you have not read any of his books, I suggest you purchase the first volume of the 'Far & Away' series & begin the adventure.

Holiday read

I've read every other Neil Peart book. I recommend you do the same.

Neil's affinity as a lyricist and percussionist is known worldwide through his work with Rush. The catalogue of work and resulting success speaks for itself. But Neil's books are truly a thing of simple beauty. His storytelling is refreshing and heart-felt. The undeniable chemistry of an artist in his element. Make sure you also pick up "Ghost Rider".

Apart from being an incredible drummer ( for Rush , in case you didn't know) , he is also a great writer. With great pictures to accompany his writing, the way he tells his travel stories , it makes you feel you're there traveling with him or at least I wish I could see and visit all these great sites with him. Very entertaining.

He is a good writer. Ghost Rider was an amazing story and well told. This is a good book if you enjoyed the first one.

I enjoyed the book but not as much as some of Neil's other work. It jumps around a bit. It feels like Neil is signing off.

It's always a pleasure to travel with Mr. Peart and his guests on "doted" roads!"Merci beaucoup !" Canadian French for Thank you so much.

I have all of that Neil Peart has written. I have enjoyed all of them, this one included.

If you liked his other books, you will like this one. Even if you didn't you might still like this one for the insight as to the end of touring Rush.

A gift for the rockin' father!He's gonna love it

Another great read by Neil Peart. What else is there to say!

All Neil is good