Anyone read it?

[[deleted user]]

So, I was intrigued by the blurb and, in spite of the subject matter, am having a difficult time putting it down. Anyone else read this?

[Diane]

I read it when it was fanfiction (basically the same thing). I liked it at first but then got bored after awhile.

(edit: My rating doesn't reflect my opinion of the story, it reflects more on my feelings on how it came to be published and my ethical concerns with it.)

[[deleted user]]

I don't know how it came to be published and what are your concerns with it?

[Diane]

(Some parts of my comment come from the Dear Author blog)
Yvonne wrote: "I don't know how it came to be published and what are your concerns with it?"
My stance on pulling to publish usually is that it's wrong.
It's lazy and dishonest.

The Fifty Shades trilogy was originally twilight fanfiction, pulled from the site it was originally posted on, edited (mostly for the name changes) and published.

The ethical issues surrounding profiting off of fan fiction includes, but is not limited to, the expectations of the community and to what extent the community would be involved in the shaping of the fiction. Fan fiction pieces like "Master of the Universe" (50 shades' fanfic title) generate a lot of feedback and response. How much of that is represented in the final piece? Would those individuals be involved if they knew that their efforts were going to be the basis of someone else's profit?

The author used the fandom, whether she meant to or not. A huge part of it's publication and popularity is because her fanfic. If it weren't for Bella/Edward/Twilight, EL James probably wouldn't have gotten the feedback, wouldn't have had the fanbase, wouldn't have gotten a publishing house (her first publishing house "The Writer’s Coffee Shop" specializes in publishing fan fiction) to publish her book.
We may never know how she would've fared without piggybacking on S. Meyer's success.

The author appropriated characters and other aspects from the original source (which is copyrighted). If people are not seeing the similarities, there are plenty of comparisons that prove otherwise. I found a list of similarties, and copy-pasted it on my review.

So yeah, that's basically it.

[[deleted user]]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing that. I am basically new to Goodreads and have never discussed any of the books I've read with anyone. I have not heard of fan fiction before, but can see what you are saying. I am not a Twilight person, so I had no comparisons to follow.

I enjoyed the first book, but because of the subject matter, rather hesitate to move on to the second and third. I did find it pretty well written, for the most part.

[Paris (kerbytejas)]

I read all three and loved them...id do not see the connection to the fan fiction "twilight" angle - but then I could be blind ,deaf & dumb....I read them as they were written and did not need a connection to anything else to enjoy them

[Tabitha]

I loved it when it was Master of the Universe on twilighted....but I have to agree, it was pretty crappy to use that site like that. Now I can't read it because Christian and Anastasia will always be "Edward & Bella". I loved the story line, but it's just too weird for me now to read the second and third books.

[Lynette]

I did not read MOTU but I did all 3 of the Fifty Shades series. I really loved the first 2 books, the 3rd drug way too much for me. It could have used a good editing overhaul and condensed to 2 books instead. I love Christian/Fifty and his character is the driving force for those that like these books, IMO. I didn't care for Ana too much, probably because Bella annoyed me in the Twilight books too :) I can see the concerns of it being fanfiction as stated above, but regardless of that, it is VERY popular and women are going nutzie about it!!! I enjoyed them very much anyway :)

[Fran]

Ahhh, I had no idea fifty shades was fanfiction of twilight. However, for me... the fifty series was a good quick read; the twilight books slightly annoyed me :(

[Diane]

Yvonne wrote: "Interesting. Thanks for sharing that. I am basically new to Goodreads and have never discussed any of the books I've read with anyone. I have not heard of fan fiction before, but can see what yo..."
No problem. Welcome to goodreads, haha, sorry your welcome wagon wasn't more positive, lol. :D

Yeah, I get what you mean, the subject matter does seem to make some people uncomfortable.

[Diane]

@Paris: You aren't alone. Some people don't recognize the twilight elements either. And I was rather shocked when I first found out that she didn't really change all the recognizable aspects she "borrowed" from the books.

@Tabitha: LOL. Yeah, ditto, they'll always be Edward and Bella to me.

@Lynette: Yeah, it's very popular regardless of it's origins. But that's what bothers me the most, the fact that it's getting so much praise despite the ethical concerns.

@Fran: To each their own. :) For the most part both are significantly different anyway.

