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.
