Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James

Book 1 of FIFTY SHADES Trilogy.

I am going to start this review with a WARNING.

This is a very adult book and one that is aimed over 18's.

This review does NOT CONTAIN adult material and you have been warned.

*SUMMARY from Goodreads:

 When literature student Anastacia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind -- until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store when she works part-time.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resists Ana's quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trapping success - his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family - Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical, and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny. 

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds? Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

*REVIEW:

As for one of my recent reads (more reviews coming soon, of course!) :) It's the book on everyone's lips, a book that I think has been making the rounds so much, everyone is sick of it, regardless of whether they've read it or not. Never one resist the hype of good read, or rather the claim of "Mommy Porn," it's Fifty Shades of Grey. (And if you've read the book, that last word will surely have another layer of meaning for you.) So, I'm guessing that you've heard of a little book called Fifty Shades of Grey that's rocketed it's way to the top of all best seller lists everywhere, and doing so in record time. With more than 1.2 million copies soled every week and a movie in the works, the Fifty Shades phenomenon shows no sign of flagging.

And yes, I did read it. Actually I finished reading all the three books in E.L James Trilogy. How did it come about that I would decide to read this book that is sooooo far out of my comfort zone, you may ask? Look, don't judge me!! Curiosity. I wanted to know what all the hype was about. So, I have to admit that I went into reading this book with a VERY OPEN MIND. This was mainly due to knowing what the subject matter was and hearing so much about this book along with an equal mix of good and bad reviews. Some people passionately hated this book and others thoroughly enjoyed it. Well, I actually am one of those that enjoyed it.

My iBooks: Fifty Shades Trilogy

Every time I walked in a bookstore, Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James is quite often a book I first see on display. In many of the stores I've been in to, it has been the top seller at that location and when you're ready  to purchase a copy it's always been out of stock. I was intrigued by the fact that it was popular in store and talked about everywhere online. However, at first I was really reluctant to grab a copy of the book, since there are a number of mixed reviews. One of my best friends found an e-book copy online, so she sent it to me, and I ended up reading it on iBooks, which I usually hate doing, but I'm getting used to it. :P

What makes the book a best seller? My only guess is that it deals with topics that people can relate to: love, lust, jealousy, and broken families. I'm sure, there's more! Innocence? Wealth? Control? Yeah, those are there, too!

E.L James Fifty Shades of Grey, anticipating an entertaining page-turner, a modern-day love affair. Having no further background in the porno reference, I was stunned-shocked-at what waited in the pages before me. Not because of the explicit sex scenes, but rather the terribly underdeveloped characters and story line - this novel send to all about the value of love within a relationship.

Now, there are even talks of a movie deal with Ian Somerhalder expressing interest, Matt Bommer or Channing Tatum offering themselves to play the role (Yes, please!! :P). By now, I'm sure you know that Fifty shades is based on Twilight fan fiction, there are some parallels between both books.

Please STOP if you don't want anything about the plot revealed. SPOILER ALERT!!!!

The novel opens with protagonists, Anastacia Steele, stepping in for her BFF Katherine Kavanaugh, to interview a wealthy and powerful "multi-billionaire" Christian Grey, for an article for the school newspaper. Ana and Kate are both graduating in a few weeks and Christian Grey is scheduled to deliver the commencement address. Ana shows up for the interview and the picture of young woman completely unsure of herself, uncomfortable on her own skin, is painted. Clumsy and naive, Ana literally face into Grey's office. He is amused and gives a stare that makes her "flush-crimson" - which she will literally do many times in the book. Grey seems to be intrigued with Miss Steele. Their interaction doesn't stop there. Kate insists that Mr. Grey meet them for a photo shoot for the article, after the shoot Grey asks her to join him for coffee. This is when we start to get a glimpse into the background of both characters.

At only 27 years old, Grey is portrayed as someone well beyond his years. A perpetually-single, unattainable, billionaire playboy with both a helicopter and private jet. Ana is everything like the Twilight heroin Bella Swan - painfully aware of her shortcomings, put together as very immature, inexperienced girl and a woman with a thesaurus vocabulary and a moderately smart mouth. Eventually, warnings about his dark secrets, Christian Grey tells Ana who he really is - a sexual deviant who likes to dominate his women into submission-literally. Required to sign a contract, that locks her into a set of rules. And then it's time for big reveal! The plot thickens. 

