Last year,I began to read The Princess Bride,by William Goldman..It was in April that began the worst year of my life,and I put the book down,and every other book until just yesterday.I found no joy in books or much else for that long period of time.
Anyhow,yesterday I picked up the copy of TPB that I had been reading,which is the 30th anniversary of the movie edition.We are all pretty much familiar with the movie and have our favorite quotes down pat.Well,the book is different.Written by William Goldman,with a list of written books,fiction and otherwise and screenplays as long as my arm..In a comical aside,he refers to the book as being written by S Morgenstern,and there is a long ongoing series of references to him and how he as the rewriter of the original book was editing it down and making it readable.Lots from the movie to be familiar with and some also not so familiar,but all good stuff..Mr Goldman is quite the writer,funny and sad,ascerbic yet with hints of sweetness that make the book.I will leave you to decide whether the book or movie is better,like most books,there are territories not entered into on film,yet fans of the film will definitely recognize their beloved film.What made the film were the actors,in my opinion,especially Andre the Giant.
So how does Stephen King enter this situation?After the main part of the book is done,there is an epilogue called Buttercup's Baby.Nothing that was in any way part of the film,but very good in it's own light.I don't want to spoil it for anyone,but there comes a time where there is a question whether Stephen King or Mr Goldman will do the epilogue rewrite of S Morgenstern's original story(and there is an amusing plotline that insists the country of Florin is real).There is back and forth between Stephen and Mr Goldman,which comes off as real,and may be,for they are quite familiar with each other,Mr Goldman having written the screenplays for Misery and Dreamcatcher.I suppose as accomplished writers they have had conversations about their works.The back and forth and the plot here is worth the price of the paperback,to me anyway..
I finished the book last night and waded right into Gwendy's Button Box,and am halfway through before stopping at four o'clock this morning.I hope,I think,I believe that my joy of reading,after the worst year of my life,has returned with the help of these talented writers..and I hope I can also get joy from other things as well,as part of the process of putting that year behind me.I never thought I would see the day that I would find no joy in reading,but I hope.Because,as Stephen has told us,and maybe my all time favorite line from him,is that "Hope is a good thing,maybe the best of things.." I hope..
The book I read was the thirtieth anniversary edition if anyone is interested,I don't know when he started including the Buttercup's Baby section,he wrote the original book in 1974.Well worth it in my opinion,if you have a few bucks for a paperback or find it in the library.
Long days and pleasant nights..
Anyhow,yesterday I picked up the copy of TPB that I had been reading,which is the 30th anniversary of the movie edition.We are all pretty much familiar with the movie and have our favorite quotes down pat.Well,the book is different.Written by William Goldman,with a list of written books,fiction and otherwise and screenplays as long as my arm..In a comical aside,he refers to the book as being written by S Morgenstern,and there is a long ongoing series of references to him and how he as the rewriter of the original book was editing it down and making it readable.Lots from the movie to be familiar with and some also not so familiar,but all good stuff..Mr Goldman is quite the writer,funny and sad,ascerbic yet with hints of sweetness that make the book.I will leave you to decide whether the book or movie is better,like most books,there are territories not entered into on film,yet fans of the film will definitely recognize their beloved film.What made the film were the actors,in my opinion,especially Andre the Giant.
So how does Stephen King enter this situation?After the main part of the book is done,there is an epilogue called Buttercup's Baby.Nothing that was in any way part of the film,but very good in it's own light.I don't want to spoil it for anyone,but there comes a time where there is a question whether Stephen King or Mr Goldman will do the epilogue rewrite of S Morgenstern's original story(and there is an amusing plotline that insists the country of Florin is real).There is back and forth between Stephen and Mr Goldman,which comes off as real,and may be,for they are quite familiar with each other,Mr Goldman having written the screenplays for Misery and Dreamcatcher.I suppose as accomplished writers they have had conversations about their works.The back and forth and the plot here is worth the price of the paperback,to me anyway..
I finished the book last night and waded right into Gwendy's Button Box,and am halfway through before stopping at four o'clock this morning.I hope,I think,I believe that my joy of reading,after the worst year of my life,has returned with the help of these talented writers..and I hope I can also get joy from other things as well,as part of the process of putting that year behind me.I never thought I would see the day that I would find no joy in reading,but I hope.Because,as Stephen has told us,and maybe my all time favorite line from him,is that "Hope is a good thing,maybe the best of things.." I hope..
The book I read was the thirtieth anniversary edition if anyone is interested,I don't know when he started including the Buttercup's Baby section,he wrote the original book in 1974.Well worth it in my opinion,if you have a few bucks for a paperback or find it in the library.
Long days and pleasant nights..
