Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker’s Reviews > Fifty Shades Darker > Status Update

Oh interesting! Maybe you'll have an idea of why as you read more? Because I'm very curious.

Glad you're liking this book. :o)

Juliana wrote: "Oh interesting! Maybe you'll have an idea of why as you read more? Because I'm very curious."

I figured out why... I think the book is more about two people trying to come to terms with their relationship, insecurities, trust, and speaking up for yourself. I don't think they are trying to change each other but instead, they are both looking internally. I think Christian knows he is screwed up but not because he likes pain but just because he had a really crappy childhood. The focus seems more real in the book.

However, on the same note, I've reached a point in the book where the storyline is getting a bit lost but that is okay, I'm still enjoying it.

That's so interesting because one of the things I didn't like at the beginning was that (view spoiler)[Christian's willingness to up and change completely and go vanilla felt inauthentic. I know, he's obsessed with Ana and blah di blah, but seemed to dramatic too quickly for me. The change doesn't end up being that stark, of which I was relieved, because then I could believe it. (hide spoiler)]

Why, what's happened? There is a bit of meandering that goes on in this one.

Juliana wrote: "That's so interesting because one of the things I didn't like at the beginning was that [spoilers removed]

Why, what's happened? There is a bit of meandering that goes on in this one."

Christian admits he is a (view spoiler)[sadist (hide spoiler)] because he is trying to (view spoiler)[whip woman that look like his crack whore mom & he believes his desire comes from wanting to punish his mom (hide spoiler)] and he thinks that Ana has cured him of his (view spoiler)[behaviors or addiction & that he no longer needs to beat woman, or use pain for control and pleasure (hide spoiler)]. The beginning, to me, is refreshing because it was Christian trying to come to terms with what he is and what he is about.

Now, when I say he is coming to terms, I just mean he is literally coming to terms. (view spoiler)[
He's not making any successful resolution. It's like he is using crack to stop drinking alcohol. He makes these sweeping resolutions that he can change and everything is going to be okay. I love that about Christian. Even when he thinks he is in control, he is so clearly out of control.

He's so fucked up. I like that. I like that he is out of control and not perfect. Of course, I hope he does get help (and he figures out that his desire for pain is not a psychological problem that needs to be cured) but I like the fact that Ana and Christian are on a journey together. Ana has to be careful. At this point in the story, she is going major co-dependent and she should be running but fears running since she knows she'll destroy Christian. Major co-dependence. But who knows, maybe there can be some type of moving forward in their relationship.

I like how imperfect their relationship is. I have no clue how the author will resolve this fucked up relationship, but we will see. (hide spoiler)]
It does produce some steamy sex!