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Contrary to what to what my husband might think, I am not a complicated person.
I do have a tendency to over think things however, so when it comes time to winding down, I like my movies and books to be simple yet intriguing.
I like to be captivated, transformed, and taken away to another place. I crave escapism.
That is exactly what I got with the Fifty Shades trilogy.
Unsurprisingly, given their cult-following, the books and the author have received a lot of criticism.
They have been labelled as smut and mummy porn. They have been criticised as an unrealistic portrayal of the BDSM lifestyle and of glorifying abusive relationships.
I find these judgements more than a little frustrating. Did I miss the reclassification of the genre of fiction? There are certainly many other bestselling books that feature themes far more disturbing and elicit, yet have received much less attention. As for the smut, one day I will write a detailed post about the differences between a LOVE STORY that enamours women and conventional pornography. But for now I know my parents are reading 
All of the disparaging appraisals of the author’s writing ability leave me equally exasperated. Granted it is not the most technically proficient manuscript ever written, but then if that’s what I was looking for, I’d read the dictionary.
To be able to create a character that oozes charisma from the pages or to take me places I have never been and paint the picture in words, THAT to me is a good writer.
Does it bear similarities to Twilight? Yes, what of it? A winning plot formulae of “broken boy is saved by the love of the girl next door” is certainly not something to be trifled with!!
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Whatever is said about Fifty Shades, you can’t argue with the $$.
Question E L James’ writing prowess if you will but few people can boast outselling Harry Potter.
Actually only one person can.
Personally she had me hooked from the beginning. Perhaps it was the promise of things to come, but when all is said and done James has achieved something so many writers aspire to do. Have their words published and on BILLIONS of bookcases and e-readers around the word.
I say hats off to Ms James. Thanks for Mr Grey and some rather delicious chewing gum for the mind.
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37 Responses to Fifty Shades of Fabulous
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I haven’t read 50 shades or twilight for that matter but I am so intrigued by how with such great followings both are criticized for their writing ability. Talk about tall poppy syndrome
Rhianna recently posted..Did you know I am really really ridiculously good looking?
Spot on Rhi. Really irks me. I guess it’s the same as anything else in life though!
I love how the books are taking people to a new world of fantasy and sex and intimacy. Xx
tahlia – the parenting files recently posted..what is sorry anyway?
For sure! I think the men of the world feel the same
I have the books but haven’t yet. I’m so intrigued but what I’ve been hearing that I just wanna read for myself :p
Ai Sakura recently posted..Singapore Blog Awards 2012 | My Supermum Outfit #SBA2012
Definitely need to make up your own mind about them
Hope you enjoy when you finally get round to reading them x
ive heard all the hype, but havent even thought twice about getting either of the books, mostly because i really wasn’t interested in ‘mummy porn’ lol… so i was kind of glad to read this post, and realise thats not what it is at all, more so than any other fiction book!
and outselling harry potter – that is definitely bragworthy!!!
#teamIBOT
Lyndal recently posted..if you don’t know me by now….
I’m usually pretty late to the party when it comes to buying into things that get hyped up – I like to make my own decisions about stuff, not blindly follow the masses (I hadn’t even read Twilight until recently) but this one is definitely worth the read
I can agree with wanting to escape when reading a good book. I loved the fifty shades trilogy.
How could you not?
It’s been sitting on my iPad for a month or more. To put it delicately as possible. My husband is overseas at the moment and I think I would prefer him closer when I am reading it
Rachel x
Rachel from Redcliffe Style recently posted..Golf anyone?
I think that’s a very prudent idea!! I was slightly disgruntled that I was so sick when I was reading them ;P
Over 20 years ago a nasty girl tried to wound me with her words when she told me I read so much to escape my life. I’ve never forgotten that… Pfft! Truly, what is wrong with a bit of escapism?
I’ve not read 50 Shades, I have probably been put off by the negativity. But also I do most of my reading in the train, so would probably be too embarrassed to read it among strangers! I best wait until I get my Kindle.
Mum of Adult Kids recently posted..Memory Joggers
Not read it.. yet… though saw Big W had a sale on it..
I am not sure I am wanting to read it… yet..
I did read that Peter Andre is writing one for the ‘men to read’.. uhmm what men would read something by Peter Andre.. if they want to ‘read’ something like that.. they just watch pawn
Yvette @ DTlilsquirts recently posted..THE talk
That is just plain disturbing! Number 1 I wouldn’t of thought mean reading erotica would have been a huge market & secondly Peter Andre would be the biggest turn off EVER!!
