Hey...I'm a Spaniard...

It has been a couple of years since I started and finished a book that wasn't an assignment for school. I was never really the reading-a-book type. Perhaps I was too busy with movies and video games. :) But, a part of me wishes I could say..."when I was your age television was called books!"

I love movies. This is no secret. One of my favorite movies of all time is The Princess Bride. From the time I was very young I have loved this movie and have never gotten tired of watching it or conversing with its classic dialogue.

I was waiting for a meeting, recently, at the Salt Lake Public Library. I had a few moments to spare so I began waltzing down the aisles. I thought to myself, "I should get a book." Then the Devil in me said..."Why waste your time, you'll never read it." If only I could find the right book. One that would keep my attention. About a week earlier, I had watched, yet again, The Princess Bride. Just then, I thought..."hey wasn't that a book before it was a movie?!" My waltz turned into a fox-trot as I excitedly began searching for the book version of my 2nd favorite movie. *side note* (Robin Wright stars in both of my favorite movies: Forrest Gump and TPB. That could make for good trivia.)

Only a couple weeks later, I have found myself wrapped up in an amazing story. For those that told me that I would never read a book...I say, Ha! I am nearly 200 pages in and have to force myself to put it down.

Now, the author of the book was also the author of the movie's screenplay (William Goldman.) So, naturally the ABSOLUTELY CLASSIC dialogue is the same. However, there is so much more in the story that wasn't in the movie. Much more character development and it's fun to read. For example, there's an entire section on Inigo Montoya and how he became the world's greatest swordsman. Also, if you're into true love, it goes into tons more detail about Westley and Buttercup.

I will say that one of the best parts about reading this book is the way it is written. Think of the movie version. You know how it is extremely witty in everything it does? The book is the same. It makes you laugh out loud.

Just in case you haven't seen the movie (as crazy as that sounds, I have met people who haven't) here is a great video that really makes you want to watch it.



Here's a few lines from the story that I love and probably say one of them at least once a day:

*You seem a decent fellow, I hate kill you. You seem a decent, fellow, I hate to die.

*You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! First, never get involved in a land war in Asia, but only slightly less well known is this...never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line!

*Ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates? Yes. Morons.

*Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare die!

*Go ahead, bow down to the Queen of refuse, the Queen of slime, the Queen of filth, the Queen of Putrescence!

*True Love is the greatest thing in the world! Except a nice MLT. Mutton, lettuce, tomato. When the Mutton is cut nice and lean! and the tomato is ripe!

*Get away witch! I'm not a witch, I'm your wife!

*I only dog paddle!

*Death can not stop true love. It can only delay it for a little while.

*Am I going mad?! Or did the word think escape your lips??

*Anybody want a peanut?

*Is there any way you trust me? Nothing comes to mind. You have my word as a Spaniard. No good...I've known too many Spaniards.

*Have fun storming the castle!

Have I convinced you? Of what? you ask. Of loving this story as much as I do! OR, committing to reading the book and watching the movie. Come'on!