Author Topic: Fifty Shades of Painful Reading Experience (Read 18457 times)

Faaye · « **on:** April 21, 2012, 09:33 PM »

I just finished the first book of the 'Fifty Shades of Gray' trilogy (barely) and I can't say I'll be picking up the second or third. Ever.
I saw all the hype on tv about it, searched it up on Amazon, and ignored the hundreds of 'one star reviews.'
I should have listened.
I've never hated a book before, just majorly disliked, but this? This one did it.
I felt like I was trapped in a hole that just kept getting deeper and impossible to climb.
I reaiized by the third chapter that things weren't going to get better.
The heroine made me want to weep in denial that I was reading about her 'Inner Goddess' and the hero made me want to call the Secret Service for stalking and just being creepy.
Creeping isn't romantic.
The vocabulary and grammar were gut wrenching, and the unrealistic plot (sexy billionaire, not millionaire, but billionaire with a BDSM fetish and 21 year old virgin whose never masturbated, but orgasms at the drop of a hat) was embarrassing to read about.
This was apparently considered 'shocking erotica' by the Today Show...I've read more shocking erotica with a Captain Underpants Flip-O-Rama comic.
Basically, the only thing I can think of is WHY? Why did this lady write this book? What possessed her to turn a Twilight fanfiction into a published novel?
Author, lady, whatever your name is...don't quit your day job.

MissM · « **Reply #1 on:** April 21, 2012, 10:06 PM »

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I just finished the first book of the 'Fifty Shades of Gray' trilogy (barely) and I can't say I'll be picking up the second or third. Ever.
I saw all the hype on tv about it, searched it up on Amazon, and ignored the hundreds of 'one star reviews.'
I should have listened.
I've never hated a book before, just majorly disliked, but this? This one did it.
I felt like I was trapped in a hole that just kept getting deeper and impossible to climb.
I reaiized by the third chapter that things weren't going to get better.
The heroine made me want to weep in denial that I was reading about her 'Inner Goddess' and the hero made me want to call the Secret Service for stalking and just being creepy.
Creeping isn't romantic.
The vocabulary and grammar were gut wrenching, and the unrealistic plot (sexy billionaire, not millionaire, but billionaire with a BDSM fetish and 21 year old virgin whose never masturbated, but orgasms at the drop of a hat) was embarrassing to read about.
This was apparently considered 'shocking erotica' by the Today Show...I've read more shocking erotica with a Captain Underpants Flip-O-Rama comic.
Basically, the only thing I can think of is WHY? Why did this lady write this book? What possessed her to turn a Twilight fanfiction into a published novel?
Author, lady, whatever your name is...don't quit your day job.

Okay, this is getting creepy... *laughs*
Sadly, the fanfiction was a major success, therefore was turned into a book. My "subconscious" this and "my inner goddess" that... And suddenly a seemingly normal girl (a virgin no less) discovers that she digs nipple clamps and bondage. Billionare that derives pleasure from torturing women, "reforms", after all he is not a sadist...
Now tell me this, who falls in love with a guy who confesses that he wanted you because he likes to hurt brunettes since he has some mommy issues. I will tell who falls in love with this guy... a really, realy dumb woman, one that shames our entire gender.
About the grammar... English is not my primary language, I make a lot of mistakes as you guys can testify, but an author can't afford to be so careless and unfortunately E.L. James is (when even I know that her grammar is deficient, rest assured it is really bad indeed).

4myeyesonly · « **Reply #2 on:** April 22, 2012, 09:02 AM »

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Why did this lady write this book? What possessed her to turn a Twilight fanfiction into a published novel?
Author, lady, whatever your name is...don't quit your day job.

To answer the question you asked, why?

75% of of the ratings on Goodreads are 4 & 5 stars, that says something about the enjoyment others got out of the book. THAT is why these books were picked up by a publishing house and now there is a movie deal. She is now a wealthy woman because of these books. Can you honestly tell me that you wouldn't publish your book if you had one self published on amazon when they offered you lots of money? Isn't that why people write, to get published!
Obviously it wasn't your cup of tea and that's great, you're allowed your opinion. I don't like Nicolas Sparks novels, HE is a top selling author but I dont get it.

To each their own.

You're right, if I had the chance to be published, I would take it. But before that happened, I would make sure my book was the best it could possibly be. I would make sure my editor payed attention to anything that might not make sense, and have her double and triple read it. There's a fine line between getting published for just the money and getting published because your book deserves it.

