Fifty Shades of Grey
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dont like it ..dont read it
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Elizabeth(The Book Whisperer)
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rated it 1 star
Aug 20, 2012 08:09PM
There are people who hate Harry Potter! (I really don't understand that!) I doubt J.K. Rowling loses any sleep over that in her huge mansion, neither should this author. How long has her books been on Amazon's best seller list?
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message 1252:
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Elizabeth(The Book Whisperer)
(last edited Aug 20, 2012 08:17PM)
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Kris wrote: "Thank you Karen! Elizabeth, that's RIDICULOUS for anyone to call you names bc of your preference in books! And I think it's nice that you can still appreciate an author whose work you didn't part..."
And for the record, it was nothing against this author or her writing style. I just have little interest in this kind of book. If one of my favorite writers decided to right a book like this, I wouldn'tread it. Not because I am offended by the subject matter, am bored by it. It is nothing personal.Look at all the people who flock to read Nicholas Sparks, I would rather gouge my eyes out with an ice pick! LOL, once again,nothing personal,and I doubt he cares!
Stephanie wrote: "The people who hate Fifty Shades of Grey are OBSESSED with hating and bashing it. Almost as much, as we people who love the Trilogy are obsessed with loving it. When I detest a book, I don’t go aro..."Stephanie wrote: "The people who hate Fifty Shades of Grey are OBSESSED with hating and bashing it. Almost as much, as we people who love the Trilogy are obsessed with loving it. When I detest a book, I don’t go aro..."
You said it!!!!!If you don't like it move on.
Kimberley wrote: "OK, I see a lot of points here but I consider this to be a marmite book, you either love it or hate it, what I really dislike is it being referenced as 'mummy porn', like middle aged women with kid..."I couldn't have put it better myself. I forced myself through the first book out of sheer desire to see what the fuss was about. I couldn't see why but to each their own.
There is a huge difference between trashing a book because you don't like it and trashing one because the writing sucks. I myself didn't like 50 Shades because of the repetitive, trite writing. Contrast it with superior works like Dare Diary and you'll see just how weak it really is.
Elizabeth wrote: "There are people who hate Harry Potter! (I really don't understand that!) I doubt J.K. Rowling loses any sleep over that in her huge mansion, neither should this author. How long has her books bee..."You are right. I don't think EL James is losing any sleep over bad reviews since she is now raking in $1.5 million a WEEK!
She is crying all the way to the bank!
I just don't understand the need to "trash" a book, at all. Sure, state your opinions, likes/dislikes, and reasoning, by why publicly trash someone's work? Or their fans?...(A seemingly common trend which baffles me)I'm an artist and I try my hardest to please my clients, but my greatest pride is in completing a piece...not gaining unanimous approval of my work. I can imagine writers are greatly appreciative of their fans, as well as genuine criticism- but all the juvenile trash talk most likely gets filed into the who-gives-a-shit folder, I'm sure.
People like to have something to be up in arms about. Fifty Shades is an easy target, with the subject matter being slightly taboo, I think. What's crazy to me is how people not only attack EL James and her writing, but also attack those of us who enjoyed the trilogy. I believe I saw on the first page of this thread someone say that people who loved this series obviously don't read very much. Which is an utterly ridiculous statement. I also had someone tell me that my sex life must not be that great if I enjoyed the sex scenes in Fifty. Do these people think we should take them seriously? The 'bad writing' that everyone touts is entirely subjective. I'd love for them to give examples of just what bad writing is. I believe most of it is their own opinion, which they are entitled to. But they can't force me to not like the series, and to make a blanket statement like that makes me want to disregard what they say, anyways.
I also get frustrated with the way that people perceive the books. They are really not BDSM novels, no matter how you look at it. There are maybe four scenes in the entire trilogy that could be remotely associated with BDSM, and most of that is so light as to be considered fun bedroom play. I thought that Christian and Ana's relationship was fascinating, as it didn't conform to the normal romance tropes. Christian was one messed up guy! And so was Ana, imo. But the character development was extreme for both of them. The books were not perfect, but they did grab ahold of me and make me feel. I can understand defending something that you love, but why spend time and energy on something that you don't like? Does it personally offend you that I enjoyed the books, or that they are so popular?
