Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Far and Wide summary
Neil Peart
Brief summary
Far and Wide by Neil Peart is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's epic motorcycle journey through North and Central America. It's a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the beauty of the open road.
Topics
Table of Contents
Far and Wide
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Beauty of North America
In Far and Wide, Neil Peart takes us on a journey across North America, sharing his experiences during the 35 concerts of Rush's R40 tour. He starts his adventure in Los Angeles, a city he has a love-hate relationship with, and then travels through the scenic landscapes of the American West, exploring the beauty of the Rockies, the Badlands, and the Grand Canyon.
Peart's passion for motorcycling is evident throughout the book, as he describes the freedom and connection to nature that riding provides. His detailed observations of the places he visits and the people he meets along the way give us a vivid picture of his travels. He also delves into his personal history, reflecting on his childhood, his early days with Rush, and the loss of his daughter and wife.
A Journey Through Time and Memory
As the tour progresses, Peart takes us on a journey through time and memory, revisiting significant places from his past. He returns to the small town of his childhood, travels through the Canadian Shield, and explores the Laurentian Mountains, all the while reminiscing about his early years, his love for drumming, and the evolution of Rush as a band.
Despite the physical demands of the tour, Peart finds solace in his motorcycle, which allows him to escape into his thoughts and process his grief. He beautifully captures the healing power of travel and the cathartic effect of revisiting old memories, showing us how the road can be a place of both escape and introspection.
Lessons from the Road
Throughout Far and Wide, Peart shares the lessons he has learned from his life on the road. He emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, adaptability, and the ability to find joy in unexpected places. He also touches on the theme of mortality, acknowledging that the R40 tour may be Rush's last, and reflecting on his own aging and the losses he has endured.
Despite these heavy themes, the book is far from melancholic. Peart's witty observations, love for music, and deep appreciation for the natural world infuse the narrative with a sense of wonder and gratitude. He reminds us that life is a journey, and it's up to us to make the most of it, even in the face of adversity.
A Fitting Conclusion
As the R40 tour comes to an end, Peart reflects on the bittersweet feeling of closing a chapter in his life. He acknowledges the toll that touring has taken on his physical and emotional well-being but also expresses his gratitude for the decades of music, travel, and camaraderie with his bandmates.
In conclusion, Far and Wide is a poignant and uplifting memoir of a life lived to the fullest. Neil Peart's unique blend of storytelling, introspection, and love for the open road makes this book a fitting tribute to his remarkable journey as a musician, a motorcyclist, and a human being.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Far and Wide about?
Far and Wide by Neil Peart is a captivating memoir that chronicles the legendary drummer's motorcycle journey across North America. Filled with breathtaking landscapes, insightful reflections, and encounters with fascinating people, the book offers a unique perspective on life, travel, and the open road. It's a must-read for anyone with a sense of adventure and a love for great storytelling.
Far and Wide Review
Far and Wide (2016) by Neil Peart is an enthralling travel diary chronicling his motorcycle journey across North and Central America. Here's why this book is a captivating read:
- Immersive descriptions of breathtaking landscapes and encounters with diverse cultures provide a sense of adventure and wonder.
- The author's reflections on self-discovery and personal growth throughout the trip offer profound insights into the human experience.
- With its engaging storytelling and vivid imagery, the book effortlessly transports readers, ensuring an exciting and enriching reading experience.
Who should read Far and Wide?
Travel enthusiasts who enjoy exploring new places and cultures
Music lovers, especially fans of the rock band Rush
Readers who appreciate personal memoirs and stories of self-discovery
Categories with Far and Wide
Book summaries like Far and Wide
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.8 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
36 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Far and Wide FAQs
What is the main message of Far and Wide?
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and adventure through the eyes of Neil Peart.
How long does it take to read Far and Wide?
Reading time for the book varies. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Far and Wide a good book? Is it worth reading?
Far and Wide offers a captivating blend of storytelling and insight, making it a worthwhile read.
Who is the author of Far and Wide?
Neil Peart is the author of Far and Wide.
What to read after Far and Wide?
If you're wondering what to read next after Far and Wide, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda