dont like it ..dont read it Showing 401-450 of 1,896

[S.L.J.]

Where is my mind - Pixies - Why does this song remind me of this book?

[[deleted user]]

Erika 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 ..."
I agree Erika.. and I think is silly the amount of issues people that say they don't like are having being called jealous etc.. it is a book discussion forum after all..

I didn't like twilight or harry potter but their fans seem totally accepting of that

[Erika L.]

Anna wrote: "I didn't like twilight or hary potter"

@o@ You didn't like Harry Potter?! I suppose then I'd turn on you and say that you're jealous of J.K. Rowling.

LOL. But, I mean everyone has their own taste and interests. I think some people do take it personally that not everyone jumps on the same bandwagon as them. I read the book for my book club in June and my dislike of the book was the minority. And I was alright with it. Christian didn't do anything for, I expected more from the BDSM and that's because of the way people RAVED about it. It fell way below my expectations. Then there was the simple fact that it was HORRIBLY written and E.L. James grasp of the English language is, obviously, very limited. I'm sick of 'oh my' and 'inner goddess' and all the times she sighed, gasped and/or rolled her eyes.

I have no issues with people who enjoy the book because I'm related to one of them. My sister and I get along just fine. She knows that I won't be finishing the series and I know she will. It is, what it is and that's the end of it.

Now I can see someone arguing against it being called 'great literature'. Just in my opinion, I've read better smut books and I think the hype about it is that it is Edward and Bella aaaalllll ooooovvvveerrrr again.

[[deleted user]]

Erika wrote: "Anna wrote: "I didn't like twilight or hary potter"

@o@ You didn't like Harry Potter?! I suppose then I'd turn on you and say that you're jealous of J.K. Rowling.

LOL. But, I mean everyone has t..."

Haha I am gonna try again with good old JK Rowling to be fair just not yet.

I just don't get why people are taking it so badly when others don't like it its only a few people opinions its no reflection on the people who like it or dont like it!

[Erika L.]

Anna wrote: "I just don't get why people are taking it so badly when others don't like it its only a few people opinions its no reflection on the people who like it or dont like it!"

Me neither but it's always nice to know that you are not so alone in the world. And let me know what you think about Harry Potter with this next go around. LOL.

[Karen]

Erika wrote: This book will never be a classic and if it does then obviously our standards have greatly lowered. Maybe if the publisher took a day to correct the misspellings than that would've been alright...but they didn't .

FIrst of all I have to say that I love this topic. It has been entertaining to see how inflamed everyone seems to be on this issue.

What seems to frequently be forgotten, is that these books need to be judged for what they are. They were not published with the intension of competing with anything remotely close to classic literature. They were published as an amateur's first attempt at writing novels. They were not properly edited as most books are. They were self published works of fan fiction.

On that level, they are fun to read and entertaining as hell to those who enjoy a good angsty romance. Their level of popularity was not expected by anyone, especially the author! But give her some credit... she wrote three books on her own, without assistance, and she has successfully entertained many many people.

So just remember when you are passing judgement, We must compare apples to apples. ;)

[S.L.J.]

Karen wrote: " Erika wrote: This book will never be a classic and if it does then obviously our standards have greatly lowered. Maybe if the publisher took a day to correct the misspellings than that would've b..."

Anything that possibly influences others is open to judgement. It's the way of the world.

[Erika L.]

Karen wrote: "So just remember when you are passing judgment, We must compare apples to apples. ;)"

Karen, I'm still waiting for the apple on this book. LOL.

And I know I differ with everyone on fun. Ana just wasn't believable to me. I think what annoyed me the most was her attempt to seem 'innocent' when really we all know she had to accept more then a couple of tributes in the boys' locker room.

But, and this could just be me. I think the dislike reviews are always the funniest because will go out of their way to express it. I'm such a plain Jane that I use my words. Others bring in gifs.

But I do say to each their own. Will I proudly sit this on my bookshelf. Not at all, in fact, it's been deleted from my e-reader. I do think there should be 'some' concern for people who think the controlling man is the ultimate 'man'. Yet, I'm just a tough cookie.

I am a strong supporter of people being allowed to critique books because that's why they are out there. To get people talking, to get people to read. That is the only thing I applaud this book for because women who I have never seen even touch a book, picked it up.

[Karen]

S.L.J. wrote: "Karen wrote: " Erika wrote: This book will never be a classic and if it does then obviously our standards have greatly lowered. Maybe if the publisher took a day to correct the misspellings than t..."

I completely agree!! You should judge however in context.

