The Princess Bride

Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Book Ever
Review: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure
THE PRINCESS BRIDE
Abridged by William Goldman

Since as early as I can remember, my favorite movie of all time was (and still is) The Princess Bride. I always loved the story, the characters, the wit of the jokes, the genius of Westley and Vizzini. Every aspect of the story has always intrigued me, but it never occurred to me that the book that the grandfather read the child in the movie was a real book. For years now, I have been meaning to read this book. Finally, I sat down and just started reading it. The version that I am reading is the abridged version of S. Morgenstern's classic, abridged by William Goldman. Let me tell you, I have never been a big reader, but it seems the only thing I have done for the past week is read this book. I have loved every page. Not only does it depict my favorite story of all time, the one that I have grown accustomed to over the years through the movie, but it goes it to so much detail about the characters. It goes in to the background of Inigo, the Spaniard whose life was dedicated to avenging his father's death, about Fezzik, the giant who was the size of a normal, 85 pound boy by age 1, about Vizzini, the Sicilian, the genius, the leader of the two previous characters, about Westley and his undying love for Buttercup, who was the most beautiful woman in all the world. William Goldman also does a brilliant job summarizing the book. There are parts where he kind of "butts in" to the story in italic text, and tells little stories that have to do with the text. The author also has a great sense of humor, which just makes the book that much more entertaining. Goldman also wrote the screenplay to the movie, so naturally, the book parallels the movie, but the book goes in to so much more detail. If you have ever seen The Princess Bride, I think that you definitely have to read this book. You can not just see the movie and say that you've gotten everything out of this story that you will get. I can quote the entire movie, but this book has still had my interest on every page. This is definitely the best book that I have ever read, and I highly suggest that you read it as well.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Greatest Books Ever Written?
Review: Someone once said that perfection is balance. Someone else once said that to write a book that is easy to read is darn hard. They're both right, and this book it the proof. What is this book? Is it an action/adventure story? A fairy tale? Is it a spoof of adventure books? A romance? An epic? A commentary on human nature and pop culture? All of this and more.

William Goldman manages to write the perfect book. It's fun and easy to read, and the descriptions and pacing are natural and flowing. Everything is easy to picture. The characters are memorable and the action sequences are flawlessly executed. But probably what sends this book out of the statosphere is its heart, the emotion you feel in all of the characters.

I once asked a friend what his favorite book was, and he said "The Princess Bride". I then confronted him with the fact that it was the only book he had ever read. Therein lies the magic. This is a book for people who don't read books. But it is also a book for people who love books.

I never thought the movie could be better. Then I read the book. I have read many books since, but I still haven't recovered. Good books you love the first time, great books improve ever time you read them. This is a great book. But you knew that already.

Rating:
Summary: Get your money back!!
Review: This is one of the worst books I have ever read. I loved the movie and thought that the book would be better, but I was seriously wrong. When they mean the abridged version, they were not kidding. I was informed that the original story is close to 1,000 pages and this book is probably less than 300 pages if you got rid of the author's commentary which hinders the story most of the time. The author took so much away from the book when he abridged it that I felt disappointed when I finished the book. I would never have bought the book if I knew that was how it was going to be. If you want to read the Princess Bride, try getting the original by S. Morgenstern.

Rating:
Summary: The Princess Bride
Review: The Princess Bride... these words stumped me, well at least the first 2 chapters. She was a pretty girl who though nothing of boys, beauty, people in general. The only thing she ever did was ride her horse, called horse. Horse was her in life. She never even bathed either. That's just gross!

...This book I would really recommend because on how much I can relate. For she knows what she wants. Doesn't take "no" for an answer...

Rating:
Summary: Classic, classic, classic
Review: Anyone who says they disliked this book should be institutionalized. It is a beautiful, yet quirky story with highly evolved characters. You become attached to it the minute you open the book. I could live without William Goldman's narration, and I'm still questioning the truth of his supposedly non-fiction excerpts, but still, this book will change your life.

Rating:
Summary: Genious!
Review: This is the most well-written book I have ever read. The "main" story, the long ago tale of high adventure, is contrasted beautifully and humorously with character flashbacks, commentary, and modern-day interjections. William Goldman is an incredible storyteller...and he's completely believable. It is a hilarious read, and quite often you sit back while reading and ask yourself, "is this really REAL?" completely forgetting the fact that there IS no Florin or Guilder, and never has been. It's a masterful work of fiction!

Rating:
Summary: Love, Loss and a drunken Spaniard
Review: William Goldman is a great screenwriter and an OK novelist. His novels I can generally take or leave, but this book I just have to own. It combines the novel and screenwritting techniques and the product is uniquely enjoyable. I usually read all the way through it in one sitting, totally neglecting all other aspects of my life until I have finished it. Few books grip me that way, but this is one of them. It is a fairy tale with some unique elements that make it hilarious and breathtaking. It doesnt take itself too seriously, allowing for some great humor and unexpected sequences. Even so, you care about the story and the characters, and the humor doesnt make a mockery of larger themes in the story. This book is unlike anything else in my collection and I reccommend you add it to yours. Of course, the movie is really great too. Of course, you should try to find the unabridged version by S. Morganstern, and while you are doing that you can can book your cruise to the country of Florin and visit Morganstern's childhood home. Wink, nudge.

Rating:
Summary: A BeLoved Story
Review: When I was much younger, I saw the movie and fell in love with it. I wanted to read the book, but I couldn't find it in print. Thank goodnes they release the 25th anniversary edition of the book. Lucky enough, my husband gave it to me as an anniversary present. If you love the movie, read the book. IT ADDS to the experience. Only one thing.. good luck finding the "reunion scene". Otherwise, this book doesn't disappoint. I recommend it for romance and adventurers everywhere.

Rating:
Summary: 5 stars doesn't even befin to cover it...
Review: This has got to be the greatest book ever written, even to me, who deosn't read much fantasy. I grew up on the movie and dove right into the book when I got my hands on it in the fourth grade. By the seventh grade, my most prized possesion was the 25th anniversary copy of it that my brother had given me. From the six-fingered man to the retired miracle worker, this book has everything. Romance intertwined with adventure, deception, and suspense. Who could ask for more? It is so much different than other fantasy books for the pure fact that it may be based on history, meaning it could happen in real life (with the exception of "the machine"). I have read the book, at the very least, two times a year since I discovered it, and couldn't be more ecstatic that *there is in fact a sequel.* It is entitled "Buttercup's Baby," and the first chapter appears in the anniversary edition. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the rest of it, perhaps it isn't published yet, but it exists. In my mind, The Princess Bride should be a required reading for school because it is a truly amazing piece of literature and art. After reding this, it is as if you have lived through it all with the characters-Please, read this book and share it with your friends-put a smile and a memory in their hands and your own.

Rating:
Summary: Doesn't live up to the hype.
Review: A decent enough story, but the author tries just too hard to be oh-so-clever. I'm really not sure why this book is so adored, when so many others do it so much better.