"Fifty Shades of Grey" has been getting a lot of buzz lately. What initially started out as a "Twilight" fan fiction by EL James has become somewhat of a literary phenomenon. The fan fiction morphed into a totally new, adult's only, concept and James self-published her full length novel as an e-book. The book went on to top e-book bestseller lists. On April 3, 2012 the book was released in print by Vintage Publishing and currently tops The New York Times Bestsellers List, The Barnes and Noble Bestsellers List, among many others. The book landed a cover story on a recent issue of "Entertainment Weekly." The rights to the novel have even been purchased by Universal Studios Focus Films Division. All this buzz made me wonder if this novel was truly worth its hype. I was also a little confused by all the record sales and hype as "Fifty Shades of Grey," is an erotic novel and the genre is nothing new and rarely generates the kind of sales "Fifty Shades of Grey" is getting. I had to see what all the fuss was about.
I flew through the book in two days. The plot was definitely intriguing, "Fifty Shades of Grey," details the romance and explicit sexual relationship of the sweet, innocent 21-year-old Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey a billionaire business man in his late 20's. Anastasia is finishing her senior year of college when she meets Mr. Grey while interviewing him for her college newspaper. Their relationship grows slowly and Mr. Grey soon invites Anastasia into his private world of BDSM. As there relationship grows, they both find themselves doing things they never thought they'd do. Anastasia grows more uninhibited while Christian grows more sensitive.
The writing is pretty good but not excellent. The descriptions of their sexual activities definitely get your heart racing and you'll probably insert the paramour of your choice into your visualization of the scenes. My lips are sealed as to who I pictured as my own Mr. Grey. However, some phrases were overused to the point of being annoying. Every time Ana wants to assert herself she "summons" her "inner goddess." She also continually refers to her vagina as her "sex." Mr. Grey also repeatedly asks Ana "what are you doing to me?" when he lets his guard down around her. I was also perplexed why Ana felt uncomfortable letting the wealthy Mr. Grey lavish her with gifts but didn't see any problem living rent free in her wealthy roommate's condo or wearing her roommates designer clothes.
While this was a very entertaining read and I am hooked enough to read the subsequent sequels, I really don't understand the fuss. I am also very curious how a the future filmmakers plan on transforming this novel to a feature film that won't be starring someone like Jenna Jameson or Sasha Grey. (On second thought, Sasha Grey may be perfect for "Fifty Shades of Grey," lol)
Please share your opinion. Did you read "Fifty Shades of Grey"? If so, what did you think of it? What do you think or erotic novels/erotic romance in general?
7 comments:
I knew this was online a few years ago, but never really looked into it. My ass't had read it recently and told me to get it. So.. I just finished book 1. It was pretty good. I guess I liked it as I just started book 2 "darker shades"
You have an assistant? *sigh* I need one of those :) I'm planning on getting the 2nd and 3rd books when they're released in print on Tuesday.
I don't know what it is, there's just something about it that keeps you interested no matter how lame the writing gets. Book two is waiting patiently in my Kindle!
FYI-- I am in the middle of book 2 and I actually like it better than 1. I think the story it's self got alittle more suspenseful.
Good to know-thanks !
You're my favorite customer.
Just finished the triology...I agree there were a few phrases that began to get old, but nothing that stopped me from continue-ing on. I just wish there was a little more to the ending...kinda leaves you wanting, but I guess thats the point.
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