Fifty Shades of Grey
discussion
dont like it ..dont read it
message 301:
by
Rebecca
(new)
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rated it 1 star
Jul 18, 2012 06:49PM
just an addition. I understand that many people like to just sit and enjoy a book and not think about it too much afterwards. That's fine too!
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B3cs wrote: Why am I putting so much energy into this?...I like your response, well said!!! I like discussing them too! :D
Karen, I find you so articulate and admire your viewpoint.
Searock wrote: "Karen, I find you so articulate and admire your viewpoint."Thank you, I feel that way about you too!
B3cs wrote: " Don't you think that young women who would run off to try and find some type of "Christian" would also be more likely to engage in immature or irresponsible behavior anyway? Yes, I'm not about b..."
Fair enough and for the most part I agree with you.
Karen wrote: " I like discussing them too! :D"Haha! I can tell :) and for that I am very grateful, and that you are so willing to share your point of view.
Actually Karen, I think that if you, Mary, Marra Jane, Christine, Cornelia and all the others contributors who have so passionately shared their feelings about this book (there are too many to name) were all in a face to face book club together I think we would get along very well. Sure, there would probably be some very heated discussions, sighing, rolling eyes etc etc. But I do believe this to be the case.
That might seem like a bit of a soppy and stupid thing for me to say, especially since we have spent most of this thread disagreeing (although I prefer to think of it as discussing). But I think we are all very like minded in that we have a passion for books and we like to discuss how we feel about them. If we love them we will defend them, if we dislike them we will trash them (or perhaps you wouldn't LOL, but you know I will! haha). But I bet that we would all agree that there would be many many books that we see eye to eye on, that we would team up together to defend if someone said it was a awful.
On another thread, with another book, it is very probable that I would be your fiercest supporter. And I do mean this genuinely :D
B3cs wrote: "Karen wrote: " On another thread, with another book, it is very probable that I would be your fiercest supporter. And I do mean this genuinely :D"I imagine that you are right. ;0)
B3cs wrote: Haha! I can tell :) and for that I am very grateful, and that you are so willing to share your point of view.Actually Karen, I think that if you,..."
I'm all for that! I'll bring the wine! Too bad we don't live closer!!! By the way, are any of you guys attorneys? (I think Mary is?)
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 just wonder how many people who are trashing the book have actually read it. I haven't read it so I won't criticize it. When I hear people criticize it I tend to ask them if they've read it. If not I suggest they read it and get back to me then.
Karen wrote: "B3cs wrote: Haha! I can tell :) and for that I am very grateful, and that you are so willing to share your point of view.Actually Karen, I think that if you,..."
I'm all for that! I'll bring t..."
Haha! Well I am definitely not an attorney! Actually would it shock you to learn that when I am not being a wife, and Mum to my two children 5 and 1 years old. I work as a kindergarten teacher?
(You are picturing me as one of those hard-ass teachers that scares all the children and then rants at their parents right? It's OK if you are HaHa. )
Actually I'm really not a hard-ass, well atleast not when it comes to children and their families. I save that part of my personality for discussion boards like this one LOL!
Im currently reading and is inlove with the books. It irritates me seeing all these negative reviews, so much i feel like deleting every single one of them. 10 negative reviews is alright, but over a 1000? damn bloody no way.You got a stupid opinion, hole it in your brains :)
Out of curiosity, did anyone read FSoG when it was only available as an ebook...before it became a household name?
B3cs wrote: "What I have said is that I have concerns that some women (not all), in this forum don't seem to be able to recognise the difference between BDSM and what is abuse, and that does worry me."Sorry for this being a late reply to this but I have to say this is subjective to a persons life experiance, what is considered BDSM to one may be abuse to another. Someone has had experiance of abuse may not see it as a sexual/consenual act. This is an area that will nevery be black and white because everyones life experiances have been different. It is all to do with our own personal limits.
The example that springs to mind is the scene at the end of the first book where Christian uses a belt on her but she didn't safe word, he was angry, I have it on good authority (a good friend who currently is, and has been for many years in a BDSM relationship) that this would just not happen, no-one plays when they are of a troubled mind, ie angry, as that is when injuries are most likely to occur, a sign or safeword is missed because all you see is a red mist, the result can be a trip to the hospital for injuries (sometimes) and there is an emotional damage, an element of trust is lost and BDSM relationships are built primarily on trust.
It's not that these women can't tell the difference, they can but we are all wired differently, see things differently and this results in differing opinions.