Moving on.

The first main character, CHRISTIAN GREY, has had a hard start to life and this has in turn made him into a very controlling and egotistical man human being. He's never let a person into his life and has always been the one who set the rules. I found Christian's character just captivating and sweet. You can't help but be affected by him and his strong personality and confidence. That is until you realize that he is actually a needy boy who is scared of being rejected and alone. 

This fan made stuff!! This is NOT REAL!! :)

The other main character, ANASTACIA STEELE, is an innocent and timid girl who gets completely overwhelmed when she meets Christian. He is totally out of her league but she finds herself drawn to him in a way she has never felt with another man before. I got a bit annoyed with Ana's character but I think it was just because of repetitive writing and the way some conversations were structured. And a lot of talks about her 'subconscious' and 'inner goddess'.

In the latter part, the relationship of the two grows stronger, but more confusing. Ana becomes a bit more believable as James gets her stride in character development and it turns out the Christian has a bit of soul. I'm not ashamed that I really liked it and as with the Twilight, I quickly devoured all three books in a matter of days. James sex scenes are not incidental , they are the meat of the plot, the crux of conflict, the key to the both characters. It is a book with a more sex on it.

First, let me get the "bad" out of the way. Could it be that there was an actual STORY there? Well, dear readers, yes there is. Besides all the hype about the erotica, there is a story, there is a romance and there is a character development. There's even a little humor thrown in for good measure with  the flirty email exchanges and the addition of Ana's Inner Goddess who acts out every now and then. I'm not going to say that book was perfect -- there were some overused words and repetition of adjectives and I got a bit sick of seeing same lines and expressions all the time but I didn't let that interfere with my enjoyment of the story.

Let me discuss the "good" part of the book. With the stresses of every day life, I was quite happy to be able to pick up a book without having to think too much and just sit back and enjoy. Fifty Shades of Grey is definitely not a scholarly read. It was entertaining enough to keep me interested to the end. The story goes like this: clumsy, naive, and book-ish coed meets attractive rich man who is so taken with her that he just has to have her. Mix in stubbornness, gift giving, lip biting, gasping and a story is born.

All in all, it is addictive, funny, shocking and sexy. I found myself jumping onto the next book straight away, although there is no cliffhanger it still leaves you wondering what happens next. You will read this book perhaps record time. Take that as you will, but keep in mind that page turner sell, and if that's anything to go by, it's one of the factors of this book success. 

Fifty Shades of Grey will not go down in history as one of the classics, but it will be remembered for all the hubbub and steamy parts. Do I recommend it? If you thought Twilight is good and wanted more then yes, you will enjoy Fifty Shades of Grey.

Read it already? Liked it or Hated it? So leave time to read all three at once! Be the Judge!! :)) Here's the website to know more about the book, updates and the author. 

Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

This is the second book of THE HUNGER GAMES trilogy series.

Warning: SPOILER ALERT!!!

"Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge. 

'Tic Toc Tic Toc is the clock!'"

*SUMMARY from Goodreads:

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and long time friend, Gale. Yet, nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has returned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create. Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. I f they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. 

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn.

*REVIEW:

Oh, Man! Where to begin?! However, when I finished the first Hunger Games book (e-book), the first thing I did was sit in front of my laptop and browse for the second book. The first book was captivating, action packed with a little spice of romance and a page-turner. I had high hopes for this book, not only because everyone said it was amazing, but because the first book was fantastic. But I was a bit disappointed indeed. Why I said so?? Because in the first few chapters there are dull moments of the story that you want to skip and go to the next chapter. The first half is still slow-even, though a lot of horrid stuffs happens in it - but intensifies goes over the roof once the Quell are announced.

Let's have some little run-through...The first book is about Katniss Everdeen experience at the Hunger Games, and the second is basically based on her Victory Tour, where she visits all the twelve districts with Peeta, whom Katniss was romantically involved with. In the second book, Peeta and Katniss travel through Panem for their Victory Tour, and Katniss didn't mean to uncover some dark secrets. She realizes that they aren't safe in district 12 and neither are the people close to her. So she has to go to extreme measure and know what President Snow fraudulent plants for them. Katniss symbolic act of defiance in the Arena has dramatic, unforseen consequences as she has incurred the wrath of those high in power.

