Fifty Shades of Grey
discussion
dont like it ..dont read it
B3cs wrote: "Christine wrote: But here's the thing? Why I should I have to explain it to you? Why do you need an explanation? Maybe I just enjoy it. You don't have to explain it to me, nobody has to! But this..."
So, you're saying you are not the rep of the book police out to slay all lovers of poorly written novels everywhere? LOL (I'm joking!)
I've been on a lot of discussion boards and always run into this problem. We spend most of our time talking at cross purposes, and defending our pov like some weird political debate. Also arguing semantics. No, no, I meant this. No, no, you meant that. Until we want to strangle each other. "Your not asking my opinion, you are asking me to defend the book. Which is not needed on a fun book discussion, maybe a political discussion. But this is just entertainment."
(You may not be intending on doing that but that's how - your comments come across. How can you like this book, when it is so clearly badly written? And how can you like Christian Grey when he is so clearly a jerk?
So where is this discussion going exactly?
You: badly written
Me: not really, seen worse
You: what
Me: gives list
You: American Psycho is not badly written
Me: I thought so.
You: it doesn't use repetitive phrases
Me: it is repetitive though
You: Christian is a jerk
Me: So what
You: How can you like a book where he's a jerk
Me: He's interesting
You: He's one dimensional
This is going to derail very soon into name-calling, surely you see that? )
I mean it's all very well and good to proclaim a book badly written, but what if the person you've stated that to defines it differently than you do? I've gotten tired of that phrase - oh this brilliantly written or that is badly written. How do you define that? We all define it differently. I think what you see on this thread is cultural dissonance.
For me? There's a wide range. But then, as I've already stated - I like pulp. There's a lot of badly written mysteries and sci-fi pulp out there. I learn from it - what works, what doesn't.
And the spectrum? Books that well, the writing reads like a bad text message or the plot makes no sense to books that are like pure poetry.
But, that's the objective level. There's another level - the emotional one. I've been known to love something that is not "objectively" well written, but the story so resonates and captures my heart that I re-read it.
Elizabeth Peters Vicky Bliss novels (I loved the characters - that is until her last novel Laughter of Dead Kings which has got to be the worst thing I've read in my life - all they did was wander about, no real dialogue, lots of grammatical errors, ugh.) and Jim Butchers Harry Dresden come to mind. Also X-men comic books. LOL! (Which I'd never discuss in a book club.) Or a daytime soap opera. While I've also been known to fall in love with a book that changes me - such as John Green's Fault in Our Stars or James Joyce's Ulysses or Maria Doria Russell's The Sparrow that still haunts my soul. The last three are books I could discuss to death.
My ratings on good reads are for enjoyment, not necessarily how perfectly written a book is. My job is pedantic enough, thank you. I have to worry about insane details and be extremely precise with language.
I tend to be more flexible in my cultural pursuits.
What worked for me in 50 Shades?
I found the following items hilarious:
* My face turned the color of the Communist Manifesto.
* The negotiation over the BDSM contract.
* Christian's overreaction to Ana's emails, popping up at her door.
* Christian saving Ana from a cyclist.
*Their banter by email. I loved the gender war aspect.
The following items did not bother me, but clearly bothered others:
* Christian's obsessiveness and need for control
* the repetition of inner goddess, holy, and laters, and baby. I thought they were sort of amusing - didn't push my buttons.
I liked the exploration of an abusive relationship. I have had family members and friends who have entered into similar ones...and struggled to understand why, this book in some ways explains it. As does similar books in this trope.
Your mileage varies, I know. And I have no problem with that. Please believe me when I state that.
We just respectfully disagree - tis all.
Nicole wrote: "If you haven't read it then how do you know the writing is bad?"That was what I was thinking. I was told to read the Sleeping Beauty Trilogy as it was written much better Ugh NO The Grey Trilogy is simply amazing. If people have not read the book I do not feel they should be talking about it being written bad or that it is an awful book. I read a book every few days this trilogy in my opinion is one of the best (and not because of the sex but because of the storY)
Every person is different. People like different books. But just because it has sex on every other page does not mean it doesn't have a good story line or writing to go with it. In my opinion, if you don't like it, don't READ IT! Let other people figure out if they like it or not.