Kimberley wrote: "B3cs wrote: "What I have said is that I have concerns that some women (not all), in this forum don't seem to be able to recognise the difference between BDSM and what is abuse, and that does worry ..."Good point of view Kimberley,
Thanks for sharing it!
Tane wrote: "Im currently reading and is inlove with the books. It irritates me seeing all these negative reviews, so much i feel like deleting every single one of them. 10 negative reviews is alright, but over..."Please could you elaborate as your comment is currently coming across as 'I like it, I don't believe there should be so many negative reviews therefore the negative reviews are just stupid opinions in my mind.' I'm sure this isn't what you meant but (for me anyway) some clarification, as well as discussion on what you like about this book, would be lovely :)
But BDSM in relationship to FSoG? Other than the insight we have of Christian's sexual proclivities before he met Ana and the one time they "tested the water", so to speak, with the spanking that sent Ana running, what is the controversy stemming from? This is not a book that delves into the lifestyle...Christian & Ana engage in vanilla sex with harmless props (aka kinky fuckery).
KarenH wrote: "But BDSM in relationship to FSoG? Other than the insight we have of Christian's sexual proclivities before he met Ana and the one time they "tested the water", so to speak, with the spanking that s..."I was just trying to explain that people will perceive this scene differently. Speaking as someone who was beaten as a child and abused my limits are different to others, yes I can distiguish the difference between the two however what is kinky to one just brings back painful memories to others. This is not to say my reading limits to vanilla, I do enjoy reading BDSM amoung others however certain things/acts will always be perceived as abuse as that is what results from personal experiance.
I'm sorry, Kimberly, I wasn't referring to your specific post. I was questioning the universal association of BDSM to Christian & Ana's relationship.
I read the book, and I actually felt less intelligent after reading it, so I am fine with someone making that point.
No problem KarenH, I'm sorry for assuming your post was in reference with it being so close after mine, I should have clarified.My view on the universal association (you write eloquently btw) is that since the BDSM plays heavily in the start of their relationship (with Christian originally wanting Ana as a submissive) means that is hard for some to move away from that concept and the bondage side does continue at intervals throughout the series, while bondage is seen as 'kinky fuckery' by some, most people who have only experienced the vanilla world without the props will associate bondage to be an integral part of BDSM, call it lack of knowledge and/or experience. As always this is only my personal view on this and I'm sure most will disagree (it's these differences that make us as a race more interesting)
Kimberley wrote: "It's not that these women can't tell the difference, they can but we are all wired differently, see things differently and this results in differing opinions. "This is true Kimberly, after all this debating/discussion with others I think that I am not so inclined to take the "hard line" anymore -
I've been beaten down by Mary, Karen and others who are on the debate team for the other side Haha! No not really , I still believe that Christian crosses the line way to frequently to make him appealing. (BDSM aside, I'm referring to the other behaviours outside of the "contract").
I do agree with what you are saying about perception and experience and where individuals will draw that line of acceptable behaviour. And I am probably more inclined to make some (minor!) concessions on this point at this stage of the discussion. :D
I think it would hipocritical for me to ask people to see it my way and then not attempt to try to see theirs. I think that's why I love participating in these type of discussions. When you begin to flesh things out it opens your eyes to other points of view. It makes you question your belief system and challenge your own thinking.
Thanks for your insight into the BDSM relationship, I can absolutely see how there would need to be a high level of trust between partners and why those games would not be played while angry.
Hayley wrote: "Tane wrote: "Im currently reading ..."Please could you elaborate as your comment..."
I have to agree here with Hayley, people don't write negative reviews to be catty, it is their opinion of the book and they are entitled to it just as much as someone who loved the book is entitled to theirs, I'm sure there have been books that you haven't liked and would give 1 star that I have loved but that is it, each to their own. To ask for no more than 10 negative reviews would not be fair to those who did not like the book, it would not truthfully reflect everyones feelings.
Thank you B3cs for taking the time to read and reply to my post.I agree too that these discussions are fruitful and inciting as to how we perceive things, while I rarely join in I do enjoy reading how others see things, especially in books. It can be quite theraputic to look at things the way others do and even put some things into a better perspective in your own mind.
B3cs wrote: "I've been beaten down by Mary, Karen and others who are on the debate team for the other side Haha! No not really.."I've been following this discussion from the beginning. It’s been an interesting debate, for sure! Mary, Karen, and Christine are on top of it, for “our” side. Well said ladies! You make a good argument for your side, B3cs. You make your point with respect and humor. :)
Karen wrote: "I'm all for that! I'll bring the wine! Too bad we don't live closer!!! By the way, are any of you guys attorneys? (I think Mary is?) ."I am...but I have not practiced in a while. I write grants and run a non-profit right now.