Faaye · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2012, 09:26 AM »

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Okay, this is getting creepy... *laughs*
Sadly, the fanfiction was a major success, therefore was turned into a book. My "subconscious" this and "my inner goddess" that... And suddenly a seemingly normal girl (a virgin no less) discovers that she digs nipple clamps and bondage. Billionare that derives pleasure from torturing women, "reforms", after all he is not a sadist...
Now tell me this, who falls in love with a guy who confesses that he wanted you because he likes to hurt brunettes since he has some mommy issues. I will tell who falls in love with this guy... a really, realy dumb woman, one that shames our entire gender.
About the grammar... English is not my primary language, I make a lot of mistakes as you guys can testify, but an author can't afford to be so careless and unfortunately E.L. James is (when even I know that her grammar is deficient, rest assured it is really bad indeed).

That was my reaction! She went from being a virgin to having multiple orgasms in a night, and I was going "there is no way this woman has the drive of a stallion." And the billionaire took complete control of her life up to the point of it being possessive.

Delph · « **Reply #4 on:** April 24, 2012, 12:08 AM »

@ Faaye : I completely agree with you. This is the most over-rated book. This novel starts beautifully and as it progresses it's a disaster.

Just because these things sell and that too very fast, amateur authors indulge in writing about erotica etc. The woman's character is totally killed.
It could have been a beautiful story if she hadn't got lured by the phrase "erotica sells".

The Fan-fics that are getting popular are the ones that involves lots of sex. It's all about getting higher reviews and writing what people want NOT what the story demands. A sad state

Morgan · « **Reply #5 on:** April 24, 2012, 08:19 AM »

I painfully made it through 2 books, thinking that it would eventually live up to at least a portion of the hype, only to find that it's a painful reading experience through the whole story. After awhile I found myself just skipping through the sex scenes because they became so boring and de ja vu and the story had nothing to offer that didn't make me want to scream at the main character or roll my eyes.

Faaye · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2012, 11:25 AM »

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I painfully made it through 2 books, thinking that it would eventually live up to at least a portion of the hype, only to find that it's a painful reading experience through the whole story. After awhile I found myself just skipping through the sex scenes because they became so boring and de ja vu and the story had nothing to offer that didn't make me want to scream at the main character or roll my eyes.

I find it shocking that she was able to fit their whole story into a trilogy when the characters themselves are one-dimensional. She should have ended the first book and called it a day.

MissM · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2012, 05:22 PM »

It saddens me that people buy books just to read about sex. Mind you it's not even good sex, it's just an unending repetition of the same stuff. There are some fics that are heartbreakingly beautiful, masterfully written, the characters are complex... and nobody reads the stuff. Or reviews it for that matter. Those are the ones that should be published, not a poorly written, unimaginative story.
The fact that it's popular says nothing about the quality of her work. People indulge in all sorts of questionable entertainment and it's not different when it comes down to literature.
Even those who like it can't say the story is credible or the characters have depth.
So, I'd advise people to not waste their time. Go read a real book.

Faaye · « **Reply #8 on:** April 24, 2012, 08:16 PM »

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It saddens me that people buy books just to read about sex. Mind you it's not even good sex, it's just an unending repetition of the same stuff. There are some fics that are heartbreakingly beautiful, masterfully written, the characters are complex... and nobody reads the stuff. Or reviews it for that matter. Those are the ones that should be published, not a poorly written, unimaginative story.
The fact that it's popular says nothing about the quality of her work. People indulge in all sorts of questionable entertainment and it's not different when it comes down to literature.
Even those who like it can't say the story is credible or the characters have depth.
So, I'd advise people to not waste their time. Go read a real book.

You're absolutely right. I know so many people that hate a book simply because it's lacking a sex scene. Books are not NOT ALLOWED!

lindahoward · « **Reply #9 on:** April 28, 2012, 07:09 AM »

I thought I was the only one who could not get through the books, I just don't get the hype of this book but then I thought Twilight was also terrible. Fifty should have stopped at Book 1. I have read far better superior BDSM. I think Sylvia Day's new book blows the fifty trilogy away.

