Let's start by saying that I don't mind the book. It's not the most amazingly written piece of literature, but it's an alright read. Yes, there are sex scenes in the book and {I've only read the first book so far} no, they haven't been as horribly disgusting as I imagined they were going to be based on everyone's reaction to the book. Yeah, some of it is weird...like I wouldn't do it. But whatever, it's a story.
I think one of the hugest reasons why people are freaking out is because they haven't actually read the book, or they read the first couple chapters and were like HOLY COW THIS IS SO DIRTY I WILL NEVER READ THIS AGAIN IT'S APPALLING. I am of the belief that if you're going to write an essay on how much you hate something, at least read the whole dang book first. Haha..I said dang. Look at me being all family-friendly.
In seriousness though - people haven't read the whole book and they're making it sounds like the devil's work. I totally understand if you think it's disgusting and weird and pornographic, because okay, it is. But there IS a story in there, and it ISN'T entirely BDSM...it's actually a lot less freaky than I expected it to be. And she's pretty much not even submissive, so you guys can stop getting all HOLYMACKERAL {family-friendly ;)} that she is being a disgrace to women etc etc.
Also, I'd like to make a point that just because you read or enjoyed this book, your marriage/relationship ISN'T in shambles. I have legitimately read this "point" multiple times in anti-fifty shades posts... I don't get it? There is nothing wrong with your relationship if you wish to incorporate a little fantasy or whatever. Just because you like to "spice up your life" doesn't mean that you have intimacy issues with your partner or something. People do stuff. It's fun and it's OKAY and your relationship is not over or falling apart.
I'm sure I'll get angry comments and un-follows. I'm prepared to deal with that, cause honestly I think the uproar is a little over the top. I'm all for reading whatever you want, and some people are totally bashing anyone that isn't all ANTIFIFTYSHADES!!!!!!, and that's not okay. Freedom of reading guys...is that a thing? It must be. Or it is now. Cause I just made it that. Let's try not to do anymore judging, k?
AND PS - I am totally open to comments on this, but if you're just going to bash me for not hating the book then don't bother commenting. Witty banter/intelligent arguments only please, haha.
43 comments:
I read it and didn't think it was that bad. To each his or her own.
Well.... good for you! I have read book 1 and 2 and just started 3. It's a love story. Unusual yes. I find it interesting. Learned a few things I didn't know about lol! I agree it's not for everyone. But what book is? I have talked to many women who LOVE the books. That's why I started reading it. My daughter who is 30 recommended that I read it. I must say that I am enjoying every single page. It's fantasy (not real). That's what makes it so good. It's about adults over the age of 18 doing things they both enjoy and not hurting anyone.. I guess what I'm trying to say don't knock it until you've read it :) You may be pleasantly surprised ;) Oh and nice to meet you. I am a new linky follower. Brave post! Enjoy the last 2 books.
Freedom of reading! Haha brilliant!
I personally haven't read it. The hype makes me curious so I'm sure I will get round to it eventually. Glad to hear a rather balanced opinion on the topic :)
I have read the first and am about halfway through the second book. I found there was so much hype about these books and I was sort of let down. They aren't bad just not amazing like so many had said. I am actually starting to really enjoy the story taking place in the second book!
I haven't read the books, but of course I've seen the uproar. usually when something becomes as popular as it is, I totally lose interest in it. Happy reading:)
I loved the book. I agree with you that the people who haven't read it. it did get a lot of hype and I was kinda let down towards the end. But to me it was a love story.
The second and third books are more of a love story! The second has been my favorite so far. You have to take the "raunch" with a grain of salt...it's not like you couldn't skip over it if you didn't want to read it. It's not the WHOLE book.
I think most people haven't read it and don't plan to read it but still have a strong opinion about it! I think you're right, if you're going to have a strong opinion, you better have something to base it on!
As a huge reader and a writer (Of sorts) I was bemused by the hype and labels attached to this series of books, I didn't think it was a story I would choose to read, but then I thought how can I judge something if I don't read it so I downloaded it to the kindle and I have to agree with you. It is not as bad as I feared. Yes the writing is a bit clichéd and it won't win any literary prizes but it wasn't set out to achieve that. I think beneath the hype, beyond the oh so shouted about scenes, there really is a love story and the story is what is keeping me reading. So fair play for posting about this because the hype really does make the books more than they are. People need to read before they shout and ball I agree. Take care Zo xx
I don't like reading that kind of "sexy". I prefer more YA lit, so I was never going to read it in the first place. However, after reading how horrible the writing is there's no way you could get me to read it. I hate doing it, but I've stopped books in the middle of series because the bad writing just got to me (I'm looking at you PC & Kristen Cast and your need to remind everybody how cool your character is with her "brown pop").
