Sideways

By: Rex Pickett

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Sideways is the story of two friends, Miles and Jack, going away together for the last time to steep themselves in everything that makes it good to be young and single: pinot, putting, and prowling bars. In the week before Jack plans to marry, the pair heads out from Los Angeles to the Santa Ynez wine country. For Jack, the tasting tour is Seven Days to D-Day, his final stretch of freedom. For Miles, who has divorced his wife, is facing an uncertain career, and has lost his passion for living, the trip is a week-long opportunity to evaluate his past, his future, and himself.

A raucous and surprising novel filled with wonderful details about wine, Sideways is also a thought-provoking and funny book about men, women, and human relationships.

©2004 Rex Pickett (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Pickett takes his readers on a jolly ride." (Publishers Weekly)

One of the best I have listened to

Where does Sideways rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was one of the most enjoyable books I have ever listened to. I enjoyed the wine setting in the book but the humor and interaction was great. If looking for an escape from the world of pain and horror then this book won't disapoint. Scott Bick is the best

Excellent

Second time listening to this book and it is once again fantastic. As of anything the second time through I found new things I liked about the story. I am looking forward to "Vertical"

One of my favorite books

Both the performance and story were spot-on. While the flaws of both characters can at times lead to head-scratching situations, it's those very flaws that make this book great. The characters are pieces of humanity, perhaps amplified, but humanity nonetheless.

Great performance, Superficial Story.

Scott Brick did a great performance, but the story was overall depressing and cynical. While there were important lessons, it was a drag to follow Miles and Jack. At least they got why was coming to them.

Sideways just as good as the movie

First let me say I am a huge fan of the movie and purchased this book while traveling in Solvang. I began reading it and then bought the audible version.

While some parts of the book are different than the movie I enjoyed it just as much. The reader was very good an almost acted out the book while reading. The characters were a little different than the movie played out as well as the adventures. If one liked the movie you will like the book.

Only bad thing was the language in the book. To me it was too many in necessary “F” words. When listening in an apartment like I did it’s tough to play it loud.

Overall a good experience with the book and I recommend it. Also recommend going to Buellton and seeing the sites described in the book

Absolutely a gem!

I have seen the movie prior to reading this book. I also read this via audible and I believe this is the magic. Absolutely love each of the 3 characters - Miles, Jack and Maya. Unlike the movie where Miles is the main man, I loved Jack and his shenanigans. He had a layered character in a subtle way where you get to see how deeply he cares about miles. Loved it. Grab and read the book!

Dark and Heavy

The book or the movie…

The book is very heavy and gloomy and dark but also adds a lot of insight on motivations and thoughts.

The movie makes the story flow so much better and has a more cohesive flow.

The girls in the movie are much more sympathetic and nice while in the novel Jack and Miles are very sympathetic. You see their plights and why they do what they do.

It’s a hard call. I liked the novel but it felt clunky in terms of its flow.

I love the movie and it’s in my top 10 of all time and I think of I had listened to the novel first I would have liked it less.

Fantastic!!!!

Whether you watch the movie or not, this story is so real! Couldn’t recommend enough!!

as good as the movie

Liked the movie, liked the book. Don't usually like Scott Brick, but he did fine in this one, none of those long pauses, no need to speed up the narration.

Worth a Read Even After the Movie!

I saw the movie, but should I read the book? After seeing that 54 reviewers at Amazon.com gave the book 4 out of 5 stars, I didn't see any reason why not. I can't be more happy that I did, what a terrific read! A joy from beginning to end.

This book is about real people working through real issues of life, I'm sorry to see other reviewers say such dark things about the characters; we learn when we hold up a mirror to ourselves -- and laugh a little!