Good writing can take us to places we’ve never considered. Great writing becomes part of our cultural DNA. One of the most beloved novel-to-movie adaptations of all time, The Princess Bride, is just such a piece of writing. In the hands of the late, great director Rob Reiner it has become a literary touchstone, and its witty, poignant, pointed, thoughtful and often hilarious lines have inspired readers and authors since the film’s debut in 1987.
To honor Reiner’s memory and the priceless inspiration of his adaptation of The Princess Bride here are our favorite lines and the books we think best honor their spirit. Ignoring this list would be inconceivable.
Quote: “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
Book: Open Throat by Henry Hoke
Why: This novella — written from the perspective of a mountain lion living beneath the Hollywood sign– offers the same refreshingly direct tone and general fierceness as our beloved Inigo Montoya. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Who: Camryn, VP of Digital Marketing
Quote: “Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.”
Book: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Why: This is essentially Ove’s worldview. The book is honest about grief, loss, and disappointment, but it never becomes cynical or cruel. Like The Princess Bride, it understands that acknowledging pain doesn’t cancel out love, loyalty, or humor — it actually makes them more meaningful.
Who: Barb, sales & marketing specialist
Quote: “Have fun storming the castle!”
Book: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Why: What could be more reminiscent of The Princess Bride than a ragtag bunch of criminals joining forces in a heist to infiltrate the royal palace?
Who: Cammy, social media assistant
Quote: “Have you heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates? Morons!”
Book: The Trial and Death of Socrates
Why: This quote dismisses these giants, but Plato shows us just how “moronic” wisdom, questioning authority and the pursuit of truth can be.
Who: Caroline, program manager
Quote: “Have you ever considered piracy?”
Book: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
Why: Genteel Victorian lady pirates in flying houses have all the delicious vibes from The Princess Bride with a feminist twist. Why should men have all the adventures?
Who: JeriAnn, writer & editor