[SKr1619]

I can see where you're coming from as far as ethical concerns and the similarities between Twilight and Fifty Shades. It's kind of appalling when there's bullet points lol

But I feel that authors are ALWAYS getting inspiration from other authors. Even Stephanie Meyer herself admitted to getting some of her inspiration from Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, & Emily Bronte. Certain elements from her books are borrowed from these great writers and she put her own spin on it just like E.L. James did with Fifty Shades.

I've never read any of her Twilight books and probably never will due to the fact that I've been scarred from the movie trailers (never seen the movies either lol) because Kristin Stewart sucks monkey balls with her monotone voice and same expression for every emotion.

Anywho, I think it's cool that it started as fanfiction but her storyline is completely different from Twilight while some elements and character traits are similar. Again, how many other books are out there that have a rich, domineering, control freak as the love interest. And I feel that the only thing Ana and Bella have in common is the lip biting, clumsiness, pale skin, and converse sneakers. But Bella from what I've heard is the damsel in distress and doesn't do much. Ana kicks dudes in the balls, shot him in the kneecap and saved her sister-in-law's life and is constantly telling Christian that she's stronger than he thinks...Bella, not so much. Exhibit A
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I apologize if I offend anyone, but it is kind funny the difference between these two. -Go Harry Potter- That was a bad ass series.

[Diane]

(Credit to miaokuancha for being eloquent to put this to words)

I get what you're saying but fanfiction and non-fanfiction are not categorically separate universes. I think it is fair to say that most if not all so-called original fiction is derivative to some extent or another. But there is a difference between writing a story inspired by another vs writing and presenting a story first as fanfiction and then changing the names to sell it as original fiction. There is no bow to the source material there, there is simply cynical, self-entitled and lazy appropriation of another author's characters, tropes, and devoted fans.

Meh, I think Bella is stronger than people give her credit for (she saved Edward's sorry ass in New Moon, she punched a werewolf in the face, defies others' expectations of her, that sort of thing) but that's entirely another topic. The meme still angers be because it is inadvertently mocking and belittling people who suffer from depression. *sigh*

[Tabitha]

I guess what I mean is that.....I don't associate the "Twilight" Edward & Bella with the "MOTU" Edward & Bella, other than appearance....BUT I can't picture Anastasia & Christian because I only see "MOTU" Edward & Bella....lol. Does that make any sense at all? Haha....I should soooo be sleeping, but I'm up being a night owl, finishing Last Man Standing by Cindy Gerard. God love that woman....she gives me plenty of hot, badass alpha men to dream about! Night night ya'll ;)

[Diane]

Tabitha wrote: "I guess what I mean is that.....I don't associate the "Twilight" Edward & Bella with the "MOTU" Edward & Bella, other than appearance....BUT I can't picture Anastasia & Christian because I only see..."
Hah, makes sense. That's sort of what I do except that I almost always associate original E and B with them. xD

I can totally relate. I've been known to stay up later than I should because I just can't put down some books.
G'night! :)

[[deleted user]]

Geez, you guys! What a great conversation. I've read hundreds of books and never really discussed them. I may have found a new passion!! And, Diane *Ahnnihilate*, you didn't scare me off!! LOL

[Diane]

Yvonne wrote: "Geez, you guys! What a great conversation. I've read hundreds of books and never really discussed them. I may have found a new passion!! And, Diane *Ahnnihilate*, you didn't scare me off!! LOL"

Hahaha, oh good2x.. great to hear that you're liking the site. :)

[cflynn]

Yvonne wrote: "So, I was intrigued by the blurb and, in spite of the subject matter, am having a difficult time putting it down. Anyone else read this?"

read all three books and am having trouble moving on...so so good does n't do it justice. I generally read at least three books a week>:D

[Sara]

Yvonne wrote: "So, I was intrigued by the blurb and, in spite of the subject matter, am having a difficult time putting it down. Anyone else read this?"

I have read the first book. Our book club chose this book for next winter season (I live in a retirement community in south TX in the winter, we are all seniors). I had to find out what all the to do was about, so got it early and read it very quickly. Want to know why the author wrote the books. I enjoyed the book, not literature though.

[Ericka]

This book glorifies abusive relationships. Christian is an egotistical, self-centered character that is the prototype of the Ted Bundy types. It's very sad that women find this normal and desirable behavior in a man. Counselors, myself included, have spent years helping women recover after relationships such as this. It is grossly abusive and shocking that women like it. Most people enjoy good sex but this is not good sex. It is mind contol, stalking, degradation, emotional abuse and vastly over rated. As a counselor that has had women suicide over men like this I feel it should at the very least have a disclaimer. Young women go into these types of relationships unaware of the horrific mental
problems of the man and end up with ruined lives. Additionally, if you have ever studied sociopathic serial killers these are the types of behavioral they have in common. There are thousands if studies and this could be a documentary if many of their secret lives before mass murder sprees. If you like Ted Bundy types then he is your man. Will this give "would be" killers the OK that this behavior is normal? I personally think this is the wrong message to get out there as acceptable behavior. How many men will justify this type of behavior now? This is disturbing and alarming.