I didn’t know if I should read it but after reading your post, I think I will. I heard so many negative thing about it but this woman is now an internationnal best selling author so she might have done at least one thing right.
Rita recently posted..Lebanon
Well I’m glad I’ve helped sway you towards it
It really was a brilliant read, very consuming!
Not read it yet and not sure it’s my cup of tea, but enjoyed your review nonetheless. Nice to read a positive one as the others I’ve seen have slammed it! Cx
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB recently posted..How to spot a Zombie
Thanks Catherine! I’m really surprised there are so many negative reviews out there. Everyone I have spoken to personally loved it. I can certainly see how it’s something you would either love or hate though.
I really liked it, though found it was the totally wrong choice of book to read whilst single!
Chrissie at Me and My Munchkin recently posted..Big Spender
Oh dear. I can imagine that would have been very, umm…, frustrating for you!!
I read them and enjoyed them but they are badly written. In my opinion. I read a lot and I read highbrow, lowbrow and everything in between. It can be a story that you wish to keep reading because you want to know how it pans out and still be badly written.
In my opinion, badly written means plot holes, repetition,and hackneyed phrases. This book series definitely has those.
The contract discussion and the emails were my favourite bits. I startd skipping the sex scenes because they were dull. I kept thinking about cystitis and stalking and found them quite unsexy after a while.
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Definitely agree with the repetition, got on my nerves a little bit, especially towards the end. Emails were my fave bit as well
And now I’m torn again! There is a part of me that refuses to read it because of the hype, but then it is the first book in ages boatman has been keen on me buying (wonder why
). Then I read the writing was terrible so decided not to do it, but then I read this and I want to see what the fuss is all about!
I think I’m just going to buy it and be done with it, if nothing more maybe I’ll get s few good shags out of it.
I love your philosophy! Besides, horny wife = happy husband right?
I am still puddling my way through book number 3 and I really dont want it to end as I am going to kind of miss them lol. My hubby is hoping the next book comes out quickly
xx
Sonia Life Love and Hiccups recently posted..Make Your Own Easy Canvas Wall Art
I wish I had the sense to drag it out! I read all three in four days! I had to move onto Twilight (which fortunately I had never read before) so I didn’t feel quite so bereft!
I am just so excited that the beautiful Matt Bomer is rumored to play Christian in the movie
Yes, I think I could live with that *smirk*
Woo, some interesting comments on this one. Good work at getting everyone’s opinion. I don’t really have one. I want to read it because of the hype but I’m worried I’ll be searching for mistakes, which will take me away from the plot. I can only give it a go though, right?
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I managed to avoid most of the reviews before I read them so wasn’t that hung up about all the “bad writing” criticism. Having said that, I’m not one to get overly hung up on the technicalities of writing. If the words speak to me, I can overlook most things
I have recently jumped on the 50 shades wagon just over half way through the first book.
I must admit im actually enjoying reading it.
Me N my Monkeys recently posted..How Time Flies!
Welcome aboard! Hope you enjoy the rest of the series as much
Ha! Loved this!
I too have just recently jumped on the 50 Shades wagon. And taking away all the hype and criticism it’s created,
I’m loving the discussions that have come out of it.
I had the best giggle with one of my girlfriends when we both admitted to reading it and then it was an overflow of conversation about what goes on behind our respective bedroom doors.
It’s all fun and like you said, it’s just fiction.
People, lighten up!
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Have heard differing reviews from friends, both good and bad. Don’t think that I’ll get to it for quiet a while though…my son has asked me to read Harry Potter, which I’m actually really enjoying, but at I don’t have too much spare time to read. Anyways, it’s so true that there are always people out there who are going to diss something or someone for the littlest thing. Ultimately it’s a personal decision right? After reading this, I feel like Jess, and see what the hype is all about!
Alice @ MusicAl Mama recently posted..A New Season
Glad I’m pushing all you fence-sitters closer to crossing to the dark side
Love the HP books. Have the box set & can’t wait till my boys are old enough.
I am up to page 300ish of the first one and I will finish it, but I can’t see me reading the other two. I just can’t stomach the power imbalance and violence. It’s more turn off than turn on. I knew that before I started, but just had to read it to make sure!
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