[Ellen]

I understand we all have different tastes in literature. Some like mysteries, some like historical novels, and some enjoy war stories. There's sifi, horror, I could go on and on. I'm not interested in some of the above mentioned, but I wouldn't infer that someone reading it was inferior. I still say, one cannot pan a book unless they have read the entire piece.

[Ellen]

There are some young woman who abstain from premarital relations. I'm 72 and older than Ana when I did. Not everyone hops in the bed for the hell of it. Christian came from a dark side in his life. He was a child when his mother OD on drugs and he laid next to her for 4 days in a pool of blodd at the tender age of 4. He was sexualy abused by a woman old enough to be his mother. This could be taken from today's headlines. Horrible things such as these can destroy a person's life. I think Ana brought him out of the darkness and they ended up in a normal relationship, married with kids and a loving family.

[Karen]

Erika wrote: "Karen wrote: "So just remember when you are passing judgment, We must compare apples to apples. ;)"

Karen, I'm still waiting for the apple on this book. LOL.

And I know I differ with everyone on..."

In response, I am not ashamed of anything I've read. I don't pull books due to embarrassment. Does that mean that I've liked everything that I've read, or felt they have all been well written, absolutely not. I don't read to proudly display titles in my bookshelf... I read for enjoyment, and for self fulfillment. I don't like to compare my tastes in literature to others, it is after all a very subjective thing, as is art.

As for your concern for women finding Christian Grey's controlling behavior their model for the "ultimate" man, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I have to give women more credit than that. Women frequently love to read about dark controlling men. Even as far back as Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, and Tess of the D'Urbervilles, as it was earlier brought up in this discussion.

And to touch on your last statement... I completely agree with you there. Books should be critiqued and discussed. It is what makes them so fun to read!!! And while I liked these books, I was not happy that they were plastered all over the media. I think that the media attention has been detrimental to the books' success as the quiet fan fiction romance that it was intended to be.

[Ellen]

I don't recall any other books, besides Harry Potter and Twilight that have taken off like 50 Shades of Grey. It amazes me how many people are reading it more than once. (I'm one of them. Maybe it's because I'm 72 and my husband of 43 years is close to 80). I'm certainly not into S & M, only Vanilla, (as Christian would say). It's a fantasy and when you get old it's what you enjoy.

[Darci]

I liked the books but do think that people blew them up a little much . The sex parts were intriguing yes, which was what was suppose to keep the book interesting but I do think that the trilogy lacked in other things like the language and climax. Good boos though for sure

[Terri]

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..."

It's not that we are obsessed with hating the book. I think it's more we are completely dumbstruck by how much press such a poorly written book is getting and how many women are sooooo crazy about it. There are many more books out there with better plot & character development, strong sexy alpha males (who are not twisted & sadistic), steamy sex scenes, & intelligent strong female characters. I'm just shaking my head trying to figure out how & why this one caught on since it pales in comparison to so many others.

[Ellen]

Christian has a twisted idea of sex because of his youth.His mother was a whore and OD on drugs when he was 4. Her pimp left this 4 year old child next to his dead mother in a pool of blood for four days before anyone found him. That's when Dr. Grey treated him in the hospital and ended up adopting this child. It took Christian two more years after he was adopted by the Greys to speak. So he was 6 years old before he uttered a word. Then he was sexualy and physically abused by a woman old enough to be his mother. His adopted parents never knew. Ana changed his life and took him out of that dark place. I had tears in my eyes. So many children suffer abuse in our country as well as around the world. I spent time in Bangkok with my husband and was shocked how young girls under the age of 12 are used in this manner.It makes you wonder what happened to them when they grew up. I shudder to think. These abuses have lasting effects unless someone pulls them out of the gutter and helps. Sorry, didn't mean to preach. I feel strongly about the issue.

[Karen]

Terri 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..."

Terri,
You make a good point. But I think this book has become a media blitz because it has drawn in people who don't read at all.

These women haven't been exposed to any of the other books in the genre, so this one really got their attention. There are many others that are better, and much better written, but somehow this series just caught enough word of mouth attention to fill the void for those who didnt know what to read after Twilight.

I really liked the books, not necessarily for their literary contribution, but because I thought they were a fun read. I read them long before they got thrown into the public eye. I really hate to see people trash them though in the attempt to compare them with books of a totally different caliber. People need to take them as they are, or leave them. They are not for everyone.

[Kimberley]

Karen wrote: "But I think this book has become a media blitz because it has drawn in people who don't read at all."