[Anabelle]

Hello all!!! I agree with so many of the statements above let me see where to begin... First of all- Christian's characterization is deff controlling, stalker'ish and beyond belittling but in his defense there were major character developments over the trilogy. I was rather surprised by this as I had initially assumed that he was going to be a static character, with ana taking on most of the change. He was anything but. And while I disagree with alot of his actions and regard for Ana I don't think his tale gives men a justification for violent and deplorable behavior. Aside from the time he told Ana he wanted to beat the shit out of her, he wasn't particularly violent... Also, his relationships prior were all with consenting adults who enjoyed and agreed to such treatment.

I dont think the Ted Bundy type is "normal" or "desirable" to all women- some yes, but many no. Control- being or receiving is a personal matter which exists on a spectrum of varying degrees. I have to say with all of the choices I am faced with on what feels like a daily basis, sometimes its nice to have someone make a decision for me! And while I couldn't handle someone as overbearing as Christian,his concern for Ana no doubt in serious excess- I found it at times endearing. Who doesn't at some point in their adult life yearn for the feelings of safety and protection they felt as a child? I don't want my lover to be a parental figure (which Christian deff blurred the lines of)- but- I think fundamentally every person wants to feel safe from life's ills (which is why this type of character is appealing on a grand scale).

Now in terms of fan fiction or not- I didnt read MOTU so I dont feel particularly strong about its fan fiction'ness (if that makes sense). There were definite lines of congruency in characterization- ana/bella self loathing, un-deserving of their lover's love, terrible sense of style, clumsiness, naive, young, close but not with their mothers, and christian/edward- mature, wealthy, controlling, played piano, worldly, etc. there wasn't so much similarity by way of plot. I mean both couples married very early and had an unplanned pregnancy in which the fetus was given some ridiculous nickname (nudger and blip)- but other than that it was vastly different..

I am eager to hear thoughts back-- as much as I didnt want to like the books I was hooked and read all three in a little over a week..

xo
Dani

[Viola]

Ericka wrote: "This book glorifies abusive relationships. Christian is an egotistical, self-centered character that is the prototype of the Ted Bundy types. It's very sad that women find this normal and desirable..."

Did you read all three of the books? Any of the books?

I understand your concerns. That said, this relationship and all activities that occur in it are consentual. Ana never does anything she doesn't want to do. When she says stop, he stops. When she doesn't want to do certain things, they don't.

You are right in that Christian is very messed up, which he even admits to. What really interested me is his character development and how the feelings and love he develops for Ana helps him transcend and move away from this type of relationship or behavior.

Also, I just wanted to say that as a married person, I think it is fine for a happy, loving couple to do whatever they want in the bedroom IF both parties are interested and are wanting to do it.

[Deb]

Yvonne wrote: "So, I was intrigued by the blurb and, in spite of the subject matter, am having a difficult time putting it down. Anyone else read this?"

I just finished the trilogy...honestly during the first book, I did not know where it was going with the story! As the second book starts to develop a storyline other than sex, I was kind of happy....all in all I enjoyed the trilogy ...

[Deb]

Actually I was not quite sure if Christian would develop into some kind of loving, "normal" husband....I guess the ending did surprise me ....

[[deleted user]]

I loved the third book more than the others. Maybe I was tired by the all the sex (every six hours, says my husband, who listened to it on Audible) and ready for a "normal" husband . . .

[Cynthia]

I read the first book, and just didn't like it. I spent most of the time completely hating Christian and thinking Ana was an idiot. I thought the writing wasn't up to par for a book with so much hype. I expected so much more and felt pretty cheated out of $9.99 for the ebook.

[Sheila]

I just finished book 1. I am not sure how i feel about it. i know i couldn't put it down, i had to know what was happening. All of the comments above are intelligent and emtionally charged. I am happily married and my husband and i enjoy trying various positions and toys. BUT, we are so not into the whole bdsm stuff.. it is after all said and down a work of fiction... fiction is to be entertaining.. and that is what makes america great. we can agree and disagree, talk and discuss these types of subjects..