I enjoyed these books. I agree with the heading of this discussion. If you dont like it dont read it. My Grandmother borrowed these from me and she enjoyed them. different strokes for different folks. I wont defend my enjoyment of a book simply because someone else has a different opinion. I like these books.if you dont fair enough. END OF DISCUSSION
Mary wrote: "I do not have any problem with people trashing these books for either their content or writing. However, I DO have a problem with people attacking the intelligence of those who did like the books."thank you. i loved the books. and i understand why some people didn't like them. different people have different interest. so there is no need to diss the people who liked it just because you didn't.
So here's the thing about "don't like it, don't read it"... This is a book discussion site. So some people (I.E. me) find this book offensive to women, and come here to find out the reasons why so many people LOVE it.
Simply saying "don't like it, don't read it" does not discuss the reasons why you feel I'm wrong in saying what I said above. That line doesn't work for most things in life. It's avoidance.
Also, if you really felt that way, you wouldn't be in a discussion about it to begin with.
Melanie wrote: "So here's the thing about "don't like it, don't read it"... This is a book discussion site. So some people (I.E. me) find this book offensive to women, and come here to find out the reasons why..."
I agree with your points here and in message 151. I hated the BDSM and the dominance BS, and agree, I think this is offensive to women.
You said:
Ana is your daughter. I don't have kids yet, if that means anything, and am actually close to Ana's age. How would you feel about THAT being your daughter's first sexual experience? Keep in mind, young adult women are finding ways to read this book because of all the cross listings and references to Twilight.
Oddly enough, that is exactly how I regarded Anna (although if I had a daughter I would hope she was not quite so dippy, also would have taken the opportunity to have pleasured herself at least once or twice prior to graduating from college--yeah right, when was this written 1935?) Sorry but getting your ass beat to the point that you can't sit down is not my idea of good fun sex. As a child in the 50s I can tell you all about ass beatings. Men that get off by inflicting pain and humiliation on a woman? The barnyard solution comes to mind, it calms down all that male aggression.
As far as "don't like it, don't read it." Well I didn't like it and I didn't read the second & third books in the series. The only thing I would change about the first book is the ending would have occurred in chapter 1. It would have been a short story.
Henry wrote: "Melanie wrote: "So here's the thing about "don't like it, don't read it"... This is a book discussion site. So some people (I.E. me) find this book offensive to women, and come here to find out..."
What I do not get is the apparent lack of understanding that this book is FICTION! I read a few of the "bodice rippers" back in the 70s and many of the "heroes" were a bit over the top and disdainful of women at times. I enjoyed those books. However, I MARRIED a man who is very kind, supportive of women, a good and involved father and who loves me as much as I love him. I think it is a bit condescending towards women when comments somehow imply that a woman who likes these books will go right out and find an abusive man to love. Most of us CAN tell the difference between fantasy and reality.
Aliki wrote: "why people read fifty shades of grey ,when they know that is a sex book ,and after they make bad comments for it?i think that everybody want to read for sex but they dont want people to know it.eve..."I had no idea what this book was about at all when I picked it up. Just kept seeing it every where. I got roughly 1/4 through and just put it down. I don't care if there is sex in it or not, but I do care about what I deemed to be bad writing. It was just trashy to me.
I loaned it to my MIL to read. I loved it, she didn't get past the first 1/3 of the book. Oh well.
Karen wrote: "I don't quite understand why people feel the need to trash another's work, just because it doesn't suit their tastes. I've read books all my life, and I enjoy a great classic, a book of history, s..."Well said!
hmmmmm. yep, I agree that it is a fiction. I agree that everyone reads for different reasons (including myself for that matter). I agree that a book does not have to be fine literature for it to be enjoyable.What I don't understand is people getting upset and defensive on a discussion board that has been set up to discuss a book. I am not referring to anyone specifically, some posters have shared some interesting points about why they liked the book.
