Sideways: A Novel by Rex Pickett Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Sideways: A Novel
Book Review: Better with Pinot....
Summary: 4 Stars
I had a good time reading Sideways. I'm not one to usually laugh out loud and I did with this. I disagree with other reviewers, however. Good as this is, it really is a movie, not a novel. Frankly I preferred the beginning of the book better than the movie, but felt the movie-makers did a better job with the conclusion.
Book Review: Comedy at its finest, deepest and most moving
Summary: 5 Stars
Miles -- the first person narrator -- is living a life most of us dream of, but would never want to live. He's an artist -- a writer, more specifically -- and he'll do anything to keep writing: cadge a little money from his doty mother, avoid menial jobs by taking odd writing assignments, imbibe fine wine to forget about his life. His best friend, Jack, is about to get married. Together, they sojourn to the Santa Ynez Valley for one last week of wine tasting, golfing, fine dining, and ... girl hunting. They are polar opposites, but they love each other in that male-bonding, difficult-to-understand way. Pickett, a fine writer, works hard to find the connection between the two of them, and by novel's end has brought a rare insight into the relationship between the two. The book is both laugh-out-loud funny and sadly reflective at the same time. It's Pickett's unique triumph that he balances despair with comedy. It's almost as if he were saying, if it were just despair for despair's sake, we would have a novel that celebrated nihilism. There's no question that Miles is not always easy to like, but there's a restlessness to his spirit that we all relate to. What's so eloquent and heartbreaking about this book is how adroitly it balances despair and comedy. The book reads quickly, almost too quickly -- you're sad when it's over -- but there's both a lightness and a weightiness to it at the same time. It's so difficult to write a comic novel and have it work on all the levels it needs to work, and this was just a joy to read from beginning to end. It begins in medias res and ends on a somewhat hopeful decrescendo. I have a feeling we haven't read -- or seen! -- the last of Miles and Jack, two archetypal characters for the ages. Be forewarned, though: this book will make you want to buy a bottle of the finest Pinot you can afford and go sit under a tree and contemplate your own unfulfilled existence.Book Review: Even better than the movie
Summary: 5 Stars
"Sideways" is a hilarious yet poignant story about two longtime friends, Miles and Jack, who set out on a week-long adventure through California wine country as a sort of "last hurrah" before Jack's upcoming wedding. Much to his friend's dismay, Jack is intent on making the most out of his last few days as a single guy, and that means he's out trolling for women at every chance he gets. Meanwhile, poor Miles is still bruised from his recent divorce and lack of success as a writer, and this trip only succeeds in making him feel worse about himself. Still, the story is absolutely hysterical, and I think the novel is even better than the film because there are so many additional comical moments that were cut from the big-screen adaptation. If you're looking for a novel with great characters and a wonderful story, pick up "Sideways" today.Book Review: Fast shipping, good product. Would buy from them again.
Summary: 4 Stars
Fast shipping, good product. Would buy from them again. Received international shipping to NZ that arrived much sooner than projected.Book Review: Fun Read after watching movie
Summary: 4 Stars
Loved reading the book after watching the movie many times.
Won't disappoint - not Pulitzer material - but very entertaining and fast paced. Fun to picture the film actors in your head as they undertake their exploits.
After reading, I realize how stupendous a job was done with the adapted screenplay.
If you loved the movie you will love this book!