Karen I have to agree with you on this statement, it has brought people back to books, even those who haven't picked up a book since leaving education and for that it deserves credit, there are people who have been brought back to books though that, like me and others, didn't like it but are prepared to see if there is something out there that will spark that interest, my sister in law is one of them, she bought the set on sale for something to read while she was in hospital, she didn't particularly like them but it has made her realise there is another way to relax other than the goggle box (aka TV) and since has found books she does like, some erotica and other genres, it has been 20 years since she last read a book and never in her life for pleasure but fsog is responsible for that change in her.

Any book that brings the pleasure of the written word, regardless of content should be commended, there is also a bigger picture in this, being labelled as 'mummy porn' (that really grates on me) makes me think that more women with children are reading this, in turn if they take up reading again then their children will notice that and themselves be more open to picking up a book for pleasure thus promoting literiture and literacy, can you see where I'm going with this.
The fact we are all individual and have differing opinions makes life interesting and if it wasn't for that, the world would be rather boring I think.

[Karen]

Kimberley wrote: "Karen wrote: "But I think this book has become a media blitz because it has drawn in people who don't read at all."

Karen I have to agree with you on this statement, it has brought people back to ..."

Yes indeed. I completely agree with you!!! I was just sorry the media decided to pick this series of books to focus on. But like you said, anything else may not have gotten the degree of attention that these books have attracted. Thanks for your comments, they are very insightful.

[Ellen]

I read the Forbes Magazine article about this book and a thought crossed my mind. I think the women are drawn to this story because something is lacking in their own relationship. Christian loves Ana so much he's willing to give up this dark lifestyle he's been in for so many years. How many men are willing to do this? I know one in particular. Although he claims to have given up something his wife finds disturbing, he hasn't and continually lies to her. But, lies have very short legs. I don't know how their marriage survives.

[Rachel]

I have no problems with the people who are reading the book, you do what you want.
But the writing, the characters, the twilight rip-off, the story... I have a problem with.

But anyway...
It's ridiculous to say 'no-one should trash others work/writing', it happens all the time!

If we think the writing is poor, why would we not voice it? You may as well go ahead and say people shouldnt praise author's for good writing - it's the same thing just different opinions.

The whole point of this website (for me anyway), is to find out what other people think of books.

If all that was posted on here was how amazing each and every book is because people shouldnt be allowed to 'trash' other books/author's, that's not a fair review is it? And everyone would buy and read every book.. so you points make no sense to me.



But, whatever.
I get wound up easily.

[Erika]

Erika 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 ..."

I could not have said it better...totally agree..the problem is not the sex, is the bad writing and lack of plot...

[Heather]

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..."

How are you suposed to know if you LIKE the book if you don't READ the book. I didn't like the series after reading it NOT because of all the sex I heard about but because it was HORRIBLY written! Now how would I know that without reading it?

[Ellen]

I guess it's a good thing you weren't James' editor or publisher. She's laughing all the way to the bank. Are you an author or an editor? I'm a pupublished author of two books...soon to be 3, and I thought she did a great job bringing her characters to life. I loved the series.

[Lori]

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!!! I read about 3-4 books a week and usually Historical or Paranormal Romance.I read these because my best friends had read them and I love to discuss! I'm glad I did,sure it isn't Jane Austen SO WHAT! It was fun and different and maybe I wouldn't suggest it to everyone but geesh people step out of your snooty box LOL! I don't know why people have to tear the books and author apart,have they written anything? So thank you for your wonderfully worded comment!

[Ellen]

Lori 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 classic, a book..."

Love the term you use, "snooty box"...it says it all! :)

[Leanne]

i love fifty shades its most woman's dream to have as much sex as that lol... i hope she writes Christian sides. that will be a bigger seller i think x

[Ashley]

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..."

Karen I agree with you 100% don't bash someone's writing just because it may note be what you would write or how you would. The stroy is great! The first was a littel over wellming at times but the second one was wonderful! I'm half way through the last one and I LOVE Grey. He is so sweet and dominering at times but hell my husband can tye me up and do to me what christien does to Ana anytime. If the sex is that good keep it coming. I just wish that people would stop bashing give the author her dues and move on. If you don't like it don't read it and move on to something that does intrigue you.

[Ellen]

I think this book has put a spell on women. I've got my husband reading it now. I cannot get enough of Mr. Grey.

[Rachel]

Having a book published doesn't mean it's automatically a good book.


It just means they think they can make money from you.

[Lori]

Rachel wrote: "Having a book published doesn't mean it's automatically a good book.


It just means they think they can make money from you."

I'm just amazed at anyone who has the guts to put a story on paper and then put it out there to be possibly torn apart. Alot of wonderful authors were rejected repeatedly thank god they kept on it!