Stephanie wrote: "I've been following this discussion from the beginning. It’s been an interesting debate, for sure! Mary, Karen, and Christine are on top of it, for “our” side. Well said ladies! You make a good argument for your side, B3cs. You make your point with respect and humor. :)."
LOL! I am not exactly sure WHAT my side is other than devil's advocate. I did not LOVE the books. They were just average in plot and a little below average in writing in my opinion. I guess my side is they are a tad more complex than some give them credit for and I am absolutely against any form of censorship (that is probably the lawyer in me). I also think that sexuality is inherently part of who we are and a book that delves into that is useful in that it causes us to examine our own ideas and stereotypes about sexuality.
Mary wrote: LOL! I am not exactly sure WHAT my side is other than devil's advocate. I did not LOVE the books. They were just average in plot and a little below average in writing in my opinion. I guess my side is they are a tad more complex than some give them credit for and I am absolutely against any form of censorship (that is probably the lawyer in me). I also think that sexuality is inherently part of who we are and a book that delves into that is useful in that it causes us to examine our own ideas and stereotypes about sexuality. "Emphasis mine. I agree with this statement. While I did not like the book, hated certain elements of it, I must confess an interest in the social ramifications of the book and the ensuing discussion. I like the fact that the book has created a positive influence in the bedroom. My concern is that people do not fully understand BDSM and may suffer unintended consequences as a result. This is not a statement doubting anyone's intelligence or a call for banning the book. It is a simply a comment on being careful and knowing what one is getting into both physically and emotionally. Ironically I have seen several discussions where I found myself in agreement with people who practice BDSM.
I think Mary's comment here is spot-on with my beliefs.
I will say this for the book, in my mind the purpose of literature is to allow us to experience safely that which might be dangerous or unimaginable. I have never given BDSM much thought prior to this book. While I understand that BDSM may be misrepresented, I found the beating scenes to be extremely revolting, and found the kneeling at the door staring at floor to be a nasty form of humiliating subjugation. As such, even though I did not care for the book, it was for me was a raging success in that it more than adequately demonstrated my distaste for BDSM. The book taught me something about myself that I did not know, and I am no spring chicken. Does that not validate Mary's excellent observation in her last sentence?
"I also think that sexuality is inherently part of who we are and a book that delves into that is useful in that it causes us to examine our own ideas and stereotypes about sexuality.
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..."This is NOT a 'Sex book'. This is a storyline about that of a man who has a life style choice with adult sexual content. But, I guess you have to be an adult to get past the sexual content into the trilogies storyline.
Mary wrote: "Karen wrote: "I'm all for that! I'll bring the wine! Too bad we don't live closer!!! By the way, are any of you guys attorneys? (I think Mary is?) ."I am...but I have not practiced in a while. I..."
While I'm not a lawyer, I enjoy a good argument. And Mary, it has been a pleasure to read your responses throughout this feed. I admire your opinions. Your responses are poignant and respectful, and I think your arguments are brilliant. Your literary knowledge is also quite impressive! At first I thought you might be a college professor, until I read some of your arguments. I'll bet you are an exceptional attorney. (wow that was sappy!)
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..."You could not have it said it better and you yourself are a great writer...KUDOS!
Henry wrote: "I will say this for the book, in my mind the purpose of literature is to allow us to experience safely that which might be dangerous or unimaginable. I have never given BDSM much thought prior to this book. While I understand that BDSM may be misrepresented, I found the beating scenes to be extremely revolting, and found the kneeling at the door staring at floor to be a nasty form of humiliating subjugation. As such, even though I did not care for the book, it was for me was a raging success in that it more than adequately demonstrated my distaste for BDSM. ."I haven't either Henry (even though my husband's name begins with an "S" and mine begins with an "M" so we have gotten the S&M jokes our entire marriage. I do not think that BDSM will ever be for me. My mind just does not work in that direction. However, obviously some people get tremendous satisfaction out of it and if those involved are of the age of consent and have full information, it is not my business what they do. A healthy marriage (again in my opinion) needs a healthy sex life to be successful...unless both parties are asexual. Women are taught from the time they are born that sex is "bad" until you get married and then voila! it suddenly becomes good. That construct does not work for most women. You cannot be indoctrinated for a good portion of your life and all of the sudden change mid-stream. Healthy discussions of sexuality are good for relationships and good for society.