But when you (and I am not referring to anyone specifically here) come to Goodreads, do you get upset when someone gives the book you love a bad review? Maybe you do, I don't know? Maybe you feel so strongly enough to write a review for/against and present another viewpoint.
This is one of the reasons why there are discussion boards so people can present their opinions. If you are not interested in discussing the book because you liked it/disliked it, and don't feel the need to discuss it in any detail, fine, that's OK, but why are you here on the discussion board defending yourself? No one is compelling you to enter the discussion. If you feel strongly enough that you want/need to discuss the reasons you like a book, great that's what I am here for to listen to your point of view, and hopefully you will listen to mine. Do I expect you to agree with me? Not necessarily. If I can get you to see my way of thinking, great. Or, just maybe you will be able to convince me of your way of thinking (wouldn't that be something LOL!). Perhaps at the end of it, as said by Christine above, we will respectfully disagree.
I don't know how I can make myself any clearer on this point, my intentions are to have a discussion about this book. If I offend you with my comments, it is unintentional. I don't think I have made any personal comments, if readers/contributors choose to take it personally that is out of my control.
Personally, I enjoy this book. I don't think the writing is that bad and yeah it's a sex book. I think people are so opposed to it because it's a sex book and even more it's a Dominant sex book---a sub culture (for lack of a better word) that isn't exactly accepted in today's society. So yeah, of course no one wants to admit it if they read it for the sex.I read it because I wanted to know what all the fuss was about. I laughed through the sex parts and thought the first book was really ridiculous, but I stuck with it because I wanted to be able to understand why people love it so much. I went ahead and read book 2 which I actually really enjoyed. It still has it's erotica, but it actually delves into the characters---their history, why Christian is the way he is and there's less sex than the first book and actually develops plots, feelings, characters, etc.
Judge me if you want, but I'm on book three and I'm still enjoying it and laughing through the erotica parts.
^^^I'm not sure that it is the sex that bothers people. I think everyone who has posted on this thread who disliked the book has made it really clear that it wasn't the sex that bothered them, even the BDSM componant.
People may be embarrassed about admitting that it was the sex that they enjoyed the most in this book. And do you know, if someone told me that they read it purely for the sex scenes, I could understand that. Much more than them saying it was a beautiful romance.
For me, aside from the repetitive writing, it was the "Character" of Christian Grey that turned me right off. It didn't matter how erotic the sex scenes were, the personality of Christian Grey makes me go into sexual shutdown. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I only read the sex bits LOL!
Sorry, I wasn't clear. I meant that most people who won't read it are opposed to it because of all the sex scenes. I didn't like Christian's character in the first book, but when I read the 2nd book, a lot of the reasons behind his character are addressed and it actually made me really sympathetic toward him.*spoiler alert for anyone actually interested in reading this series all the way through*
I became especially sympathetic toward him when he started to change his ways for Ana.
People are going to read it for different reasons. I think it's silly that so many people hate it without even reading it.
Stephanie wrote: " I think it's silly that so many people hate it without even reading it."I absolutely agree with you. Although I dislike this book. I think you should have read, or atleast have attempted to read this book before stating that you love/hate it.
Ok, enough is enough.Seriously.
This thread is ridiculous. There are people out there who can't understand how people don't like this book, just like there are people out there who can't understand how people do like this book.
Everyone has the right to have whatever opinion they want and discuss that opinion with like-minded people.
You say "don't like the book, don't read it"?
Ok, for starters, stupid comment. How are you meant to know you don't like something unless you read it first?
But, that aside, I say, "Get offended by threads for people who don't like the book, DON'T READ THEM!!!"
Simple. It's incredibly hypocritical for either party to ask the other not to discuss their opinions on a public forum.
If a thread is going to give you offence, don't read it. And it's usually pretty easy to tell if a thread is going to offend you by the title of it. The "haters" as a lot of people would call us, of course we're going to get defensive if people start telling us we have no right to discuss our own opinions on here, just like I'm sure the lovers of this book would get very upset with us if we started telling them this is no place to share their positive opinions.
So, I think it's time some people start following their own advice. No one is making you read the threads and opinions of us who find this series to be lacking. If you can't deal with an opinion that differs from your own, I think maybe this isn't the place for you, as it's a site for people with different opinions and views to discuss them.
That is all.
Aliki wrote: "why people read fifty shades of grey ,when they know that is a sex book ,and after they make bad comments for it?i think that everybody want to read for sex but they dont want people to know it.eve..."I for one think that they have over-estimated it! The ultimate focus in the book is Christian and Ana's relationship with each other, not the sex. That to me wasn't the most interesting thing about the book, the relationship was, and is.
Helen wrote: "Amy wrote: "Karen wrote: "I don't quite understand why people feel the need to trash another's work, just because it doesn't suit their tastes. I've read books all my life, and I enjoy a great cla..."Exactly, it's as if people feel that they have the right to insult someone based on someone's preference, just because it's not what they like. Kind of similar to music. Some people have different tastes of music, and there are those music snobs that are like...ew, how could you listen to that, YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO THIS INSTEAD. Like, how can you try and force an opinion down someone's throat that there is something certain, and specific, that they need to have an appeal to? That's just basically asking people to change in order for you to find them redeemable as humans lol. Ridiculous.
Marra Jane wrote: "So, I think it's time some people start following their own advice. No one is making you read the threads and opinions of us who find this series to be lacking. If you can't deal with an opinion that differs from your own, I think maybe this isn't the place for you, as it's a site for people with different opinions and views to discuss them.That is all. "
I agree with you Marra Jane. As I have stated previously, I do not have any problem with people who dislike the book. I read all three books and I thought them just OK. I have read lots better, but I have also read lots worse. The only problem I have ever had on this thread is people attacking the intelligence of those who loved the books. I personally think on a book forum, the books should be critiqued, not the readers.
This is what I did not like about the books:
- repetitive phrases
-gratuitous sex scenes that do not further the plot (sometimes more is not better)
-writing that is a bit unwieldy
-taking too long to capture the reader so that they become invested in the characters
This is what I did like about the books:
-the psychological aspect of childhood trauma on adult decisions
-That even though Ana is a little bit of a wimpy character, she has enough backbone to stand up to Christian.
-that the ultimate conclusion of these books was that Christian's approach to relationships was unhealthy
Mary wrote: "Marra Jane wrote: "So, I think it's time some people start following their own advice. No one is making you read the threads and opinions of us who find this series to be lacking. If you can't deal with an opinion that differs from your own, I think maybe this isn't the place for you, as it's a site for people with different opinions and views to discuss them.That is all. "
I agree with you Marra Jane. As I have stated previously, I do not have any problem with people who dislike the book. I read all three books and I thought them just OK. I have read lots better, but I have also read lots worse. The only problem I have ever had on this thread is people attacking the intelligence of those who loved the books. I personally think on a book forum, the books should be critiqued, not the readers.
This is what I did not like about the books:
- repetitive phrases
-gratuitous sex scenes that do not further the plot (sometimes more is not better)
-writing that is a bit unwieldy
-taking too long to capture the reader so that they become invested in the characters
This is what I did like about the books:
-the psychological aspect of childhood trauma on adult decisions
-That even though Ana is a little bit of a wimpy character, she has enough backbone to stand up to Christian.
-that the ultimate conclusion of these books was that Christian's approach to relationships was unhealthy "
Fair call.
I guess I can see the "intelligence attacking" from two points of view. On the one hand, I know that I like a few series that aren't actually that great, but they're somewhat of a guilty pleasure. But I also know that they're not that great. I look at this book and wonder "how the fuck could anyone think this is good?!" I don't question people liking it, but I question how anyone could honestly think that it is a well-written piece of literature(in any and/or every sense of the phrase).
I'm not going to lie. I look for any and every flaw when I watch a movie or read a book. It's not something I do intentionally, but I've always been that way and it's always just been second nature. I want things to be their best, and, to me, this book just screams WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG!!!
