Far and Near: On Days Like These

This introspective account details three years of the author's "life, work, and travels" across Canada, the U.S., and Europe by motorcycle, . Peart (Far and Away: A Prize Every Time) is primarily known as the drum god/lyricist extraordinaire for Canadian prog-rock institution Rush, and while Peart often references his band in this narrative (much of his motorcycling was done in between tour dates), the bulk of this book centers on the surroundings, people, and weather encountered on his travels. Peart's writing here is personable and conversational as he catalogues the sights and sounds of the motorcycling lifestyle. These include pun-laced church signs in the Bible Belt ("Jesus Paid the Price, You Keep the Change") ancient Roman ruins in Britain, mind-melting south-western desert temperatures, foliage-lined fall byways, basalt pillars in Nova Scotia, and California's giant redwoods, among other encounters. Peart frequently discusses some of the history of the regions, and each chapter is interspersed with his occasional ruminations on life, philosophy, and music. The book is also richly detailed with road and landscape photographs from Peart's journeys, most of them taken from a motorcyclist's view. This is a fine travelogue that fans and general readers alike should enjoy. (Oct.)