Karen wrote: "While I'm not a lawyer, I enjoy a good argument. And Mary, it has been a pleasure to read your responses throughout this feed. I admire your opinions. Your responses are poignant and respectful, and I think your arguments are brilliant. Your literary knowledge is also quite impressive! At first I thought you might be a college professor, until I read some of your arguments. I'll bet you are an exceptional attorney. (wow that was sappy!) ."Why THANK YOU Karen! I LOVE to read. Reading is my addiction. I have always told people that if there is a heaven and we get to craft it to our personal preferences, mine would be an infinite library with all books that have ever been written and those still to be written in the future.
Hayley wrote: "I do not knwo of this scene where squick was used... quite worrying as I've heard the word around for a loooong time :S"From the Urban dictionary:
A term originated around 1994 in the alt.tasteless newsgroup as a response to the question "What is the sound of a good skull fucking?" The term was quickly picked up by the alt.fuck.the.skull.of.jesus group and used primarily within Subgenius circles as a verb meaning "To fuck someone in the skull." The term was co-opted by the BDSM community some time latter, and its original meaning is often overlooked or ignored.
Mary wrote: A healthy marriage (again in my opinion) needs a healthy sex life to be successful...unless both parties are asexual. Women are taught from the time they are born that sex is "bad" until you get married and then voila! it suddenly becomes good. That construct does not work for most women. You cannot be indoctrinated for a good portion of your life and all of the sudden change mid-stream. Healthy discussions of sexuality are good for relationships and good for society. "I agree with you whole heartedly on this point. And the comments you made about examining sexual stereotypes.
You make some very strong arguments, and I really did have to check myself and reflect on many of the points you, Karen, Christine and others have made in relation to this book.
Mary you brought up Wuthering Heights earlier and I think you touched on a few points here including character redemption which resonated with me. I really needed to go away and think about that one, because Heathcliff is one of my favourite characters. Despite his behaviour becoming so vicious, I soooo wanted him to be redeemed!
Anyway, I probably shouldn't go on a tangent about Heathcliff and the themes in Wuthering Heights. But as a result of that comment I did have to ask myself, about my own lines of redemption for villainous romantic interests, and about the nature of forgiveness.
I loved the character of Heathcliff, but I think Heathcliff also hit a point for me (and probably for most people) that he could no longer be redeemed and that is a large part the tragedy of the romance.
The point I am making with this ramble is that I probably let Heathcliff get away with alot more in the fiction than I do the character Christian Grey. I think my reason for this lies with emotional investment.
It was a very interesting example and one that hit personally with me. I really had to ask myself the question "how and under what circumstances would I be willing to stretch my own belief system , and when would a previously percieved unforgivable act, become forgivable?"
Anyway, just sharing a reflection there with anyone who is interested.
B3cs wrote: "Mary wrote: A healthy marriage (again in my opinion) needs a healthy sex life to be successful...unless both parties are asexual. Women are taught from the time they are born that sex is "bad" unti..."A very valid reflection at that!! I think bringing the whole sexual depravity of Christian Grey to the character has shaken many people up. And, while it wasn't written, I never doubted Heathcliff's sexual dark side. It was understood, but not discussed in the book...just a sign of the times I think, but none-the-less a great topic for discussion.
B3cs wrote: "Mary you brought up Wuthering Heights earlier and I think you touched on a few points here including character redemption which resonated with me. I really needed to go away and think about that one, because Heathcliff is one of my favourite characters. Despite his behaviour becoming so vicious, I soooo wanted him to be redeemed! "I think there are a lot of parallels between the character of Heathcliff and that of Christian (I will not get into the vast difference in writing ability of the authors ). Both had traumatic childhoods that colored their actions going forward. Both reacted to the deprivation and abuse in their childhood(s) with a deep need for control (and in the case of Heathcliff - revenge). Both had unhealthy sexual/romantic relationships that were more about obsession that true love. Heathcliff became bitter and reclusive. I think that Christian "could" have gone that route without the therapy he received and the understanding that his first sexual relationship was not built on equality but an older woman taking advantage of a very conflicted teenager. I like to think of Heathcliff being redeemed in death and an afterlife spent with Cathy where all of the baggage of their earthly life is stripped away and the ability to experience true love becomes possible...but I AM a romantic. The most important theme in Wuthering Heights (IMO) was the contrast between the unhealthy love of Heathcliff and Cathy and the ultimately healthy love between Catherine Linton and Hareton. Hareton was also abused and neglected as a child, but instead of a selfish Cathy Earnshaw, he gets a eventually compassionate Catherine Linton to teach him how to love. We COULD compare the woman who introduced Christian to sex with Cathy because her motives were not altruistic and then we could compare Ana to Catherine Linton who did want the best for him.