Like I said, if someone likes the book, fair call, that's your deal. But there's a difference between liking something and thinking it's a work of art.
Take Twilight (seems to be the most appropriate example). I really enjoy reading them. Why? I have no freaking idea, because they are not good books in the sense of being well written at all, but I really like them and the second someone criticises them for how they're written, I, in most cases, completely agree.
So I don't think people are being criticised for liking the books, I think it's more for believing that these books are, to reuse a phrase I used earlier, a "work of art", because they're really not.
Marra Jane wrote: "So I don't think people are being criticised for liking the books, I think it's more for believing that these books are, to reuse a phrase I used earlier, a "work of art", because they're really not."
But that is SO subjective. There is some art out there that others rave about and I just do not see the appeal. Does that make them wrong? I don't think so. I just think their tastes are different than mine are. I also think that "well written" can be taken in a number of ways. My grammar conscious freshman English instructor niece, would put structure and grammar as paramount. If it failed her technical construction test, then it would be poorly written regardless of the content. Others would judge "well written" as how the author paces the book, uses plot twists, depth of characterization, etc. Others would simply declare it well written if it pulled them into the story and gave them an enjoyable read. I probably combine all three of the above to a certain extent. I have read a LOT of books in my lifetime. Some books that I absolutely adored are HATED by others and vice versa. I cannot stand "A Catcher in the Rye" mainly because I could not stand Holden Caufield. I know many people who I respect who love that book. Reading is SO personal. You stated you liked Twilight and you do not know why. I get that. Sometimes a book just grabs a hold of us. I personally could not get into Twilight and I think the main reason is my age. Now that my kids are grown, I no longer have to be current on children's or young adult books. I prefer my protagonists with just a little more age and maturity. I may change my mind in a few more years. My reading tastes have changed a number of times through the years.
I'm not saying that I think someone is less of a person for believing that, I'm just casually stating that I don't understand it. At all.
Aliki wrote: "why people read fifty shades of grey ,when they know that is a sex book ,and after they make bad comments for it?i think that everybody want to read for sex but they dont want people to know it.eve..."i read it because our book club voted it in and i heard it compared to twilight and i heard it out sold hunger games its why i read it still didnt care for it
I wonder what it is about this book that makes some readers want to defend it so vehemently?Anyone care to comment on this?
Christine wrote: Heres' what worked for me....."Mary wrote: This is what I liked about the books... this is what I didn't like about the books..."
@Christine and Mary. Thankyou for sharing your specific thoughts about the books.
It is interesting how personal people can feel about a piece of writing, artwork, music, film etc. I don't know if I have ever felt attacked/offended because I liked something that someone else didn't. Perhaps it is a misinterpretation of "tone" that comes with not conversing face to face.
The previous discussion about artwork is an interesting one, and it reminded me of a conversation I had with my brother in-law many years ago. We were discussing a particular piece of artwork my husband and I really liked, my BIL thought it was horrible and asked why we liked it. I wasn't offended by this, perhaps I might have been upset by the comment if I had painted it myself, but I was quite happy to answer his question and don't recall feeling like I should be offended beacuse I liked something he didn't.
Simarlarly, is it offensive to ask someone why they like a piece of music? For example, I might say to you "Justin Beiber is no Beethoven", And if you are a Beiber fan you might reply, "...yet he has probably sold more music in his own life time than Beethoven ever did - plus I can't dance to Beethoven" LoL, but would you be offended by my statement? I would be surprised if you were. However, If I said "all Beiber fans are idiots", that's a totally diferent scenario, correct me if I am wrong , but I don't think anyone has said anything like that here. I think all they have said is I don't understand, please explain.
Mary wrote: "I do not have any problem with people trashing these books for either their content or writing. However, I DO have a problem with people attacking the intelligence of those who did like the books."I completely agree.
Mary wrote: "Marra Jane wrote: "So I don't think people are being criticised for liking the books, I think it's more for believing that these books are, to reuse a phrase I used earlier, a "work of art", because they're really not."
