From the Bookshelf of 2015 Reading Challenge [Closed]…

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

Cary Elwes,

Rob Reiner (Foreword),

Joe Layden

Discussion: . Week 14: Nonfiction

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. Week 14: Nonfiction

* Week 14: Progress Post
By Zaz , Mood Minion · 20 posts · 73 views

last updated Dec 12, 2015 03:40PM

* Week 14: Introduction
By Zaz , Mood Minion · 1 post · 127 views

last updated Feb 07, 2015 05:06AM

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What Members Thought

Sep 13, 2015 Michelle rated it liked it

Okay, full disclosure here, my rating is of a bit of a bias nature because, technically speaking, this isn't a very well written book. It suffers from shoddy editing and a proclivity for repetition. Because the writing is noticeably flawed and Elwes' zeal gets the better of him at times, I don't think this is going to be a book everyone will enjoy. I imagine, if you're not wrapped up in the fandom experience of the book because of your great love for the film, the narrative blunders would get an Okay, full disclosure here, my rating is of a bit of a bias nature because, technically speaking, this isn't a very well written book. It suffers from shoddy editing and a proclivity for repetition. Because the writing is noticeably flawed and Elwes' zeal gets the better of him at times, I don't think this is going to be a book everyone will enjoy. I imagine, if you're not wrapped up in the fandom experience of the book because of your great love for the film, the narrative blunders would get annoying and difficult to work around. I feel this is the kind of book that only a true devotee of The Princess Bride could ever fully appreciate. I didn't grow up on The Princess Bride (it was released when I was just 2-years-old) but, as Cary Elwes points out is common, became a fan because the film is so well loved that fans often want to share it with others. With that in mind I say, hey you, if you're reading this review and you have yet to watch this film, do. I promise you will not regret it.

Now that we got all that out of the way, I'll tell you that I couldn't help falling head over heels for this behind the scene glimpse of The Princess Bride. Despite the fact that the writing is not as smooth as I would have liked it to be (or expected it to be considering it had a ghostwriter), the book still manages to be entertaining. More than that, it manages to be a very sweet love letter to all the people, fans included, who have made The Princess Bride the enduring classic that has long been my favorite film. I also, for the record, enjoyed the book quite a bit too.

Reading this book re-ignited that feeling I had when I watched the film for the first time - wonder, fascination, total joy. It is bright, humorous, and heart-warming. Cary Elwes' passion for the film and his enthusiasm for all the talented people (cast and crew alike) that brought it to life is infectious. It took me longer than it probably should to finish it because every few pages I'd find myself fast-forwarding through the DVD to get to a scene where I could see just what secret insight Elwes was hinting at in the book. Or I'd get wrapped up in his fondness for his fellow cast members and seek out interviews on YouTube and Wiki articles to learn more about them. This was truly a glimpse into the heart and soul of this movie that has meant so much to me and, in reading it, I find it has become that much more special to me. ...more

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Feb 15, 2019 Teressa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audiobooks

Some books just are made for audiobooks. This is one of them. To hear stories about one of my favorite movies was almost as good as watching the movie. And to have multiple cast from the movie come in at certain parts of the book and offer their perspective or add another story....amazing!! I didn’t think I could love “The Princess Bride” movie anymore that I already did but this book somehow increased my love for it even more. If you are a fan of the movie, I recommend LISTENING to this book. I ...more

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Sep 10, 2015 Joy Gerbode rated it really liked it

Lots of really great stories from the filming of The Princess Bride, and the relationships between the actors and director. A very fun read about a favorite movie ... and now, I want to read the original book.

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Mar 16, 2015 QueenToMyHusband rated it it was amazing

Shelves: review

Wonderful read! I have loved this movie from the time I was a child, and to read the heartwarming reflections of the characters from the movie was amazing. Upon finishing the book I felt all warm and fuzzy. Thanks to the forever dashing Man in Black for taking the time to write such a warming anectdotal reflection.

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Mar 26, 2015 Mary Anne rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: biography, library, non-fiction, kindled

This is a tight three stars for me, but I think three stars is absolutely fair because the book easily matches the title and teaser. Cary Elwes eagerly reflects on his role in this film, and I really like that he includes snippets from everyone. Occasionally there is a little bit of overlap, so it feels like overkill.

It's possible that I don't find the book as engaging because I'm not a major fangirl. I didn't read The Princess Bride (but I recently bought it), and so far I've only seen it once, ...more

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Jan 26, 2015 Rachel rated it really liked it

I'm a fan of the movie, a fan of the book and now a fan of the making of.

Cary Elwes and the entire cast come across as lovely, humble and grateful people. Success couldn't have been granted on a nicer bunch.

Very happy that Cary shared these experiences with us super fans.

I won't gush too much, I basically agree with everyone else here. ...more

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Jan 05, 2015 Tanya rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks, read-in-2015

Awesome! I don't know if it would have been the same reading it. The audio was perfect. I have never read the original book so I just may and then another turn of watching the film. ...more

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