^^^ Yes on these points we agree. I do see the parallels, and it did give me reason to go back and re examine my position. I would also like to think that they were redeemed in death. What I should have said was that his behaviours, and Cathy's could not be redeemed in life. :)
Hayley wrote: "Tane wrote: "Im currently reading and is inlove with the books. It irritates me seeing all these negative reviews, so much i feel like deleting every single one of them. 10 negative reviews is alri..."Do i really need to explain? No, all you need to know is i loved the book.
B3cs wrote: "^^^ Yes on these points we agree. I do see the parallels, and it did give me reason to go back and re examine my position. I would also like to think that they were redeemed in death. What I shou..."
Heathcliff is also one of my favorite literary characters. His brooding, tortured personality and dark looks compel us to look at him and we are fascinated by what we see. Heathcliff was NOT a nice person, but Emily Bronte somehow magically allows us to empathize with him and fantasize about what could have been.
^^^ :D I can see that that you passionately love this book. Me too!I haven't read it in such a long time. Shallow Cathy and vengeful Heathcliff.
*Sigh! I shudder and swoon simultaneously.*
I really must revisit them soon. :)
B3cs wrote: "^^^ :D I can see that that you passionately love this book. Me too!I haven't read it in such a long time. Shallow Cathy and vengeful Heathcliff.
*Sigh! I shudder and swoon simultaneously.*
I r..."
So how about Jane Eyre. The parallels are not quite as blatant, but...Rochester has a troubled background as well: a father who forced him into marriage for money, a set of in-laws that misled him about his wife's insanity and then the burden of hiding a mentally ill wife for 15 years. He is at times cruel to Jane, takes advantage of her and then induces her to commit bigamy. Yet we love Rochester as well. He does redeem himself though and suffers for his sins. I am trying to think of other classic novels in which we have the tortured hero who abuses the heroine and is ultimately "saved" by her.
^^^ Yes, I would agree with you again, I do see the similarities and your point. Again, I think the issue here for me is that there is just not enough character development to make me want to see these characters to the very end. That, and the repetitive writing, which honestly did drive me to the point of distraction.I know that it is unfair for me to contrast Classic Lit against 50 shades. Credit where credit is due, James wrote it as fanfic and probably wouldn't have imagined in her wildest fantasies that it would be picked up, published and become a runaway success.
I do not know what her intent was when she wrote the books, it may have been no more than a bit of fun. If someone wants to enlighten me on this feel free, I have not seen or read any of her interviews. However, I do find it fascinating the impression a book can leave with a reader whether intentional or unintentional. I was left with the feeling that Grey crossed to many lines and Ana was too emotionally fragile. Perhaps I could have felt more sympathy for these characters if they were drawn with the layers of complexity of the classic romance interests such as Rochester, Heathcliff, Mr Darcy etc. But it's not that type of book, and so I respectfully stand my ground that I do not get the fascination with Mr Grey, or why it is such a huge success. But please believe me that while I disagree about the appeal of Mr. Grey, I do understand where you are coming from. :)
B3cs wrote: "^^^ Yes, I would agree with you again, I do see the similarities and your point. Again, I think the issue here for me is that there is just not enough character development to make me want to see t..."I would actually agree with you here. I never really LIKED Ana all that much. She was just kind of "there." I usually like my heroines with strong backbones . Christian was a little more interesting because of his past and I have always been interested in the psychological, physiological and sociological impacts on lives that drives behavior. I think this book could be important not for its literary merit, but for the conversation it created. I think it is interesting to READ about people like Christian, but am glad that my husband did not have that type of baggage.
Mary wrote: "B3cs wrote: "^^^ Yes, I would agree with you again, I do see the similarities and your point. Again, I think the issue here for me is that there is just not enough character development to make me ..."Absolutely! 5 stars for discussion value. Lots of interesting themes and questions to explore, which I think in many ways have been explored more fully in this forum than in the novels! haha. I'm having lots of fun, it's been a very fabulous discussion and I have genuinely enjoyed reading the views of the people who have been willing to share, regardless of whether I have agreed or not.
B3cs wrote: "^^^ :D I can see that that you passionately love this book. Me too!I haven't read it in such a long time. Shallow Cathy and vengeful Heathcliff.