For those of you who have said you would never want a man like Christian Grey in real life, EL James agrees with you:FIFTY Shades of Grey author EL James said the sexy hero of her best-selling trilogy would be a “nightmare” to live with.
The mum-of-two said “Christian is fantastic on paper but it would be a real nightmare living with him.
“Perhaps I’d like to be told how to dress, what to eat and how to behave – but only for 10 minutes.
“It’s a fantasy and the reality is that what you want is someone who will help you with the housework as well.”
The 48-year-old writer, who was born in London to a Scottish dad and a Chilean mum, said her husband Niall thought the books were “wonderful”.
But her teenage sons have not read them. She added: “I don’t let them.”
KarenH wrote: "For those of you who have said you would never want a man like Christian Grey in real life, EL James agrees with you:FIFTY Shades of Grey author EL James said the sexy hero of her best-selling t..."
LOL!! That's great!! I know I wouldn't have stuck around and put up with his BS, either. But it was fun to read about Ana dealing with it.
I don't want to spend a word more for this story. I wrote what I think at http://flyhigh-by-learnonline.blogspo...
Duchess Nicole wrote: "People like to have something to be up in arms about. Fifty Shades is an easy target, with the subject matter being slightly taboo, I think. What's crazy to me is how people not only attack EL Ja..."Nicely said!
I just think books like this are boring! Nothing personal against James or her fans, to each his own!
Duchess Nicole wrote: "People like to have something to be up in arms about. Fifty Shades is an easy target, with the subject matter being slightly taboo, I think. What's crazy to me is how people not only attack EL Ja..."I've already posted this but here you go, Duchess Nicole: http://50shadesofwhy.tumblr.com/ for your "examples of the bad writing" statement.
Lorie wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "People like to have something to be up in arms about. Fifty Shades is an easy target, with the subject matter being slightly taboo, I think. What's crazy to me is how peopl..."Thank you for reposting your words, Lori...for your information, the errors you point out are not bad writing. That is evidence of bad EDITING. I have a good feeling that even the best of writers has an editor. Pick your favorite and ask them!!! Of course, EL wrote this on a whim, for FUN, and gained a following because enough people enjoyed her writing.
Therefore, I repeat...the talent of the writing itself is subjective. Otherwise, we wouldn't need a starred rating her on GR. Or any other reviews other than yours, really. If we all agreed with you, we wouldn't have this conversation. You can't refute the FACT that thousands upon thousands of people have enjoyed the Fifty Shades Trilogy. Pretty proof that an awful lot of people don't agree with you.
Furthermore, I would love to ask again why you spent so much time telling people how awful you think the books are. Are you offended because I like them? Are you trying to convince me not to? After reading your comments, it's easy to disregard your opinion. I read a lot of snarky humor and jabs. Which, by the way, a lot of what you said could apply to half of the romance books out there. Cliches are cliches for a reason, after all.
I'm going to assume that you enjoy bashing the books. I wonder if those of you who spend all of this time and energy telling everyone how horrible they are realize that you're only fueling the fires of interest surrounding the series. The more controversial they are, the more attention they get. And it's laughable to read some of the comments. Are you offended from the subject matter? Go read a REAL BDSM book, absorb yourself in the lifestyle, and then be offended by Christian. Bad writing, you say? Please. Other than that being entirely your opinion, I promise there are books much more worthy of your scorn.
Elizabeth wrote: "I just think books like this are boring! Nothing personal against James or her fans, to each his own!"Thanks, Elizabeth! It's nice to read a comment from a non-fan that isn't catty. I think the beauty of books is that you and I can have completely opposite opinions on this series but still enjoy some of the same other books. (I stalked your shelves.)
Duchess Nicole wrote: "Lorie wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "People like to have something to be up in arms about. Fifty Shades is an easy target, with the subject matter being slightly taboo, I think. What's crazy to m..."I've already had this argument with several people so I'd rather not post a wall of text repeating what I said just a few days ago. However, I will say that I don't spend "so much time" telling people how awful the books are. If you actually did read ALL of my responses you would understand and you would also see that I only read the first book. I wanted to state my opinion just like everyone else has. I read this book because it was recommended to me and that person didn't read very often or at all from what I could tell so I figured it was worth the read. I had no clue what the book was about just that it was a Twilight fan-fic. I don't read smut often and I hardly ever read romance novels so I had no idea what to expect but I will say that my expectations of the book were kinda high since so many people were gushing about how great it was. I do not spend all my time on the internet bashing these books. I don't understand why women love them so much but I certainly enjoy intelligent responses from some of the women on here that do enjoy the series since I usually get, "OMFG I LUV CHRISTIAN HE IS SO HAWT ND AMAZIN".
