Ghost Rider: Travelling on the Healing Road

I bought this book through being a big Rush fan (well, till "Presto" anyway). I've no particular interest in drums (solos should be banned!) nor lyrics, but still respect the contribution he's made to Rush, and consequently my listening entertainment for many years. I'd heard about his double tragedy so was intrigued to know his thoughts, not least because I can relate to it. My first reaction, however, was surprise. This "love of his life" for 12 years was a lady he had not even married (why not?), and it seems they'd had ups and downs. I'm not trying to diminish his love for one minute, but merely saying it wasn't the picture I'd been led to believe. Similarly, the daughter was loved, but not to the extent he could couldn't go weeks without seeing her (on tour) presumably? Again, I'm not being dismissive, but saying it wasn't what I was expecting. I lost the love of my life after one year and it crucified me (and still does). But whereas Neal had a millionaire lifestyle and could afford to stop work and do ANYTHING he wanted, I had no such luxury. My second loss (at the same time) was my career, my livelihood, and my whole standard of living (besides "a reason to live", still not rediscovered). Anyway, he chose to go travelling on his motorbike, and his travelogue certainly makes for interesting reading. For a start, he is exceedingly literate - no "co-author" was required here! We hear loads of interest snippets. It's amazing how the smallest "unknown" town can have some surprising claim to fame. If there was one drawback, it would be that the descriptions of the route became tiring to conjure up in one's head, as much as I wanted to. I began to wonder if it wouldn't have been easier, and better, to just print a tiny snapshot photo of each place? As to his "spiritual progress", I recognised a lot of his thoughts so much, e.g. the realisation that bad happens to good people, that one turns one's back on general charity but still does right by relatives, and so on. I sympathised with his anger and feelings of futility. I did wonder about his self-analysis though, as he seemed to "ok" a lot of things I wouldn't have. For example, he scorned attitudes toward speeding, smoking in banned places, and drug taking. (In fact, his bessy mate and part-time biker companion "Brutus" was jailed for the latter.) Yes they are minor sins in the great scheme of things, but still "laws we live by", and I felt a touch of arrogance, as if he were saying "but I'm Neal Peart". Also, he seemed more materialistic than he himself might realised (the fact that he starts the book raving about his "dream BMW" proves this), and at times could be a bit of a snob ("drinkable wine"). To me, wine is wine and a bike is a bike. Maybe he has still to aspire to that level of realisation? Just my opinion. At the end of the day though, his "saviour" (as I expect most people's is) was his new love. I was pleased for him, as everybody was (well, except for his late wife's sister, who gave me the impression he should never meet anyone again - what a despicable woman!). I am truly pleased he can go on bringing pleasure to millions through Rush, and wish him nothing but the best.

I looked at buying this years ago but didn't and only came back to it out of my current revived obsession with all things Rush following Neil's tragic death in January. He sure had a roller coaster life where the dips were massive. The first chapters are a very frank and honest account of the terrible things that happened to him which would shock anyone. So he then bundles onto this journey of epic proportions and he gives a strong feeling of his mental state through times that we would all hope to never have to endure. The book becomes heavy going as the mundane nature of the journey sets in, he has a few incidents along the way and friends to meet etc.. Discussion of Rush is done in a very detached way with memories of touring revolving around his families involvement. The book is a healing exercise for him and I will finish it out of loyalty for a man who created some of the songs and lyrics that shaped my life and a desire to know something of him, but I have just stopped to take a break (as he did)at the halfway point . Completion feels more like a duty than for the enjoyment of the book, you are definitely on his epic journey with him. - Follow up, OK I nearly didn't but I went back to it and I'm glad I did the slow process of Neil's healing continues but more light appears through the second half ultimately getting to a point where is life has changed direction and is as healed as he probably ever gets. Obviously knowing what we know now a shadow hangs over that, but if Neil's life was not as long as he might of hoped he piled a heck of a lot in there. If you want to understand the man better you will after this. He was a complex character.

Superbly written personal journey after a double personal tragedy. The journey begins the healing . Excellent and honest approach . Wonderful reading

So sadly we all learned of Neil's death on 10th January 2020. My history with Rush goes back to the Exit Stage Left album in the early 80s. Followed them over the next 39 years, most of the UK tours and every album until I got to see them one last time on the Snakes and Arrows tour. So with my birthday approaching I asked for Rush memorabilia items and my daughter bought me Ghost Rider.I rarely read books but this is an interesting insight into the world of a very private individual and that dark period in his life after the Test for Echo album and tour. Very descriptive and enjoyable in book 1 and quite emotional in sections but I couldn't help but come away from the book a little disappointed. A little self indulgent at times and towards the end felt a little rushed, almost drawing a line under events. From what I understand he comes across in the same manner in his other books with little love for touring and other people. With the subject matter of this book you could give him the benefit of doubt but I think I'll give the others a miss for fear of possibly "shattering the illusion"All said the guy was a genius and he and the band will be sorely missed. Rip Neil.

As a fan of the bmw gs motorbike, motorbike travel literature and as a drummer the book appealed on multiple levels.Notwithstanding and with little prior knowledge of the premise of the book (and in all honesty not really as a fan of Rush other than on a technical level - sorry) I wasn’t prepared for what turned out to be a beautiful and intelligent book; a story of healing and hope in terrible adversity.An incredible journey both physically and mentally by an incredible person. I can not recommend this book highly enough and I am grateful that Neil found the strength to share such a personal journey.The book is beautiful well written and although the structure, as it is written in part by way of a series of letters, takes some interesting forms, it’s a story of hope when Hope seems lost.