I read half of the first one and lost interest. You're right, it isn't the most well-written book.
--Laura
http://caffeinatedpinkaholic.blogspot.com
YAY another non-hater. They do get better the further into the series you go. It becomes less and less about the sex and more about their relationship and evolution as characters. I really loved them!
I hated this book. Hated. I just didn't think the writing was good at all, the entire thing was repetitive and I found the characters boring.
If others like it that's cool. I just felt like I wasted my time reading it.
Different strokes for different folks (um... that sounds dirty... oops...)
I agree with everything you said! I loved the book for the story. Yes, it was horribly written and repetitive, but the underlying love story was good. The fact that people are bashing it without even reading it gets me annoyed. Read it before bashing it! haha
I love this post! I've seen so many reviews but not many like this.
I've yet to read it... I go back and forth on whether or not I want to actually, but now I think I might just so I can get my own dang opinion about this book.
I've heard the next two are better reads than the first. I'm guessing it's kind of a you love it or you hate it kind of book.
I'm glad you're in between. That's refreshing. I think that's how I'll end up feeling about it.
Not the best, not the worst.
Man, rambling... I just need to read the dang book.
Totally agree! "freedom of reading..." as I said ;) hahaha
Totally agree with everything you said! Some people love it, some hate it - but don't knock it til you try it. Haha :) Thanks for following along and commenting!
It is hyped up to be a lot more than it is I feel, well I guess exactly as I explained in my post. People aren't reading it before they're going off the edge about it so it's become a lot more than it actually is. I'm starting the 2nd book today :)
I LOVED everything you said above and completely agree with all of it. I read the first book in one day and just couldn't put it down. I was super pissed at the way it ended but knew it would obviously get better since there are 2 other books so I kept reading! I just finished the 2nd book the other day and about to start the last one.
Like you said, everyone was talking bad about the BDSM involved without even giving it a chance. Anyone who reads the book realizes that it's more about their relationship. This is the first "sub" that Christian has wanted to fall in love with and it's about their relationship as a real couple, not as a sub/dom relationship. I loved that! Christian actually seems like a real sweetie in my opinion. The ending of the 2nd book completely sold me on him!
I agree! Started the 2nd book today on my train ride and I am intrigued to see what happens :)
Haha I'm the total opposite - I'm like I NEED TO READ THIS WHY IS EVERYONE GOING CRAZY!!
I on the second one and I am enjoying it, especially more-so that I have read the end of the first it really solidifies that this is about more than sub/dom relationship!
Thanks for your comments! I've started the second today and am very interested to get through it and the third!
For me it wasn't the raunch that bugged me... I don't mind a book with some hot sex scenes. But poor writing can't be masked by raunch.
And some of us that don't like the books are basing it on the fact that we HAVE read them and didn't like them.
Thanks very much for your comments Zo!! I completely agree with you, I was a little turned off of the book at first because it just seemed quite intense but I gave it that chance before judging it and I am glad I did.
Yeah, I read a series of Meg Cabots a little while ago, the "Size 12 Is Not Fat" series and the writing just wasn't great. Yeah, it was an okay, semi-intriguing plot and I felt that because I read the first I needed to read the second and third, but by the time I got to the third and the EXACT same plot was happening for a third time I put it down halfway through and started something else. I hate doing that but sometimes it's justified!
Definitely, at least you read half instead of the first chapter though! haha
Yes - I have finished the first and started the second now and I can definitely agree with that. Can't wait to keep reading!
Hahha....no pun intended, right Krysten? ;)
I am glad you have the "like it if you want" attitude because that's completely how I am about it. I don't think it has that great of writing either but the storyline does reel me in a bit.
I think the decision to like or dislike something should be based off of personal preference not moral correctness. For example I, personally, do not care for most of Anne Rice's works. Is she extremely well known and acknowledged amongst the literary world? Uh?... Yeah! But after my first experience with her novels I found they were a little darker than my blood shade. Does that mean she is awful? Does that mean I should make it my personal goal to ensure her more demonic pieces are not seen by humanity? Of course not! I just don't read them! Unless they are presenting the idea of including these books in children's sex ed courses what is the big deal? But from what I have read (as well) some people are acting as if this is exactly what is happening! It's just a story, you have the choice as to whether or not it was written to be included in your story, end of story! haha
Great post Love!
Jessa
I know, totally agree. To be fair, just read it THEN give your opinion! Almost all the reviews I read bashing it were talking about a storyline that ISN'T Fifty Shades of Grey, they just assume its BSDM the entire way through when it's not at all
Yay so glad Amber! I would read it, just to get your own dang opinion. Haha...dang.
And yes, I've started the second today and am liking it already. I am definitely interested enough to keep reading.
Definitely!! Can't wait to finish the second cause it's all the rave apparently...! Started it today on the train ride. Glad you agree Danielle :D
Love the way you put this:
It's just a story, you have the choice as to whether or not it was written to be included in your story, end of story!
That's the best and exactly how I feel as well!! Well said Jessa. I don't care for a lot of books that other people love....but do I care? Nope. I DON'T CURR. Haha.. oh gosh I'll stop now. Thanks for your comment :)
I haven't read the book. I probably won't. But I do agree that book bashing is almost always unfounded. I read (and enjoy) Harry Potter. And, horror of horrors, I am reading it in my Christian household to my Christian kids. And, a whole lot of Christians disagree with that too. But that is their choice and this is mine.
I have not read either book, but I appreciate my freedom to choose what I read, watch and listen to very much. I would never want to live in a place where someone tells me what is acceptable and what is not. If we prize our freedom to worship, freedom to raise our children in Christ, then to make sure we protect those freedoms should be a priority. If it's not your thing, that's ok! :)
Tanya
ps- I will not stop following you btw ;)
Girl!!! I felt exactly the same way! I like to consider myself open minded and in part, well read. SO when the uproar began I decided to read them to see for myself. Yes, they are romance novels as it were, yes there are crazy things going down that some people wouldn't do... but come on. It was never depicted as a book to read for family night!!! What else would you expect! I feel like the story itself is a good one! They made for a fun and easy read. I've read all three by the way. If it's not your thing, it's not your thing... don't read them then. But don't claim you know what they're about, right!?!! Also, can I just say I was scared at first because everyone made them seem so bad... So HUGELY based on BDSM, and really, the scenes that are in the books are super tame. Any who.. that's my two cents. ;)
Hahah to be honest I really don't understand the whole Christian's not letting their kids read Harry Potter.....I don't get it at all. I really respect that you respect others choices as well!
Well said Tanya, and I'm glad you're sticking around for more! ;)
YES, that's what bothered me is everyone was like BDSMONEVERYPAGE!!!!!THEHORRORR!!!!! but the scenes are so not what I was picturing for such an uproar. Each to their own!
With all due respect I would like to weigh in with a different perspective. As a wife who had her heart broken by a husband who struggled with an addiction to porn, I feel strongly this book and many books, movies, and tv programs have no business in the life of a Beleiver.
I don't feel I need to try something in order to form an opinion. I have made a decisioni not to read it for a few reasons and I feel my thoughts are just as valid as those who have read the book.
First the secular world itself calls this book mommy porn, and after being devistated by porn I want no part of it. How can I possibly demand my husband not indulge in something visually that I participate in mentally. I feel I have no right watching or reading about anything the Bible clearly defines as immorality, sexual perversion, adultrous, deviant. Sex is sacred and a special act sanctioned by God between a married man and woman. If sexual perversion and immorality is wrong in real life, why take part in it with my imagination. Some have stated its ok because the characters get married in the end. My husband asks, can he view porn as long as it is between a married couple? What is.the difference between watching immoral acts and reading about them. The Bible says we are not supposed to talk about wicked immoral deeds done in darkness, but now we don't just speak about.them, we read and watch them.
I will not read this book because of the testimony and plea of a woman who was a member of a group of who sold themselves into sexual bondage. For the sake of thousands who are sold unwillingly into bondage she has begged women not to buy, suport, or glorify this story. I will try to post her article if there is an interest.
We are given such precious few days on this earth, and I would rather read a book that edifies, encourages, and strengthens my life, marriage, and walk with the Lord and this book does not fall within these parameters. There is so much more I could say, but I think you get the just of my thoughts.
OMG Thank you. People have been freaking out for no reason. I liked the books and my husband liked that I read them. lol
Laters Baby
ha!
Hahahha...clever!!! laters baby ;)
Well maybe I am wierd because I actually loved it! LOL AND I did follow a story line.
I completely agree with this post, it is just a story, why are people getting so worked up over a fictional story? In my opinion there are way too many real life issues and problems to deal with, my time is better served dealing with those, than spending countless hours bashing a fictional book.
Post a Comment