how can it just be bad editing?? its both and in ur own comments ur acting like those who dont like it and say its bad Writting u dont even want to take them seriously in a way that sounds like a hypocrit? because I dont like the writting, but im not trashing any of her fans thats my opinon and to me u saying that is degrading those of us who dont like the writing
and my opinon is just that my opinon, do i get paid to give it hell no and just because i dont see eye to eye on these books doesnt mean my personal opinons are shit im sure lots of us like alot of the same books
Duchess Nicole wrote: "People like to have something to be up in arms about. Fifty Shades is an easy target, with the subject matter being slightly taboo, I think. What's crazy to me is how people not only attack EL Ja..."Thanks for suggesting Fifty Shades of Why. It's very informative. I love Andrew's quips. LOL
Joan wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "The people who hate Fifty Shades of Grey are OBSESSED with hating and bashing it. Almost as much, as we people who love the Trilogy are obsessed with loving it. When I detest a bo..."and i will not just "move on" because i dont like it, i like talking to these ladies in this thread we dont always argue and we dont Always talk about this book ive got some great recommendations from some of the girls here
lmao sorry ladies i havnt been on in a couple days had some catchin up to do :)
Ellie wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "People like to have something to be up in arms about. Fifty Shades is an easy target, with the subject matter being slightly taboo, I think. What's crazy to me is how peopl..."I think it's so funny! Even though I'm not a fan of the series, he makes general suggestions for people who are trying to write their own books. I have some friends that like the books but love this blog. =) He updates it quite frequently too!
I don't think a person is going to know if they like it till they actually read it. I can't say I don't like something f I haven't read it. And if I don't like it, its my choice as it is others to say so. It has nothing to do with the sex in the book, The writing was awful. plain and simple. That's what made the book so bad. I have read Gabriel's Inferno & Bared To You and the writing was mature and likable as Fifty seemed so immature.
Jenna wrote: "and my opinon is just that my opinon, do i get paid to give it hell no and just because i dont see eye to eye on these books doesnt mean my personal opinons are shit im sure lots of us like alot of..."Jenna,
You are certainly right about that! We do like many of the same books, which only illustrates that this 1-5 star rating system is truly subjective.
And I believe you, like me, follow this feed because its fun to discuss the topic!! It is fun to make an argument for your opinions. I've actually befriended many on this feed who I was arguing with, which I think is awesome.
The comments have been mostly polite and professional. There have been a few snide personal attacks, but those were few, and usually defused quickly.
I'm thrilled to be conversing with the group!! It wouldn't be any fun if we all agreed.
Karen wrote: "Jenna wrote: "and my opinon is just that my opinon, do i get paid to give it hell no and just because i dont see eye to eye on these books doesnt mean my personal opinons are shit im sure lots of u..."exactly!!! i agree 100 percent
Jenna wrote: "how can it just be bad editing?? its both and in ur own comments ur acting like those who dont like it and say its bad Writting u dont even want to take them seriously in a way that sounds like a h..."I am in no way telling those of you who don't prefer the writing that your opinion is wrong. What I AM saying is that just because you don't like the writing does not mean that it's bad. I wasn't aware that I was attacking you personally AT ALL. In fact, I was simply saying that the 'bad writing' that many people are referring to is bad editing, and that nearly all successful published authors have behind the scenes people to correct mistakes tha EL made in Fifty.
Jenna wrote: "how can it just be bad editing?? its both and in ur own comments ur acting like those who dont like it and say its bad Writting u dont even want to take them seriously in a way that sounds like a h..."What did I say that was degrading to you? I'd really like to to know.
The comments that I disregard are the ones poking fun at and belittling the readers who enjoy the series.