But that is SO subjective. There is some art out there that others rave about and I just do not see the appeal. Does that make them wrong? I don't think so. I just think their tastes are different than mine are. I also think that "well written" can be taken in a number of ways. My grammar conscious freshman English instructor niece, would put structure and grammar as paramount. If it failed her technical construction test, then it would be poorly written regardless of the content. Others would judge "well written" as how the author paces the book, uses plot twists, depth of characterization, etc. Others would simply declare it well written if it pulled them into the story and gave them an enjoyable read. I probably combine all three of the above to a certain extent. I have read a LOT of books in my lifetime. Some books that I absolutely adored are HATED by others and vice versa. I cannot stand "A Catcher in the Rye" mainly because I could not stand Holden Caufield. I know many people who I respect who love that book. Reading is SO personal. You stated you liked Twilight and you do not know why. I get that. Sometimes a book just grabs a hold of us. I personally could not get into Twilight and I think the main reason is my age. Now that my kids are grown, I no longer have to be current on children's or young adult books. I prefer my protagonists with just a little more age and maturity. I may change my mind in a few more years. My reading tastes have changed a number of times through the years."
You're not wrong. Definitely not. A well-written book does need one or more aspect, whether it be grammar, plot, etc. As someone who has read easily several thousand books (and it may sound like I'm exaggerating, but I have been reading since before I could remember, and can easily finish a novel in a day, if it captures my attention enough), I struggle to see any aspect of 50 Shades that could make it be considered "well-written". It may be an enjoyable read for some, whether due to the not-so-mainstream sex scenes, but, as someone has pointed out in another thread, I believe, even they follow the same repetitive pattern. The majority of them in the first book, for example, is he "plays with her nipples, kisses her here and there, slowly enters her, they speed up, she explodes around him, and then he keeps going, she explodes, often calling out his name, he "finds his release", calling out hers and they collapse on top of each other. With the type of fetish this guy has, you would expect the author would do a bit more research and variation. God, even when I have good old vanilla, it's not the same step-by-step guide every time.
But I think I've gotten a bit sidetracked.
I guess some people could argue she actually had a plot, but what little plot there was was made less-so by it's complete and utter plagiarism of Twilight.
Her style of writing was quite repetitive (Katrina, who has posted in this thread, has a word count at the bottom of her reviews for all three books for James's favourite phrases).
Her "heroine" was incredibly juvenile and weak. People may argue that she was strong, but no. She was a shallow, weak tween. She "stood up to him"? No, she just learnt how to pick her battles, and even then, she lost a lot of them cause he'd just have his way with her and she was a good little toy again.
Christian...an abusive childhood is no excuse for how he acts. Not having a go at the fetish, what someone does in the privacy of the bedroom, or how they have sex, their choice. Him taking that control out of the bedroom however, not ok.
I have found, in general, but does not apply to all, that the majority of people that I've spoken to about this book find it so exciting cause they've only ever experienced good old vanilla, and they seem to be so blinded by the "raciness" of Christians tastes that it outshines everything else this book is lacking.
Fair call, but as someone who is no stranger to that world, or a lot of other aspects of this book, and as someone who reads, a lot, no amount of trickery by introducing sex scenes can disguise a book with little to no redeeming qualities in my eyes.
I have honestly yet to see any sort of a compelling argument demonstrating exactly how this book could, in any way, be considered well written, so if there's anyone out there who can give us "haters" a mature, informative and factual argument, please do. I'd love to see that and hopefully look at this book with some semblance of respect, but for now, I can't. At all.
B3cs wrote: "I wonder what it is about this book that makes some readers want to defend it so vehemently?Anyone care to comment on this?"
Funny, but I've been wondering the same thing in reverse - Why do some readers want to bash the book & author repeatedly in thread after thread? And in addition to that feel the need to bash the fans as well?
