Vintage Departures

"Assured and poetic. . . . A sort of Cliff's Notes version of the dense original, and as much of a biography of Pirsig as Richardson was able to piece together. . . . An enjoyable read. . . . Richardson is quite meticulous in describing the thoughts, sensations, even the superstitions many motorcyclists experience while riding." --The Los Angeles Times"A harrowing account of the toll that themaking of one man's masterpiece exacted not only on himself but on those around him."--TheWall Street Journal"Most notably for fans of the original, Zen and Now pushes the story forward, through Richardson's correspondence with the interview-averse Pirsig, his editor, his ex-wife, and a second son, Ted." --The Boston Globe"Richardson's strong narrative thread results in a page-turner that does right by the original. Zen and Now is sure to inspire a new generation of riders and readers to pick up Pirsig's book and take to the open road in search of quality." --Vince Darcangelo, Rocky Mountain News"Fans of Pirsig's cult classic should read Richardson's book if they want the true story of the author. . . . Richardson digs deep to unearth the motives behind his tormented mentor's search for quality while embarking on a search of his own. . . . [Zen and Now is] an engrossing tale recounted with a journalist's attention to fact and an adventurer's appetite for the enlightening surprise." --Scott Driscoll, Seattle Post-Intelligencer"A good read. . . . Although Richardson is on the trail of Pirsig, this book is as much about his own status in the universe and who he is as a father and a human being. It is charmingly written, honest to a fault and as unpretentious as Pirsig's book was the opposite. Zen and Now invites the reader along on several levels; Richardson's research into Pirsig and his life is impeccable and the book is full of all kinds of interesting little nuggets." --Ted Laturnus, Toronto Globe and Mail"Zen and Now is a story worth telling, about a journey worth sharing-an entertaining, inspiring, and rewarding read." --Neil Peart, bestselling author of Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road