Karen wrote: "Jenna wrote: "and my opinon is just that my opinon, do i get paid to give it hell no and just because i dont see eye to eye on these books doesnt mean my personal opinons are shit im sure lots of u..."That's kinda why I lurk and reply every now and then, Karen. Like I said before, there are a couple of women I know who read 50 shades but I question their intelligence honestly (not because they read the books but because of other reasons... lol) and I always feel like I'm talking to a brick wall. I like some of the responses I've received from those of you who do like the book on this discussion. =)
Lorie wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "Lorie wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "People like to have something to be up in arms about. Fifty Shades is an easy target, with the subject matter being slightly taboo, I th..."I completely understand that people had high expectations for the book. It's ridiculously popular, and I think that itself is evidence that there is something about it that speaks to people. I did read that you had only read the first book, which is great. At least you knew not to continue. Though, as with most series, there was a bigger picture that you only see if you finished.
Dana wrote: "I don't think a person is going to know if they like it till they actually read it. I can't say I don't like something f I haven't read it. And if I don't like it, its my choice as it is others to ..."I agree, Dana. After hearing that it was originally a Twilight fan fic I was hesitant to read it because I read the Twilight series when I was like 18 and my reading preferences have matured since then. I wanted to give it a chance though so I read it anyway before saying if I liked it or not. I just don't think it's fair to pass judgement on a book, movie, TV series, or anything until you've at least given it a chance.
Duchess Nicole wrote: "Jenna wrote: "how can it just be bad editing?? its both and in ur own comments ur acting like those who dont like it and say its bad Writting u dont even want to take them seriously in a way that s..."it wasnt a personal attack on me it was to everyone who says the writting is bad u say its bad editing its BOTH bad writing (she made it up ) and bad editing (them not catching it) its both but u said pretty much u didnt wanna take those of us who say its bad writing seriously? how is that not degrading to us? thats saying our opinons and what we say doesnt matter?
Duchess Nicole wrote: "Lorie wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "Lorie wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "People like to have something to be up in arms about. Fifty Shades is an easy target, with the subject matter being slight..."Yup and I have been told that by a lot of women on here that there's a ton of character development and changes which is totally understandable. I really, really disliked ALL of the characters in the book though and I wasn't even interested in their development, unfortunately. =/
I believe most of it is their own opinion, which they are entitled to. But they can't force me to not like the series, and to make a blanket statement like that makes me want to disregard what they say, anyways. those were ur words im not tryin to force u to see it my way i was i was giving my opinon like u gave urs and just because i dont agree with u doesnt mean im gonna disregard anything uve said... i thought u made some valid points i just didnt agree with u on that one part
Jenna wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "Jenna wrote: "how can it just be bad editing?? its both and in ur own comments ur acting like those who dont like it and say its bad Writting u dont even want to take them se..."What I'm saying is that your opinion on the talent of the author is just your opinion. You can't say that the writing is bad. You CAN say that you didn't enjoy it. The examples posted were evidence of bad editing - misspelled or misused words, commas instead of periods, too many adjectives, etc. That is bad editing. It's not a personal attack on anyone for me to state that. I get tired of everyone talking abou the bad writing...obviously, many people don't agree with that, which makes it subjective! How is that any more degrading than you telling me that I enjoyed something that was terrible? And no, that doesn't offend me. It's just a tiresome argument.
I agree with Karen, as well, Jenna! I enjoy hearing your thoughts, and in my opinion, you have actually been entirely open-minded. You do not like the books, yet you have repeatedly stepped outside of your own opinion while considering those of others- all while maintaining your original views. I'm glad you haven't "moved on." This discussion thread would be a snooze fest if everyone just kept saying how great the books are.
Duchess Nicole wrote: "Jenna wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "Jenna wrote: "how can it just be bad editing?? its both and in ur own comments ur acting like those who dont like it and say its bad Writting u dont even want t..."i didnt say the book as a whole was terrible just the writting style and i never said spelling errors or anythig like that my other comments in this thread i said the repettitve phrases was what bothered me and like i said a sec ago i agreed with u on some points im not the one disregarding what u have to say because i dont agree
Lorie wrote: "Dana wrote: "I don't think a person is going to know if they like it till they actually read it. I can't say I don't like something f I haven't read it. And if I don't like it, its my choice as it ..."Have you read any other Twilight fanfic? There seems to be a ton of it out there, and I found out recently that I've actually read a few of them without even realizing it!
