The Princess Bride (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

This is not the fairy tale you remember. Before the film, there was a book that presents itself as an abridged version of a much longer, classic tale by the fictional S. Morgenstern. Author William Goldman frames the story with his own witty, and often cynical, commentary, claiming he is only presenting the "good parts" of a stuffy historical text his father once read to him. The result is a story within a story, a clever blend of fantasy, adventure, and romance that plays with the nature of storytelling itself.

At its heart is the unforgettable love between the beautiful Buttercup and the devoted farm boy Westley. After Westley is presumed dead at the hands of the Dread Pirate Roberts, a heartbroken Buttercup is unwillingly betrothed to the arrogant Prince Humperdinck. Her life takes another turn when she is kidnapped by a trio of outlaws: a brilliant Sicilian, a gentle giant, and a Spanish fencing master seeking revenge. This sprawling adventure is filled with daring escapes, sword fights, and battles of wit. It is a unique reading experience that offers a richer, more layered version of a beloved classic, exploring the meaning of true love and heroism in a way that is both timeless and unconventional.