Far and Wide: Bring That Horizon to Me!

The third book in Rush drummer and author Peart's travel series (after Far and Near) has more for readers who appreciate motorcycles and road trip stories than for fans of the veteran rock band. There are some wonderful looks into the dynamics of the band%E2%80%94"We remain three fairly dissimilar characters who have forged a way to work together, year after year, for four decades"%E2%80%94but the book primarily consists of Peart's deeply personal reflections, accompanied by many photographs. His focus moves from drumming to rowing, family, and religion; like his motorcycle journeys, his subject matter is truly all over the map. Peart describes himself as having "full-blown hyperthymia," wryly defined as having so much energy to get things done that it annoys others. That trait is evident in the book. One moment, he is cruising the back roads of Utah, and the next, he's backstage during Rush's emotionally charged farewell tour. The art he draws with his young daughter is heartwarming; his refusal to bend for a Rolling Stone photographer is hilarious. Despite frequent and somewhat annoying references to Peart's previous books, Rush fans feeling nostalgic about the end of the band's touring days will likely enjoy the ride. Agency: Sheila Posner Agency. (Sept.)