Publisher's Synopsis
A rich, washed-up Hollywood star finds redemption when he is forced by his manager to live with a poor Mexican family to prepare for the role of a lifetime.
Synopsis: (Spoiler Alert) Although Martin Klieg is a privileged but redeemable rogue, a significant role has come up-a possible Oscar-winning part-and his manager has finagled a way to give Martin a shot at a coveted role. The plan? Martin will live with a poor, multi-generational Mexican family, the Sotos-no limousine, no cell phone, no credit cards. In the beginning, Martin tries to cut corners, violating the rules of the agreement-like going on a shopping spree with the Soto kids, or moving his mondo Airstream trailer across the street, or attempting to move everyone to his Malibu beach house. But, as he lives with this warm family, he slowly realizes his life is purposeless and empty. And during this accidental education of Martin, the Sotos, who didn't think much of him at first, also open their hearts to him. After going through the "test" of living with the Sotos, Martin is forced to audition. He refuses, instead concocting an elaborate scheme that wins him the role without the director's knowledge. Martin redeems himself further by creating a meaningful relationship with Justine (a lowly receptionist at his agency)-a woman he would have ignored in the past, but one who is still completely out of his league. Martin goes on to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and in his heart-rending acceptance speech acknowledges his new-found family for bringing him back into the orbit of humanity.
