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72allshookup's review against another edition
5.0
This book is amazing. A fast read, hard to put down. Enjoying every minute of the book.
frankikaos's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly, this is a two star rated book but I threw in an extra one as the woman who wrote it is no doubt sittng on a mountain of cash, laughing at us all- good for her.
My main problem with this book was that I just didn't like the characters- I wanted to slap Anastasia Steele for being so pathetically naive and I found Christian Grey to be overly arrogant and, to be quite frank, a bit of a dick.
Then the writing style- yes, it's her first book so it's mildly understandable but the over-use of repetition, constant short sentences and occasionally painful dialogue was just too much to take.
So, the sex. Yes, the book has lots of sex in it but, from what I can recall, there are only two sex scenes that take place in Grey's big old kinky dungeon. So whilst the whole BDSM fantasy is touched upon, it's not fully explored- at least not in the first book, maybe I've got that excitement to come...
Due to the embarrassing writing style, I'm afraid that I didn't find the sexy bits particularily steamy. They didn't do it for me, they didn't make me want to pounce on my man and they certainly didn't encourage me to take some of the ideas and apply them into my own relationship- to be honest, I don't understand why thousands of women have warmed to this Dominant/Submissive idea but that's mainly because it really doesn't float my boat.
Towards the final chapters of the book I did find myself feeling the urge to read on and finish, admittedly I got slightly lost in the story sans sex, and I'll read the follow-ups but I realise that's mostly because I feel that I have to, so I can say that "Yes, I've read them!"- not necessarily because I want to.
My main problem with this book was that I just didn't like the characters- I wanted to slap Anastasia Steele for being so pathetically naive and I found Christian Grey to be overly arrogant and, to be quite frank, a bit of a dick.
Then the writing style- yes, it's her first book so it's mildly understandable but the over-use of repetition, constant short sentences and occasionally painful dialogue was just too much to take.
So, the sex. Yes, the book has lots of sex in it but, from what I can recall, there are only two sex scenes that take place in Grey's big old kinky dungeon. So whilst the whole BDSM fantasy is touched upon, it's not fully explored- at least not in the first book, maybe I've got that excitement to come...
Due to the embarrassing writing style, I'm afraid that I didn't find the sexy bits particularily steamy. They didn't do it for me, they didn't make me want to pounce on my man and they certainly didn't encourage me to take some of the ideas and apply them into my own relationship- to be honest, I don't understand why thousands of women have warmed to this Dominant/Submissive idea but that's mainly because it really doesn't float my boat.
Towards the final chapters of the book I did find myself feeling the urge to read on and finish, admittedly I got slightly lost in the story sans sex, and I'll read the follow-ups but I realise that's mostly because I feel that I have to, so I can say that "Yes, I've read them!"- not necessarily because I want to.
elysehdez19's review against another edition
2.0
Podría decir muchas cosas de este libro, pero no quiero crear una polémica, me cuesta creer que un libro con tantos errores se publicara, creo que a E.L. James hay que enseñarle a dejar de "fruncir el ceño"
Sinceramente de los libros que no quiero volver a leer :/
Sinceramente de los libros que no quiero volver a leer :/
justjeanettelee's review against another edition
2.0
Didn't get to finish this or "Darker" before I saw the movie, but there's a scene or two from this that made it to the movie, and I'm sure with the film so fresh in my mind that I'll easily be able to note differences. The most astounding difference is that "Darker" was a much better film than "Grey".
So I initially rated this book 2/5 purely based off of memory when I started to really use Goodreads a year ago. I never wrote I review for it because I believe that reviews come straight away. Sure, books always leave an impression of some sort, but thorough thoughts come after completing the story.
And the story of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey is definitely worth consideration, though not entirely in a positive light.
My review still stands, though it may lean towards a 2.5/5.
Many have criticised this book for its shoddy writing (I will admit I'm in the crowd 90% of the time), it's crude and uninformed representation of the BDSM world, and for promoting an abusive and unhealthy relationship.