Okay, bash the book and the author if you want...it makes for some rather lively discussions. And since book sales have reached 31 million, I doubt James is losing any sleep wondering whether she has Ana saying "holy cow" too often or whether there are 50 similarities between Edward Cullen and Christian Grey. (This is a joke because it was never a secret where 50 Shades originated. James talks freely about it, Stephenie Meyer has no problem with it, so why do people want James to burn at the stake for starting her book as fanfic?)
Plagiarism, poor writing skills, abusive relationship, sending wrong message....(and the list goes on)...the faults are consistently pointed out and we consistently agree to disagree and that is as it should be. But personal attacks on our character just because we like the book is way out of line. Personally, I loved the trilogy. Because of this, I now know that I have no education past the 7th grade, I enjoy being abused and I'm a single mother who hasn't read more than 5 books in my lifetime. What's up with that? If you want to discuss the book then do so...but leave the snarkiness and personal jabs for your private emails.
KarenH wrote: "B3cs wrote: "I wonder what it is about this book that makes some readers want to defend it so vehemently?Anyone care to comment on this?"
Funny, but I've been wondering the same thing in reverse ..."
I see your point, but also see ours. A lot of our statements refer to the books general fan base, not all, and I, for one, have never, from memory, made a comment about every fan inclusively. As I said in my last comment, as you imply you are an educated, intelligent woman, what about this series makes it so fantastic, beyond the BDSM aspect.
KarenH wrote: "Funny, but I've been wondering the same thing in reverse ..."True, perhaps this statement does apply both ways. Maybe I should have asked "what it is about this book that makes some readers want to defend it/dismiss it so vehemently?"
However, I have purposely asked about defending it because it's been my observation that many of the people (not all) on this thread who don't like the book have been quite specific to the reasons why they dislike it. Where as only a couple of the people who like it have been specific. Rather many of the replies (again, not all replies, I don't want to generalize) have been tantamount to "because everyone is different", "Stop hating" "None of your business why I like it!". These responses tell me nothing about why you like the book and it is frustrating.
By the way, this is not a personal attack, I am explaining why I think this discussion is going around in circles. People seem to be getting offended by the question, "Why do you like this book?" Why?
Anyway, I do agree with you that there should be no need for personal attacks. There are alot of assumptions being made on this thread. I can appreciate why someone would get upset about comments about low intelligence, only read 5 books etc (I know that I have not made any of these comments). But I also don't appreciate assumptions made of being a hater, a book snob, a prude if you don't like the book, especially since most people have been very clear about their reasons :D
Aliki wrote: "Aliki wrote: "thank you....i am not alone in this.there is a god"sorry if i told you to taste a rotten apple
you will do it decause you dont know the taste.γαμω τα αγγλικα μου τα αθλια"
Γεια σου ρε Αλίκη με τα αγγλικά τα άθλια!!!!Θεικό...ΧΑΧΑΧΑΧΑΧΑΧΑ!!!!Μια χαρά τα λες πάντως!!!
I agree with you totally. I love sex and I loved this book. I couldn't put it down and that is what good books do. As for the writing, I believe people are confused with what is good writing and writing that is easily readable. Karen wrote: "I don't quite understand why people feel the need to trash another's work, just because it doesn't suit their tastes. I've read books all my life, and I enjoy a great classic, a book of history, s..."
Autumn wrote: "Aliki wrote: "why people read fifty shades of grey ,when they know that is a sex book ,and after they make bad comments for it?i think that everybody want to read for sex but they dont want people ..."
Mary wrote: "Marra Jane wrote: "So, I think it's time some people start following their own advice. No one is making you read the threads and opinions of us who find this series to be lacking. If you can't deal..."Totally agree with you Mary.
i have to say this is the most heated discussion bored ive read its gettin good -my inner goddess sits indian style on her chase lounge and eats popcorn- haha lmao sorry i couldnt resist. one of her poorly over used phrases :D (inner goddess crap)
My inner goddess is extremely bored from the discussion...she starts yoga to open the first chakra energy...
to bad there isnt a like button :) i'd like ur split personality inner goddess comment :P
Sex content doesn't bother me atall. I prefer a more adult based story as it's more believable but there was too much in this book with no real story to fill out the rest.A stalker is not a good villain in my book, I think ppl who read alot will know there are better books out there if you liked "the kinky fuckery"
B3cs wrote: "^^^I'm not sure that it is the sex that bothers people. I think everyone who has posted on this thread who disliked the book has made it really clear that it wasn't the sex that bothered them, eve..."
I couldn't agree more! The minute Ana started having sex with him I was thinking, NO! He's so repulsive! If she was the same girl, but sexually experienced and thinking "Finally! A man to dominate!", I'd be all for it. But she isn't, and that makes it sooooo not sexy. Also, if Christian was somehow dynamic in other ways, then I would also think to myself "hmmm, tough call, should she or shouldn't she?". But on their second date he hands an obviously immature childish virgin who doesn't masturbate a contract for BDSM, as well as a contract about how he expects her to live her life. HELLO?!? No thanks! Next penis...
As an aside to everyone else, I don't feel that making general statements about people who like this book is at all fair. I hate this book. I am confused about how it turns some women on????? I love sex books. I love sex. I don't care if you like rough sex. I don't care if you like reading about rough sex. Whatever floats your boat... But if you take out all the sex, Christian Grey is an abusive partner in this book just like Edward Cullen was in Twilight. I welcome discussion to try to understand different points of view. But for those of you making general statements (and hateful statements!); it wont get anyone anywhere closer to understanding each other... Also, by making general statements about the types of people who read this book, then you are just making yourself look like an idiot...
Wish there were posters to put up to say "dont waste your money" but there's no stopping the steam roller now
im not meaning this in a bad way whats so ever this is just what i personally think. I think people who actually read as a full time hobby find the very visible flaws as in the repeativeness the no plot the over done sex scenes stuff like that. But for someone who doesnt read much they enjoy these books because they dont nit pick all the flaws out or even notice them like avid book readers do. And everyone has their opinons some are very bullheaded and will fight their opinons to the end hence why we have some heated discussions on here the reason i say this is because i read every day ive read every day since i first learned to read. and my sister in law just started reading. I hated the books she loves them. She didnt notice the repeatitiveness and things like that. and the parts she did notice she didnt find annoying like i did because shes not use to it. But yes everyone has their own feelings about these books and everyone is entitled to them and I am also one of the bullheaded ppl so if ive pissed anyone off for my ranting about how i hate these books sorry and i dont believe ive pointed fingers to anyone saying anything bad about them but if i did i apologize but my prefrence will not change i still hate the books lol
Natalie wrote: "Sex content doesn't bother me atall. I prefer a more adult based story as it's more believable but there was too much in this book with no real story to fill out the rest.A stalker is not a good v..."
"the kinky fuckery".... LOVE IT!
Natalie wrote: "Wish there were posters to put up to say "dont waste your money" but there's no stopping the steam roller now"word of mouth it doesnt matter ppl are gonna read it because ppl keep telling them its good, to be honest i got interested in it from hearing on the radio how it out sold hunger games (i liked the hunger games) then i heard it compared to twilight so i was like hmm i liked twilight, then our book club voted it in to read for our monthly book and wow it flopped in my eyes
Jenna wrote: "i have to say this is the most heated discussion bored ive read its gettin good -my inner goddess sits indian style on her chase lounge and eats popcorn- haha lmao sorry i couldnt resist. one of he..."This is yet another example of taking the argument to a personal level. It is one thing to critique a book for its technical faults, and it is another to simply fling mud!!!
You know what they say... you know you've won the argument, when it starts getting personal!
Karen wrote: "Jenna wrote: "i have to say this is the most heated discussion bored ive read its gettin good -my inner goddess sits indian style on her chase lounge and eats popcorn- haha lmao sorry i couldnt res..."by stating the obvious? that was one of her overly used phrases? did i personally attack you or anyone else?? no i didnt so why u gettin so upset? s
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Agreed! On all your points except I still think the writing is pretty awful!