How do you rate a book 4 stars when that brings down the average rating? A dose of high expectations and a dash of weak female characters (hello, 1973), along with a dollop of dialogue that is flatter on the page than in the mouths of the film cast. This book just wasn't amazing.

As you know, the film glosses over the story within a story part, using it both humor and character growth (a reader is born). The book goes much further, with a third character (the author) interjecting (frequently and parenthetically). The added humor in these parts is fun. The stories of Fezzik and Inigo are both told through flashbacks instead of actor dialog, which greatly adds to the story. Of course, Goldman also wrote the screenplay, so as you expect, the best bits were all brought in.

It really was a blessing to find actors who brought the dialog to life. Miracle Max has good points, but Billy Crystal made them sing (along with hilarious ad-libs). The intensity of Mandy Patinkin gives the oft repeated phrase a memorable life. I wonder what it was like to read the book before seeing this? The roundabout complaint here is that most of the words don't sing for themselves. Westley is the exception, getting many of the best lines, with Domingo Montoya a close second.

All-in-all, a five star book is one I will gladly read again. This was good, but I've cracked the cover for the last time. Now the film - get the popcorn, will ya? The film has it all...

Fencing.
Fighting.
Torture.
Poison.
True Love.
Hate.
Revenge.
Giants.
Hunters.
Good men.
Bad men.
Beautifulest ladies.
Pain.
Death.
Brave men.
Coward men.
Strongest men.
Chases.
Escapes.
Lies.
Truths.
Passion.
and Miracles.