GemmaJordan · « **Reply #10 on:** May 02, 2012, 03:43 AM »

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I just finished the first book of the 'Fifty Shades of Gray' trilogy (barely) and I can't say I'll be picking up the second or third. Ever.
I saw all the hype on tv about it, searched it up on Amazon, and ignored the hundreds of 'one star reviews.'
I should have listened.
I've never hated a book before, just majorly disliked, but this? This one did it.
I felt like I was trapped in a hole that just kept getting deeper and impossible to climb.
I reaiized by the third chapter that things weren't going to get better.
The heroine made me want to weep in denial that I was reading about her 'Inner Goddess' and the hero made me want to call the Secret Service for stalking and just being creepy.
Creeping isn't romantic.
The vocabulary and grammar were gut wrenching, and the unrealistic plot (sexy billionaire, not millionaire, but billionaire with a BDSM fetish and 21 year old virgin whose never masturbated, but orgasms at the drop of a hat) was embarrassing to read about.
This was apparently considered 'shocking erotica' by the Today Show...I've read more shocking erotica with a Captain Underpants Flip-O-Rama comic.
Basically, the only thing I can think of is WHY? Why did this lady write this book? What possessed her to turn a Twilight fanfiction into a published novel?
Author, lady, whatever your name is...don't quit your day job.

You should definitely read the second and third book, it has a wonderful ending and the BDSM dies down

MissM · « **Reply #11 on:** May 02, 2012, 05:01 PM »

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You should definitely read the second and third book, it has a wonderful ending and the BDSM dies down

Hum, I know your message wasn't meant for me, but I'd like to say that I read the three books. My opinion is that it gets even more painful by book three. The plot is ridiculous and the conclusion left me thinking, "WTF, if this sort of thing gets published, there are some fanfic authors out there that deserve the Nobel prize of literature, because they are WAY, WAY better than this"

123_4 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 03, 2012, 10:06 AM »

I just finished book two and I am questioning the worth of reading Book 3 (because I hate unfinished stories).

I must say that there are (many, many) parts of the scenario that baffles me. I get that the relationship is intense and they don't feel like it's moving fast but, seriously, less than a month?? That's enough for the BDSM addict who never commits to anything to want to get married to the girl who was also as reticent about marriage?

And the change in both characters is so sudden that I just don't buy it... Sorry for fans out there, but personal change on that deep a level can never occur at this pace. It's just so fake... (I know it's a book and all, but jeez, lady writer...) And I agree with MissM, the writing is a torture. It feels like I am reading the diary of my teenage cousin. "Jeez"

Quite a rant, but I have been tortured to 800 pages of crappiness and needed to let the steam off.

But hey, there are (small) bits and pieces that are nice. (sort of) $:-\$

And she got the chance to be published, and be buzz, good for her. (I guess...)

Mallie · « **Reply #13 on:** May 06, 2012, 05:37 PM »

I thought the writing of the book was horrid...the sex scenes were repetitive (I could only take her screaming "Oh golly!" as she orgasmed so many times--though I do guess it was better than the few times she went "Arrgh!" which I can only guess is how how a pirate sounds when they climax)...the constant inner monolouge about an inner goddess she could literally see was childish...and just everything was just either too redundant or too out there.

My biggest problem with the book is that he treats her like a submissive even after she's his girlfriend

Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.

[/spoiler]...despite her repeated reluctance to being that. She made it clear early on that she liked submitting to him in the bedroom, liked letting him own her body, and even didn't mind letting him let out his anger on her -- but he continued to try to lord over other areas of her life too (her job, her friends, her eating habits, etc.) and when she didn't do exactly as he said in those areas he would feel the desire to...and this is a direct quote...."beat the shit" out of her. In those instance he came off as a warped abusive man...and not a slightly troubled Dom. Maybe that's just my personal preference for the type of BDSM that ends in the bedroom (or wherever the sex is happening).

All that being said I do credit the triology with introducing me to the genre of BDSM. I had always been intrigued by it...but read this one because of the hype. Even knowing the writing was horrible, I kept reading because the genre is interesting. I think the BDSM feel to the book is a big credit to it's mainstream success. People are always looking for the shock value. Plus, while it lacks writing skills and layered characters it does have certain 'intensity' to it and I think a lot of people are drawn to stories that paint love in such an intense and obsessive light.

There's only one book of it out so far...but I think Sylvia Day's Crossfire series accomplishes this type of story much more effectively. The characters are far more layered, the sex scenes less repetitive, the writing all around better while the story remains just as intense. There's not as much extreme bondage yet....but it's getting there. I like the element of how in Bared To You he begins to realize the heroine is a submissive due to things that have happened in her life....rather than how in Fifty Shades, it always seemed like he was trying to force her to be one for his own purposes.

annie11 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 12, 2012, 03:31 AM »

I finished reading fifty shades of grey by E.L James and i admit I am one of those who succumbed to all the hype over this ridiculous book.As someone rightly mentioned this is creepy nauseous book.Those who like only sex this book is for you but those who prefer plot,romance,angst and beautiful literature don't even think about buying this book.Even if its free its not worth your time.Why i could not like this book?
1.Mr.Grey knew she was a virgin and inexperienced but still wanted her as submissive/bondage servant.
2.In the entire book not once did i read that Christian was busy with work.I understand he is billionaire but they too work right.(he was always at Heathman Hotel)
3.Christian makes Ana taste her own virgin blood!....ewww thats disgusting!
4.there was always a 'holy cow','holy shit','holy moses'..
5.Ana used Christian's toothbrush and thinks that is erotic.Its unhygienic that is what it is.
6.Ana bites her lip he finds it sexy,she gasps he finds it sexy,she whispers,she wears pigtails,her breath hitches he finds it sexy.So I was thinking that even when she farts he will find it sexy and arousing.

There was only one good thing in this entirely trash book,their interaction through email.And even then it is not enough reason for anyone to waste their time or money on this book.

linked · « **Reply #15 on:** May 12, 2012, 09:43 AM »

I understand your feelings OP. I will just say that I know a lot of folks loved this book, but I wasn't one. I'm not against fanfic becoming a book though. There's some really great fic out there. I generally read fics from one of my fave Asian centered forums, soompi. There are some great original and translated fics there. Quite a few of them turned into books. So, yeh, I can't knock fic, but at least most of those fics aren't based on already wildly popular book characters. I think that makes for better character development when you're aren't piggy backing off of other characters.

Katerandomness · « **Reply #16 on:** May 12, 2012, 12:10 PM »

I have to defend this book, although I couldn't finish the second book 'cause the plot was getting tedious.

I don't think there's anything wrong with a rich guy who's into BDSM and has mommy issues. Like people who have psychological issues and prefer an alternate sexual lifestyle have to be broke?

And I think, yes, I would fall for this guy. Ana didn't know he's a sadist at the beginning. By the time she knew it, she'd already fallen for him. And I don't think that's a shame on the entire female gender - that's such a mean thing to say, and that statement is exactly why some people think feminists are just a bunch of crazy women. Why would someone be a shame on a gender by choosing to love someone else? Even if it seems unreasonable to others.

BUT. Yes, in terms of grammar and writing and plot. I don't see why it's that popular.

MissM · « **Reply #17 on:** May 12, 2012, 01:57 PM »

I don't think there's anything wrong with a rich guy who's into BDSM and has mommy issues. Like people who have psychological issues and prefer an alternate sexual lifestyle have to be broke?
On the main character's own words - he is broke. It's not about having an alternative lifestyle, to each their own. It's about selecting girls who look like his mother and using them as a escape goat for his unresolved issues. I'm sorry but that is sick.

And I think, yes, I would fall for this guy. Ana didn't know he's a sadist at the beginning. By the time she knew it, she'd already fallen for him.
Sorry, but I have a problem with this statement. Being a sadist is a major character trait that she didn't know about. Not knowing favorite colour, that's fine. Not knowing that the guy enjoys seeing other person suffer, that's disturbing. How do you fall in love with someone you don't know? It's being in love with an illusion, not the real person.

And I don't think that's a shame on the entire female gender - that's such a mean thing to say, and that statement is exactly why some people think feminists are just a bunch of crazy women. Why would someone be a shame on a gender by choosing to love someone else? Even if it seems unreasonable to others.
I'm sorry but she chooses to love a sadist who wanted to take out on her body the anger he felt for his mom? And she chooses to love him? Yep, I'd rather be mean and crazy, instead of the kind of woman who serves as a doormat for a man, just for the sake of "love".

BOOKIEMOMMA · « **Reply #18 on:** May 12, 2012, 02:29 PM »

It is so nice to know I am NOT the only one to hate this trash. Terrible book, and not worth the hype. Ugh!

Katerandomness · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2012, 04:20 PM »

OK. You have a point. Christian Grey is sick and definitely many women don't like to be treated like Ana.

The only thing I can't understand is how people judge Ana - saying that she has no self-respect, she is a doormat, blah blah.
What if she gains pleasure out of this? What if she likes being treated this way. What if she never considers herself suffering because she enjoys being with Christian Grey?
I guess that makes her even a bigger shame?
But I think she would only be a shame if she didn't pursue what she likes because she didn't want to be called a shame and a doormat.

Fifty Shades of Painful Reading Experience

Author Topic: Fifty Shades of Painful Reading Experience (Read 18457 times)

Faaye

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MissM

4myeyesonly

Faaye

Delph

Morgan

Faaye

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GemmaJordan

MissM

123_4

Mallie

annie11

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MissM

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Fifty Shades of Painful Reading Experience

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