*Sigh! I shudder and swoon simultaneously.*
I r..."
I think we can agree that Wuthering Heights must be revisted....I loved it too!
Karen wrote: "B3cs wrote: "I love this thread, anyone enjoying it as much as me?"I'm glad you're enjoying this... I am too!
And to respond to you comment on the tampon scene... I don't think, although this i..."
What I liked about 50 Shades was EL James goes out of her way to state that Christian is doing BDSM for the wrong reasons. The psychologist they see - more or less states that directly, as does Ana. That Christian used BDSM to cope with his mommy issues. He didn't use it in the way most people do. Even he sort of states that. In fact, Christian's relationship to BDSM sex is rather similar to an alcoholic's with alcohol.
James makes it clear in various sections of the book that Christian has crossed a line regarding BDSM. And that while it helped him in some respects, it hurt him in others. Some of that is subtext, but most of it was fairly direct. I remember being astonished that the writer addressed it - and how often in novel like this, do the characters see a psychologist? Rarely.
The psychologist makes it clear that BDSM is not a bad thing, that it is a lifestyle choice, and there are rules, and both partners must consent to it. Christian does play be the rules in that regard. Ana is not forced to do anything she doesn't want to do.
I'm failing to understand the problem people are having with how BDSM is expressed in 50 Shades. I don't remember everything about the book - but I do remember the constant repetition of how Christian's use of BDSM is unhealthy for him - because of "why" he is using it. He's not using it to make the other person feel pleasure, he's using it to assert his power and control over them. He's an individual who does not feel in control or feels that he has any power over his life.
Mary wrote: "Karen wrote: "I'm all for that! I'll bring the wine! Too bad we don't live closer!!! By the way, are any of you guys attorneys? (I think Mary is?) ."I am...but I have not practiced in a while. I..."
Ditto. I am attorney as well, but don't practice. I negotiate, write and manage contracts for a living. Which is basically legal professional.
Kris wrote: "B3cs wrote: "^^^ :D I can see that that you passionately love this book. Me too!I haven't read it in such a long time. Shallow Cathy and vengeful Heathcliff.
*Sigh! I shudder and swoon simultan..."
Regarding Wuthering Heights...and 50 Shades?
One of the things that I found fascinating about 50 Shades is the number of gothic romance novels that were referenced. The heroine writes her thesis on Tess of the D'Urburveilles. And is reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. She also mentions Jane Eyre several times.
And in some respects the tone and direction of the first two novels reminds me of a gothic romance. Christian is the mysterious and alluring Max de Winter.
OR is he the rake from Tess that abuses Tess horribly.
Also the class issues addressed are interesting. Ana is not from the same "class" as Christian and Kate are and is described as uncomfortable, and somewhat embarrassed in regards to her upbringing and family.
After reading this book, I oddly felt the need to read Tess, Far from the Maddening Crowd, and Rebecca.
Downloaded for free - both Tess and Far From the Maddening Crowd - which ironically rose in sales right after 50 Shades was published. As did Rebecca. It did not however make me want to read Twilight...although I'm admittedly curious about the movies all of a sudden.
A good gothic romance is hard to find nowadays. The current ones all involve serial killers or cops.
I know, I looked for one after reading 50 Shades.
Christine wrote: "After reading this book, I oddly felt the need to read Tess, Far from the Maddening Crowd, and Rebecca.Downloaded for free - both Tess and Far From the Maddening Crowd - which ironically rose in sales right after 50 Shades was published. As did Rebecca. It did not however make me want to read Twilight...although I'm admittedly curious about the movies all of a sudden."
I have not read any of those books in over 15 years, so I probably need to revisit all of them as well.
50 Shades is a Harlequin style erotica novel, and for its genre, it's definitely good; Unique, fast paced, and the sex scenes are sweltering. It's also fan-fic, for goodness sakes! I think people are expecting way too much from it. This genre doesn't promise rich characters, complex plot-lines, collegiate level vocabulary, or dynamic writing styles, so I'm confused why so many keep pointing those out as 'flaws'. It's not being compared to John Irving, Wallace Stegner, and Charles Dickens, it's being compared to other erotica literature. Think V.C. Andrews, not Maya Angelou. People are confusing their distaste for a genre for a disliking of a book, if you ask me. My friends who love this genre loved this book, and I trust them to know when they've found a winner. I've read the first of the trilogy and will read the second and third. I don't like it very much because I don't like this genre, but I can't NOT finish! LOL
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