I just finished this and, if I want to be fair to the book, I should likely take a day to process it, before trying to write about it.

But on the other hand, I want to get some thoughts down while they're fresh.

It's funny, that every time another Peart book comes up in my to-be-read pile, I think, Do I really want to read about a guy riding around various countries on a motorcycle? And the answer is, inevitably, no, I don't.

Luckily, Peart obliges. Yes, there are a lot of passages about a guy riding around various countries on a motorcycle. But it's all the stuff in between...his discourses on the sadness of corporations slowly weed-choking a simpler way of life, the beauty of not just the sights, but the people, the memories, the friendships, and the revelations he experiences as he moves from here to there, and most appreciated for me, the glimpses into Neil Peart the man, not the drummer...it's all this that make each one of these books a treasure.

Peart, in his wide-ranging rambles shows us so much...

His two personalities, Bubba and the Professor. The knee-jerk reacting, foul-mouthed, stereotypical guy, and the more measured, intelligent, logical, think-things-out-first polymath who is always searching to better himself.

The famous rock musician who is completely uncomfortable with his celebrity status, and appreciates his meetings with people who either don't recognize him at all, or who recognize him but ignore the celebrity aspect. From the books, I get a sense that he just wants the opportunity to talk to others on a personal level, and not just be that rock god that bangs on things with sticks.

The doting father and husband who must leave behind his family for "the job" but misses them dearly while he's away, while also reveling in these experiences he could never have while at their side. His passages of his time with his new daughter are especially endearing. The man who loves his family, while also knowing better than most of us that they can be taken away far too suddenly.

The friend who makes as much effort as he can to keep his friends close, in a profession where everyone wants something from you constantly.

The bandmate that loves his "co-workers" while also having to necessarily distance himself for his own sanity and happiness.

There's just so much to these books, I question whether any review—much less my scrambled ramblings—can do them justice.

But, for me, these are required reading, written by a fellow Canadian who I believe was one of the greatest thinkers of our generation. He also happened to bang things with sticks better than most, too. ( )

One of the greatest drummers alive writes another great book. The book is filled with stories from Rush tours but also a guide to places you need to visit in the United States. He is a one man guide to national parks. ( )

A collection of Neil's writings from his website. Dated from February 2011 to April 2014. I had already read each 'blog', if you will, but purchased the book anyway. Must support one of my favorite authors! Great collection of 3 years of his life. Travel tales from all over the world, by himself, and with his band Rush. ( )