was one that I particularly enjoyed, though I think that its another love it or hate it book. Problem with the fanfic is that most of them are written by amateur writers who don't have editors or even publishers a lot of the time, so some are difficult to get through.
ive also said several times that i liked the story line to it
Kris wrote: "I agree with Karen, as well, Jenna! I enjoy hearing your thoughts, and in my opinion, you have actually been entirely open-minded. You do not like the books, yet you have repeatedly stepped outside..."i agree Kris :)
I knew there was going to be alot of sex in it and I knew what kind. I couldn't finish reading it b/c it was horribly written, I didn't like the characters and couldn't have cared less what happened to them.I love bad boys but Christian Grey is just one sick F**k who gets off on hurting women. There was nothing attractive about him at all.
Jenna wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "Jenna wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "Jenna wrote: "how can it just be bad editing?? its both and in ur own comments ur acting like those who dont like it and say its bad Writ..."Jenna, I was never quoting or referring to you specifically. I don't feel as if I attacked you personally in any way, and if you feel that way, then I apologize. We obviously have different opinions, and I feel like I have the right to state mine just as you have the right to state yours. My intention was not to get into a back and forth sparring. You can dislike the 'writing style' all you want to. I can enjoy it and defend it as I see fit.
Duchess Nicole wrote: "Lorie wrote: "Dana wrote: "I don't think a person is going to know if they like it till they actually read it. I can't say I don't like something f I haven't read it. And if I don't like it, its my..."I used to read a lot of fanfic when I was younger but I haven't really read anything recently. I'll have to check out the one that you recommended although I'm not as big of a Twilight fan as I used to be when I was 18 =P
Duchess Nicole wrote: "Lorie wrote: "Dana wrote: "I don't think a person is going to know if they like it till they actually read it. I can't say I don't like something f I haven't read it. And if I don't like it, its my..."I can't really say I have. But I give everything a chance. I did read Poughkeepsie and I did not care for it. It was more of the whole story line but that is just my opinion. James should of had a publisher after the first book came out if she didn't it might of made a huge difference in outcome.
Jenna wrote: its bad editing its BOTH bad writing (she made it up ) and bad editing (them not catching it)"Just curious, what was it about the story itself, that you disliked so much, or that you found to be BAD writing?
I'm not talking about repetitive words or phrases, and grammatical errors or typos.
Duchess Nicole wrote: "Jenna wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "Jenna wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "Jenna wrote: "how can it just be bad editing?? its both and in ur own comments ur acting like those who dont like it and sa..."never said u couldnt and i didnt say me personally(like i commented and said Already) i said everyone who didnt like the style but also like u said no point in arguing when u wont step out of the box and see both sides
Jenna wrote: "i didnt say the book as a whole was terrible just the writting style and i never said spelling errors or anythig like that my other comments in this thread i said the repettitve phrases was what bothered me and like i said a sec ago i agreed with u on some points im not the one disregarding what u have to say because i dont agree ."I write non-fiction grants for a living, but within those grants I tell a narrative every time. I always go back and re-read several times before I send off the final draft. It is easy for me to see in a short submission if I have repeated myself or used the same wording or phrases too many times. If I have then, I edit my proposal. It is not as easy when the work is very long. I also write fiction for pleasure. I try and go back and reread what I have written when I finish a writing session. Sometimes I catch my own mistakes and sometimes I do not. That is why I send it to my family members (two with English degrees) to proof read for me. A finished product is going to look entirely different than a rough draft. I see FSoG as somewhere between a rough draft and a finished product. Good editing fixes most mistakes. James did not have good editing.
Dana wrote: "Duchess Nicole wrote: "Lorie wrote: "Dana wrote: "I don't think a person is going to know if they like it till they actually read it. I can't say I don't like something f I haven't read it. And if ..."I'm sure she regrets not getting more help with this sooner. But as far as I know, it literally blew up like crazy within just a few months. It would be interesting to see if the books would have been received any better. I kind of doubt it. The story would remain the same.
Michelle wrote: "I knew there was going to be alot of sex in it and I knew what kind. I couldn't finish reading it b/c it was horribly written, I didn't like the characters and couldn't have cared less what happen..."You obviously didn't read beyond the first book. If you did you may not be as harsh. You find out a good bit more about Christian's character, and he improves dramatically as the story progresses.
(I'm not defending his behavior in the first book though, just so you know)
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