[Rachel]

Lori wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Having a book published doesn't mean it's automatically a good book.


It just means they think they can make money from you."

I'm just amazed at anyone who has the guts to put a st..."


I don't disagree! It does take a lot of courage and self-belief to let others ready your work. Even now, I don't let my boyfriend see mine.

But, what my point was (and i guess this is all relation and opnion based), that just because a book is out there, and someone has decided to publish/edit then read it, does not make it a good book, like I say,
their all about the money, in my opinion.

It's like.... x factor? They don't care what your singing about, and they can even change the way you look AND sound, but as long as they make money out of you, they'll sign you.

As far as Fifty shades is concerned... They realised how they'll capture the audience through media and it turned out pretty well... When was the last time a sex-story was in the new's papers, on bilboards, magazines etc... they decided to capitalize on it, and it turned out well for them.
But I dont believe for one second that they care what it was about, whether the writing was good, how similar to 'twilight' it was, and all the other things..

J.K was turned down by quite a few people, And it was because they didnt see how they could make money, yeah they were wrong (haha).

Writing now, is becoming like any other art or creative hobby, if you can't sell it, they don't want it.


But maybe that's just me.

[Ellen]

Rachel wrote: "Lori wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Having a book published doesn't mean it's automatically a good book.


It just means they think they can make money from you."

I'm just amazed at anyone who has the gut..."

With all due respect, I don't mean to be rude, but, please use spell check. It takes away from your statement. Perhaps this is from typing too fast before contemplating what you want to stress.

[Ellen]

There have been many famous authors who were rejected more than once. James Patterson is one that comes to mind. There are many, many more. It's quite common.

[Karen]

I agree with the spell checking comment. While I encourage passionate responses, the words are more powerful when spelled correctly!! (I know myself, because I'm a terrible typist!!)

I will also agree that editing is a very valuable process in publishing a book. I never realized how much until now.

Rachel, I don't agree though that these books were only published to make a lot of money. I think that they were put out there as a first work and an experiment, to see how they would be taken.

I think that if E L James had had any clue how successful her little trilogy would be, she would have put more effort into the writing and the editing of the series. I don't think for one minute that she did this to make money. I think she did this because she wanted to see how she could do telling her story.

She had a story to tell, she tried it out, and wow, it was a success. But I DO think that she could have used a good editor. That does not however mean that I think that the story wasn't good. I enjoyed it, and would read it again. But I can see how some would criticize it.

[Rachel]

I do think I type too quickly.
And i'm not bad at spelling, to be fair, and as long as my point is easily executed, I don't see the issue?The spelling has nothing to do with the points being made... To me, it's just being petty...

Anyway, like I say, what I said - that's just my opinion on the situation and it is probably because I didn't like the books.

I don't think that James did it for the money, I think the media, publishers, retailers did.

I agree with you that she obviously has a lot of passion and just wanted her story read, but I don't agree that because she didn't know how successful the books would be, she didn't make the effort?

What better time to make the biggest effort than on your first writings. So, that doesn't make sense to me?

If you want people to respect you as an author and appreciate and enjoy your books (espcially the first ones!) you'd try and start out with a bang, surely? To make yourself known and go from there (not saying that she didn't, she's made a major impression on fan's and 'haters' alike)

I couldn't say there are many successful author's today that their first work was their worst because of lack of effort?

But we could argue this point all day, and it had already been done.
Ying likes the books, yang doesn't.

I can't see a middle ground opinions where E.L James and the trilogy are concerned lol

[Rachel]

Ellie wrote: "I guess it's a good thing you weren't James' editor or publisher. She's laughing all the way to the bank. Are you an author or an editor? I'm a pupublished author of two books...soon to be 3, and I..."

Sorry isn't it meant to be... published?
I would check you spelling too in future.

[Ellen]

Rachel wrote: "Ellie wrote: "I guess it's a good thing you weren't James' editor or publisher. She's laughing all the way to the bank. Are you an author or an editor? I'm a pupublished author of two books...soon ..."

You are sooo right, my fingers stuttered. :(

[Ellen]

Rachel, your point is well made. We cannot all like the same thing. It would be boring as hell. I guess I'm one of the women who felt the story hit them in the gut. I'm 72 and of another generation. My husband is almost 80 and I'm remembering our younger days when we first met and all the excitement. That was 45 years ago. (S & M was never part of it...just saying)

[Ellen]

Karen, you are right about the editor. The editor I had for my first book charged a fortune and left a lot to be desired. I was told she was "The Book Doctor", however, it was malpractice as far as I was concerned. I got a different one for my 2nd and it was the world of difference. As a rule, an author does not do her own editing...it's too difficult.

