Today I am on a mission. This week I’ve talked about the following book several times on Twitter. First it was Raych of books i done read, who made me pull out my own copy and start it. The last night I did everything I could think of to convince Eva of A Stripped Armchair and Kristi of The Story Siren to pull out their own copies and read it for the first time.
Which made me wonder, how many of my own readers haven’t read MY FAVORITE BOOK of ALL TIME? So my mission today is, convince you to read this book.
This is not my edition, but wow, I wish it was. I love this cover!
Title: The Princess Bride; S. Morgenstern’s Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure (The ‘Good Parts’ Version)
Written by William Goldman
What is it about Fall that makes me want to read adventure stories? Surely by now, you have seen this movie. Trust me when I say this is one of the very few instances, in my experience, when the movie and the book are almost on par with each other. I think a lot of this has to do with the fact that Goldman wrote the screenplay and that the makers of the movie had a very obvious love for the source material. All your favorite quotes are here, in all their gorgeous glory!The Princess Bride is my favorite book of all time. Every time someone asks me, what is your favorite book, this is always the first to come to mind. I read it for the first time when I was…around 13, and I think I’ve probably read it 20 times, at least, in the last 18 years and I just had to pick it up again for a reread. What is the book about you say? Well…
Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True Love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Good men. Bad men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passion. Miracles.
Plus there is a Zoo of Death. Yes, you heard me, a ZOO OF DEATH. How can you NOT be intrigued?
But even better, there is more backstory. We actually get meet Inigo Montoya’s father. Learn about their story, learn why Inigo has to kill the six-fingered man.
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
We learn more about Fezzik, the lovable giant, who had such a hardscrabble life. Vizzini, in all his malicious glory. The Count. The best books have an evil count, don’t you think? Prince Humperdick. Why was he such a vicious little man? It. Is. In. Here.
There is more about Buttercup, the most beautiful woman in the world. And more about WESTLEY. Ahhh…Westley. The man who says I love you in the most beautiful way…
“As you wish.”
If I haven’t convinced you, please see these other reviews. Perhaps they will do a better job than I for I feel like I never, ever get my love for this book across. I do hope you will give it a try though.
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I have often thought about reading this one but haven't gotten around to it. I adore the movie and since the book is usually better I am not sure what I am waiting for. Okay – off to the bookstore when it opens!
I've read it! And, I even remembered it was your favourite book of all time. Good me!
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
If I had a pound for every time I heard that from assorted fencing friends obsessed with either the book or the film…
You have convinced me. If I don't have a copy somewhere, I'll buy one tomorrow. If I do have a copy, I'll start reading it right after I write tomorrow's post on The Well of Lost Plots. I re-read it to cure me of my Lev Grossman disgust.
Check out my review/criticism. Or go visit Steph & Tony Investigate. They reviewed it with more eloquence.
I keep meaning to read this. I just need to read what I have at home already first but I so want to!
This is one of my all-time fav movies. I probably should get around to reading the book, especially since it seems to be so universally loved.
Alright fine. I will look for the book next time I am in the book store. Until then, I am going to put in the movie.
I love the movie, but haven't read the book (gasp!) I'll have to rectify that soon!
I've read it! (Not one of my faves of all time though, sorry. I did enjoy it.)
OK, OK! I'm convinced. Another one for my library list.
I haven't read it, and I haven't seen the movie. I know that my life is lacking. I've been told several times. One day I will get to it.
Oh my gosh, I LOVE this book! Well, I saw the movie first and then the book is just awesome. LOL! The Fall was a great movie and YES! it does make me want some Princess Bride action. I think it's the bandit face thing the guys have going on. Sigh.
What you've done is convince me that I need to read the book again. I's been too long.
I read it! Way back in high school after I discovered how awesome the movie was. I loved it and have always meant to buy it, but haven't yet.
I adore the movie and yet still haven't read the book. Must remedy that one of these days. It goes in line with all the other books you've added to my TBR spreadsheet lately.
I have to say I think the book is even better than the movie. I found it even more humorous and laughed hysterically at some of the scenes. GREAT book!!
I own a special t-shirt. I rarely ever wear t-shirts with stuff written on them, but this one is so fun, especially when people make the connection. It's black and has what looks a name badge that you'd slap on to your dress or sports coat at a convention. It reads:
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
Love it!