Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Fifty Shades of Disappointment

By now I'm sure most of you have heard of the newest, hottest book that seems to be making the rounds and has been dubbed "mommy p*rn" (btw I hate that). Yes I'm talking about Fifty Shades of Grey. Well I finally finished reading the first book of the series the other day and wanted to give my review since unlike most people I didn't really like it. *Gasp*!


First I should say this is the first real book I've read since having Hunter. Obviously I don't have much time for reading nowadays. Hell it takes me 4 days to read my Us Weekly's. But I downloaded it on my Kindle and would read while I pumped at work or at home. So having to read in little 15 minute increments here and there was a bit tough.

Anyways, back to the point, yeah not so in love with this book. For those that don't know, it's apparently some fan fiction based loosely off of Twilight and you can definitely see the similarities between the characters- an impossibly handsome, super rich, kinda dark and mysterious guy falls for an average looking, clumsy, naive, innocent girl and pulls her into his dark and twisty lifestyle. Only instead of vampires it's kinky sex.

First let's start with the sex, which let's be honest is the reason why I most people read this book. In the beginning I admit it's kinda hot but there are SO many sex scenes that towards the end I just started skimming them because they were not only redundant but unrealistic in my opinion. I was like "Really? They are doing it again?" Pretty much anytime they are in the same room with each other they have to be humping. And maybe I'm weird but the thought of having sex that many times in one day just sounds painful.

It was also incredibly unrealistic to me that this 21 year old *spoiler alert* virgin whose never even touched herself would suddenly give it up after only knowing this guy for a few days and not only that but be willing to do some of the stuff that he's into all because he's super good looking.

I also couldn't root for the couple. The main guy, Christian (love the name btw), is a super controlling, jealous, abusive, creepy, stalker with enough emotional baggage to fill an airport. So what if he's rich and good looking? And Ana is just irritating (if she mentioned her inner goddess one more time I was gonna lose it). Basically all the characteristics that I hated about Edward and Bella in Twilight these two possessed.

And finally the writing itself is just terrible and redundant. Ana says the same few expressions throughout the book and there just didn't seem to be much of a story other than all the sex.

I should say, it wasn't the worst book I've read and there were some parts I enjoyed and that kept my attention but I just don't see why people love this book so much and root for this couple? I heard that books 2 and 3 are much better so I was tempted to read them anyway but I don't want to waste what little reading time I have if it's just more of the same.

So tell me...have you read this book? Did you like it? Am I missing something about why this is so great?

18 comments:

princessapr said...

I have it on hold at the library, but I can guarantee I won't like it. Maybe my expectations will be so low that I will, who knows. I'm not a fan of the Twilight books and, from what I read of this book, I don't care for the style of writing at all. The sex doesn't bother me, but there still needs to be a strong story. I do have friends who have liked it, but we don't necessarily share the same favorite books. They also had the same criticisms you did.

Lindsay said...

I'm about halfway through the first book so far, and I like it. It's definitely not the best book I've ever read... And I have to agree about the whole virgin thing. It's a little far fetched for me to believe that she's a virgin and then all of a sudden having all of this crazy sex multiple times a day. It makes me sore just reading it!

Unknown said...

been wondering about this! i dont have time to read, but everyone is talking about it. now i don't need to, so thanks!

Heather said...

I haven't read this book yet and probably won't. Based on your review, I don't think I'll like it, since I'm also not a huge fan of the Edward and Bella characters. I like romance stories with strong female leads that deal with realistic human relationships/emotions and don't just focus on sex for the sake of it.

Stephanie said...

This is my favorite part of the entire post:

"And maybe I'm weird but the thought of having sex that many times in one day just sounds painful."

I'm not interested in reading it. If I'm in need of that much action, I'm sure the Mister can help a sister out!

Venassa said...

I've never even heard of the book until now. I guess I'm out of the loop. I'd probably read it if it fell into my hands, but from your review I definitely won't go looking for it. I'm intrigued, but not enough to pay for it. I already wasn't the biggest Twilight fan so it doesn't sound like I'd love this one either.

Melissa at Tall Blonde Blog said...

Interesting! I was going to add it to my list, but it's taking me forever to even finish The Hunger Games. I have the 15 minute increment problem too.

Glad to hear a different perspective!

Jennifer said...

I've just started it and I haven't really been swayed one way or the other yet! I love reading everyones reviews though :)
New follower and I found you from shannon's blog!

Karen said...

Totally disagree with you on this one. I read all three books in the series in a few days. Couldn't put them down. The sex scenes were a bit much but I got totally wrapped up in the characters.

Karen said...

Totally disagree with you on this one. I read all three books in the series in a few days. Couldn't put them down. The sex scenes were a bit much but I got totally wrapped up in the characters.

Marian said...

I haven't read the books...but I did hear that Ian Smolderhan( or something...from Vampire Diaries) was in talks for the male lead if it was to be made into a movie. I have a mega crush on him and his eyes so I wouldn't complain:)

Unknown said...

my sister gave up reading it and is now sending it to me to give it a shot to see what i think of it. i've heard a lot of mixed reviews so i'm going to give it a shot.

bananas. said...

i haven't read the book but i am tempted...i like to be in the know and since this is basically the talk of the town lately i think i need to see what all the hype is about and formulate my own opinion.

that said it's refreshing to read an honest opinion of the book. sounds like i might be on your side...i'll let you know once i read the book.

Meg said...

I've already told you my two cents on this book/series. I am half way through the third book and love it. I am completely invested in the characters. I agree that the first book was a little weird, definitely missing a plot but the second and third book--swoon!

I never read the Twlight series (nor do I have any intention to do so) so I cannot compare it to those. You are right though, they are constantly have sex, which I find a little strange not to mention, they come at the same time nearly every time and honestly, how realistic is that? Right, not so much! LOL.

I do think you should give the second book at least a try and see what you think. It's an easy read, but you're right, your time is precious so that my friend is up to you. ;)

Mrs. Pancakes said...

Sounds like a great read....thus is my second time hearing about the book!

Laura said...

I think I would HATE this book, too..as I was also not a fan of Twilight for the same reasons.

I saw this video this morning of Ellen doing a reading from it and thought you would get a kick out of!
http://jezebel.com/5905538/ellen-degeneres-reads-aloud-50-shades-of-grey

AmyJean {Relentless Bride®} said...

I haven't read the book but i had to comment - i have like 7 back issues of us weekly in the bathroom and my husband keeps saying "can i throw these out?"... i used to read them every time i went to the gym (which was daily) but now they collect dust in the bathroom :( LOL

Courtney B said...

Honestly, if the book WASN'T all about sex I'd totally be reading it. But I don't want to waste my time reading about fairly unrealistic sex scenes the whole time..... But it is a bummer because I've heard SO many good things about the book. According to this though, I might not be missing out :)