I agree with them, but alas, I would also have to disagree. Take out the BDSM sex element, and James has written a book about self-discovery, self-analysis and reflection. We are audience to the mental outcome of traumatic experiences.
Is this book the perfect study of the human condition and psyche? No. But it certainly delves into it.
I don't agree with Christian's manipulations and abuses, and I certainly don't agree with using sex as a weapon to avoid, "solve" or delay answers. Communication is key, and James does attempt to make her readers keenly aware of that.
One thing I admire about this book as opposed to the film, is that you see a better side to Ana in the written representation. She's assertive, sure of herself (outside of the bedroom), defiant, resilient, strong, and brave - all qualities Christian comes to admire as well. The movie, however, only truly gives Ana a back bone after the final punishment. Sure we see some of her strength come through some great one liners, but the written Ana Steele is my favourite.
One thing I don't understand is in relation to how James writes. In the opening chapters, it feels as if Ana is middle-aged, not 21. Then we get 21. Then middle-aged etc. It may seem odd that this writing inconsistency as opposed to some of the appalling dialogue in the bedroom is my main source of criticism in regards to the writing. My favourite thing to read were the emails.
Here's to more honest reviews.
So I initially rated this book 2/5 purely based off of memory when I started to really use Goodreads a year ago. I never wrote I review for it because I believe that reviews come straight away. Sure, books always leave an impression of some sort, but thorough thoughts come after completing the story.
And the story of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey is definitely worth consideration, though not entirely in a positive light.
My review still stands, though it may lean towards a 2.5/5.
Many have criticised this book for its shoddy writing (I will admit I'm in the crowd 90% of the time), it's crude and uninformed representation of the BDSM world, and for promoting an abusive and unhealthy relationship.
I agree with them, but alas, I would also have to disagree. Take out the BDSM sex element, and James has written a book about self-discovery, self-analysis and reflection. We are audience to the mental outcome of traumatic experiences.
Is this book the perfect study of the human condition and psyche? No. But it certainly delves into it.
I don't agree with Christian's manipulations and abuses, and I certainly don't agree with using sex as a weapon to avoid, "solve" or delay answers. Communication is key, and James does attempt to make her readers keenly aware of that.
One thing I admire about this book as opposed to the film, is that you see a better side to Ana in the written representation. She's assertive, sure of herself (outside of the bedroom), defiant, resilient, strong, and brave - all qualities Christian comes to admire as well. The movie, however, only truly gives Ana a back bone after the final punishment. Sure we see some of her strength come through some great one liners, but the written Ana Steele is my favourite.
One thing I don't understand is in relation to how James writes. In the opening chapters, it feels as if Ana is middle-aged, not 21. Then we get 21. Then middle-aged etc. It may seem odd that this writing inconsistency as opposed to some of the appalling dialogue in the bedroom is my main source of criticism in regards to the writing. My favourite thing to read were the emails.
Here's to more honest reviews.
jvsaucceda's review against another edition
1.0
Dear Jesus Christ. Do not read this book. It is so repetitive, annoying, and cringey. I don’t understand how this is a best seller.
littlething0's review against another edition
4.0
Je pense que les critiques (les méchantes critiques j'entends) sont injustes. Selon moi, elles viennent soit de personnes qui n'ont pas lu le livre et se basent sur les critiques des autres, soit de personnes qui ont lu le livre en partant du principe qu'il était nul à ch*er. Okay, les personnages manquent clairement de profondeur, Ana me donne envie de lui claquer la tête contre un mur, parfois c'est long, répétitif et le style est euh, un peu pourri, mais ce bouquin a quelque chose d'addictif qui fait qu'on a du mal à le lâcher une fois ouvert. La seule chose que je peux recommander, c'est de le lire ne serait-ce que pour se faire une idée et ne pas critiquer injustement. Me concernant, je vais continuer la saga :)
cicciapallaa's review against another edition
1.0
"I would give u a zero.. but that's not possible so I give you a one"
miramatrix03's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting story. I recommend reading all the books, including Grey and Darker(the story from Christian's perspective)
caitlinfern's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes