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Fifty Shades of Grey - Book Review

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by Miss Ambiguity (subscribe)
Email: [email protected] Blog: coming soon
Published July 3rd 2012
I was recently invited into the 'novel' world of Fifty Shades of Grey. Needing a new book to read, and with limited free time to get through a literary masterpiece, I welcomed this trilogy with open arms. Unbeknownst to me, it opened my eyes as well.

This series has all the fundamentals of what a romance novel should have, such as inexperienced girl meets boy with troubled past. Boy is wealthy and showers girl with ridiculously expensive gifts. Girl falls desperately in love with boy. Calamity ensues in the form of break up's, jealous exes and jaded family members. Alas, boy and girl survive and live happily ever after, or do they (I don't want to give it away after all).

I hear you asking, why read a story that has been written over and over again with a plot that is more predictable than night following day? My answer, because amidst all of the falling in love and troubled times, there is passion. Unbridled, racy, no holding back, immense pleasure and passion. For those who needed to use their imagination when reading about Bella and Edward's steamy moments in the Twilight novels, Fifty Shades spells it out for you.

If the rumours are true and this trilogy really is headed for the big screen, you would definitely need to be 18 years or over to watch it. Which in my mind isn't necessarily a bad thing?

I have heard people (mostly women, who perhaps need to lighten up a little) refer to these books as 'Mummy porn', insinuating that they are only suitable for married mothers who's daily lives involve little or no intimacy with their husbands. True perhaps for some, let's face it, keeping the romance alive when you have small children to feed, dress, play with, read to and bath etc, is no easy feat. If you are one of the lucky few who have managed to keep that flame alight, then more power to you, but please refrain from rubbing it in.

Fifty Shades of Grey
The Trilogy


I invite men, women and especially the critics, to take a chance with Fifty. These novels do not claim to be the 20th century Karma Sutra hand book, but they do offer their reader an insight into a world of pleasure, toys, dominance, submissiveness, lust and love.

A word of warning, I don't suggest taking this title to your weekly book club get together, it should be confined to personal space of some sort. I do suggest however, that if you are looking for an entertaining read, allow yourself to be immersed in Fifty Shades of OMG!
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Why? Find out who Christian Grey is.
Your Comment
Very much like the style of your review, quick and snappy entertaining. While I have not opened a page, the criticism I hear is about the image of a submissive girl / woman casting the feminest interests back decades. A wish -- by me -- that not happen, father that I am to girls. Yet, I too think some tight-minded need -- as you say -- to relax and enjoy the sensual gifts. Your views are appreciated.
by rgcop (score: 1|32) 3994 days ago
i'm currently reading the first in the series and perhaps instead of listening to others give it a go. While it it's great literate it's certainly gives you something to think about
by Victo79 (score: 1|15) 3992 days ago
I've read all three books. Entertaining but quite poorly written in terms of constant repetitions I found in scenes / conversations.
But an easy read and I think the feminists need to keep their knickers on. Domination in the bedroom (whether you like it or not yourself) is definitely a form of sex a lot of ladies enjoy. I highly doubt these books will cause any damage to women's lib!
by krist216 (score: 0|3) 3992 days ago
Yes, it appears that this is a common misconception about the Fifty trilogy. The books were a topic of discussion on a TV show recently and I found myself yelling at the non responsive box telling the journalists how very wrong they were. Fifty shades is portrayed as being about a man tying up women and beating them into submissiveness. For those of you who are into that, sorry to burst your bubble, but this is not the case (for the most part). I have a daughter myself and agree that it would be a grave misgiving to suggest that women enjoy being controlled, or worse, to encourage it. I encourage you to 'turn a page' though, let your 'lizard mind' take you out of our very uptight and hectic world for a few hours. It is fiction after all. Thank you for your comments.
by Miss Ambiguity (score: 1|17) 3993 days ago
Having just finished the second of the Grey Trilogies earlier today I can honestly say that after a while the "bedroom and kinky" scenes get a bit repetitive and need I say blah blah blah.... I mean seriously it is a bit far fetched and unrealistic. But having said that what I think is keeping me (and my girlfriends aswell) engaged is whether Ana can finally get Grey to transition from the darkness into the light... So on to #3 to get my answer!!!!
by maria (score: 1|20) 3993 days ago
I've heard a critic describe this book as "Fifty Shades Of Sh*t". With respect, I think I'll stay with that particular critic's more concise analysis of this 'novel',
by tone7 (score: 1|55) 3993 days ago
nice article. the book appears to set feminism back by 100 years. as a girl myself I find it appalling to see how women still enjoy the idea of being submissive and dominated therefore piggybacking this book to the bestseller list.
by Joy (score: 3|1945) 3993 days ago
So....it also became the best selling book in the UK, and Australia, of all time...

OF ALL TIME. Crazy stuff.
by danie (score: 0|2) 3920 days ago
Lots of exciting to the be-holder of worlds of love and attachment and even the excitment of the perceived as a kinky attraction but so satisfying in the accepting culture it is a part of.
by rgcop (score: 1|32) 3984 days ago
I'm nearly finished the 2nd book and can't wait to get into the 3rd! It's certainly opened my eyes to a different world!
by jan.d (score: 2|109) 3984 days ago
Loved you write up of the books :-) I personally don't mind a bit of sex in my life and if it involves a spanking and some dress up a couple of photos then I'm all for it, I'm a grown consenting adult of 38 and love my partner very much, I'm happy to kink things up a bit, live on the wild side, life's to short to not do what you want to do or try it before its too late, I know it's only a book but good on them for having lust and passion in their relationship
by skysh (score: 0|3) 3989 days ago
Men do like to control women sexually ,it takes two to tango !Maybe we do it to compensate all that emotional shit we have to endure ..... Get it LIFE'S LIKE THAT ,or just don't go there I'm sure millions of readers can't be wrong ?
by harit (score: 0|3) 3990 days ago
It's an amazing story, I just wish people would read it for the amazing love story it is not just "those" scenes. It's a beautiful love tale and I loved every minute of it. P.s. iv never read a book in my life and I read the entire trilogy in a week lol it must be good :)
by m_mas (score: 0|3) 3991 days ago
Just finished the 2nd book and I think they are a great read. Not sure why some people are kicking up a fuss about the books at all... get a life it's fiction!!!!
People should read the books themselves before making comments... "Christian Grey"... I'll take two!
by l_gcr (score: 0|2) 3991 days ago
Nearly finished book 2 and I have to say its a good read BUT how much can these two get it on I mean really ? Surely this is bordering sex addiction. We get his hot and rich and she has nothing to compare to but hey now that desperate housewives is over what's left for those looking for a quick fix
by Lolly (score: 0|2) 3992 days ago
Read all three 50's and found them spicy, erotic and sexy! Who cares if James is a mediocre writer, she put something back in my life that I thought had gone forever............fun & fantasy! By the way, I am in my 60's not a young stay at home mom!
by Mikie (score: 0|6) 3992 days ago
Interesting description by that critic. I guess it's just not for everyone. Thanks for taking the time to read my review though.
by Miss Ambiguity (score: 1|17) 3993 days ago
I tried to read this book, but could not. It's not just the story, but it is badly written and poorly edited. The story, as far as I saw by the time I gave up, is nonsense.

But I think here you will find it said better than anyone else ever could: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/340987215
by Retired Writer 185368 (score: 2|168) 3880 days ago
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