SIDEWAYS

Miles, a self-loathing oenophile, has 35 rejection slips stuck to the walls of his dismal apartment and is desperate to hear from his agent, who just told him: “Richard Davis at Conundrum liked your book.” Jack is a self-loving actor desperate to get laid before he marries Babs at the end of the week. Together they head into Santa Ynez wine country, desperate for pinot and a chance--maybe the last chance--to connect as friends. The novel is funny, sad, and good-hearted, as was the Indie movie whose screenplay won the Oscar for best adaptation. Golden Voice Scott Brick punches out every line. His delivery holds the reader's attention but damages the story in spots, since the light, ironic touches are blown away. B.H.C. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 05]