Rex Pickett’s Sideways
The ultimate road trip… the last hurrah.
If you are an avid wine lover and share an appreciation for unique, comical literature, you will most likely be amused by the novel Sideways written by Rex Pickett. Incidentally, Sideways was also made into a movie, from the director of About Schmidt. In my opinion, I do believe that the book was much better than the movie.
I have always loved writers who are able to bring any landscape and moment to life and make the reader feel as though he or she is right there with the main character experiencing each moment simultaneously. Pickett has quite skillfully crafted such a story.
Sideways is the story of two men who are at a turning point in their lives. One is to be married shortly and the other is a starving writer who is his best man. Throughout their journey of unexpected, incredulous twists and turns, the two learn lessons in friendship, life and themselves. As Pickett describes his novel it is: “The ultimate road trip. The last hurrah…” for two best friends. It is an interesting story that kept me up late at night turning page after page in anticipation of what would happen next.
The main character Miles, the writer, has a very cynical, straightforward, sarcastic charm that leaves you caring about his plight for he is nothing but honest, self-deprecating, and vulnerable. His cohort in crime, Jack, has a crass, seemingly unethical approach to life that in the end becomes understandable and surprisingly endearing.
For the wine enthusiast, Pickett’s exceptional knowledge of wine and generous descriptions leaves one feeling thoroughly educated and privileged. While his sometimes uncanny, off the wall twists and turns within the unfolding of the pair’s journey leaves the reader entertained by his pleasantly, unique imagination.
Pickett is a screenwriter who lives in Los Angeles and Sideways is his very first novel.
For more great reading by Liane Schmidt:
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Sounds like a great book, I’m going to see about picking this one up soon. Thanks for the well written review!
Great review, it has me interested!
I’ll take a look at this one. Thanks for the information.
Liane…
You continually amaze me with the breath of your writing style. This review is excellent and should be in the New York Times, LA Times, Chicago Tribune. You are a much better reviewer than most in the trade. Love your style. Nice, nice work!
Great article! Thanks and take care!
Sounds like an interesting book but although I know nothing about wine. I take a glass of rich sweet blackberry and I like muskedine wine made at home.
I love wine and Paul Giamatti so I thoroughly enjoyed the film, but I do understand what you mean as far as what you like more about the book.
Great review..I’m curious enough to get the book..Thank you, Liane!
Dear Francie, if you do, I hope you enjoy it. Thank you with all my heart for your kind comment.
Dear Lucy, glad to hear that. My sincere blessings.
Dear louie jerome, I hope you like it if you get the chance to read it. Your comment is truly appreciated.
Dear Ed, you do not know how much your comment means to me. You an established writer and I am moved beyond words.
Dear Chan, your continued support is a heaven-sent blessing.
Dear Ruby, that’s interesting, you make your own wine? I rarely if ever drink alcohol, however, I love this book for it’s skillful descriptions.
Dear Mr. Furious, I love Paul Giamatti more than you know – loved him in the Negotiator. But, it was more about the movie just not being as great at the book in my mind.
Dear IcyCucky, that truly made writing this review worth the effort.
Best wishes and blessings to all.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.