[Karen]

Rachel,
That spelling comment wasn't meant for you. And I won't mention names, it wasn't meant to be petty. I hate it when I put something out there, reread it and find errors. I am just a little funny about trying to make an argument when there are misspellings in my text... it just takes away from the integrity of my message, I think.

And I'm sure that E L James tried her best at getting it all done right, and putting out a good first book. But if that were truly the case, she would have spent the money on a good editor. I think many authors, and even really good, proven authors can be a little unseeing when it comes to their work. I know I am my own worst critic, but, I haven't tried publishing anything. I do know how important it is to have a good editor when publishing a book. Especially if it is your first attempt at writing. I would insist on it, since my name is on it.

[Kristin (KC)]

Hey, Ladies! This discussion caught my attention and it's quite an interesting one so I thought I'd chime in. :)

The way I see it, and as you've all previously stated- we will never ALL love the same books, or even agree on what we consider to be intelligent writing. It's the same with everything in life, but it is nice to respect other's opinions even if they contrast with our own.

Remember when you were a kid- how a cheaply manufactured toy would come out that was all-the-rage, and you just HAD to have it? Like animal shaped rubber bands? I'm not comparing FSOG to poorly made toys that become popular, (I happened to love the series) but do I think some people liked it more than they normally would have simply bc it's the "in" thing to like at the moment? Sure. But that doesn't change the fact that it is a success and deserves to be treated as such.

I think EL deserves the recognition. I've always been an avid reader, but FSOG was my first erotic-type read. It was an incredibly fun and enjoyable read, for me. So why does it have to be eloquently written and compared to classics, a level it was not created to reach, in order for it to be acceptable for readers to fully enjoy? 

I say this bc I personally have received a private message from a member of GR pretty much trashing my taste in books and asking how I could five-star such garbage?! (Did not even know the person) Anyway, just thought I'd share! 

[Ian]

Kris wrote: "Hey, Ladies! This discussion caught my attention and it's quite an interesting one so I thought I'd chime in. :)

The way I see it, and as you've all previously stated- we will never ALL love the s..."

Nicely said. I remember a few years ago, The Lord of the Rings was appearing at the top of a lot of those "Greatest Books of all Time" lists. I suspect a very large percentage of the people who voted for it probably saw the movies and had never even attempted the books.
I haven't read FSOG, but to my way of thinking neither have a lot of the people who are criticizing it.

[Kristin (KC)]

Ian wrote: "Kris wrote: "Hey, Ladies! This discussion caught my attention and it's quite an interesting one so I thought I'd chime in. :)

The way I see it, and as you've all previously stated- we will never A..."

Yes, Ian, exactly what I'm talking about. Thanks for that example :)

[Tina]

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!

[Karen]

Kris wrote: "Hey, Ladies! This discussion caught my attention and it's quite an interesting one so I thought I'd chime in. :)

The way I see it, and as you've all previously stated- we will never ALL love the s..."

Very good point Kris, and I can't tell you how happy I am to see some comments on this thread from my peeps... you too Ian!!!

[Kristin (KC)]

Karen wrote: "Kris wrote: "Hey, Ladies! This discussion caught my attention and it's quite an interesting one so I thought I'd chime in. :)

The way I see it, and as you've all previously stated- we will never A..."

Woot woot! Lol

[Keiley]

I don't know about everyone else but for me, the problem with the book wasn't at all the amount of sex or anything to do with it really, other than the fact that it was badly written. Not everyone who has an issue with this book has it for the reason you seem to think. Some of us don't like it for what we interpret as bad writing, bad characterisation and a misrepresentation of a lifestyle. Plus the utter stupidity and sexism that is Christian Grey.

[Rebecca]

Most of my friends/family have now read or atleast attempted to read Fifty Shades, and although some liked it most did not. Most bought the book as a trilogy box set or ebook compilation based on all the media hype and were bitterly dissapointed. My friends/family are not prudish, they stated the same reasons as most others who have commented on this thread: poorly written, repetitive, lack of character and story development.
It seems to me that these books were very well marketed. Most people I know own a copy of the trilogy, but of these I would estimate only about 20% liked it, but I would certainly not offer up my circle of aquaintances as a great cross section of the community. Just making an observation about the power of great marketing.

[Ellen]

Were you aware that Goodreads has rated this very highly amongst it's members? It all comes down to someone's taste in literature. Out of all my friends and family who have read it, only three did not. They borrowed book #1, read the first chapter and didn't like it. They were never into romance novels to begin with.