Going back to my feelings about this book, I think I did like "The Hunger Games" better. The Hunger Games was epic, entertaining and page-turningly fun. Whilst, Catching Fire may not has been as epic as The Hunger Games, but it certainly knew how to keep you reading. Unlike the first book, which I wasn't able to put down, there were certain parts of this book where I had to force myself to keep reading, and tell myself that the next chapter would be better. Yet, I loved how everything went along. You got to see a lot more of the other characters, especially Gale.

There are many twists in Catching Fire, and it would be remiss to spoil them, so I won't!! A few of my expectations were met, but largely the plot was constructed that it would be near possible to predict. This book is full of intense. The compassion, threats, betrayals, action, romance, words all of it! This has to be the reason why is it addictive. Some things are hinted out, but the full results of what's going on isn't totally revealed till the very end.

The 1st novel ended tragically in a personal way - with a challenge of small handful of berries that have such a dramatic effect, the 2nd makes you think about a tragedy of a bigger issues - will the districts be able to defeat the Capitol?? I love the wider scope of this second novel. I was once again so impressed with Collins writing - she definitely knows how to keep readers on their toes! The story just got more and more interesting, without too much and over complicating matters. Ms. Collins manages to flesh out not only her main duo, but gives supporting casts and throws in some great surprises in each characters. New characters from other districts also are introduced, whom we will along the way expect see much more in the third and final novel.

Parts were well written and there was a punch of odd joke thrown in here and there, which made me chuckle a few times. I'm eagerly awaiting "Mockingjay" - the third book. I want to see how everything gets resolved. If you haven't read this series yet, give it a shot!! Don't be turned off by the fact that it's just for young adult audiences, or by the subject matter. I think this series is one in which everyone can find something to enjoy. If you have any doubt as to whether or not this series is worthy, you really should read it and find out yourself. 

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Hello everyone! Like I promise before I'll post now my book reviews here in my blog. This is the first one. Enjoy guys! :) Warning: SPOILER ALERT!!!

"May the odds be ever in your favor."

*SUMMARY from Goodreads:

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, the shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to death on live TV. Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the games. But Katniss has been close to dead before and survival. 

*REVIEW:

That's right! I finally read it and watched the movie as well. I read The Hunger Games a couple of months ago before the movie hit the big screens. I absolutely love the first book (and enjoyed the series as well). I've avoided it for so long because this kind of story is not usually my thing. You know the whole dystopian future sci-fi thing - it just doesn't usually do it for me, I think it's more of a guy thing. Except now I think maybe it does. Or the series does, at least. I can certainly see why the book was such a hit. This novel struck many characters and themes (teenage love, poverty, family, sci-fi, and more), was an easy and quick read, as well as full of action. 

The author builds a fantastical yet believable world where it takes a future vision of United States no more but instead a country now called Panem which divided in twelve districts with the Capitol at the center. The rest of the story follows Katniss through training and competition in the game and of course the two people venture Katniss and Peeta, on to the journey to fight for their lives. The story has a fast paced, it progress quickly with well defined characters who have odd names. What the hell a 'Peeta Mellark' name??!! (Well, everyone has an odd name in The Hunger Games Trilogy, but still...Haha.) Well, what really hooked me in was the characters. They're brilliantly established a good portrayal of their part - especially Gale, who barely gets any face time in the book and yet have a strong presence. I liked the fierce Katniss, her prowess with the bow and arrow are unrivaled. How can you not like her?? So happy to see a lead character who could put the "hero" in a heroine.

I can certainly understand how the young or young at heart crowd fell head over heels for this novel. For me though, the love triangle between Peeta and Gale is a cliche, that might be passable for the intended audience. But I loved the spice of violence and bloodshed. The constant suspense kept me turning page after page, as I assume, most of those who read the book. 

Collin's prose is well pace filled with humor which cause the book to become addictive and hooked on every details the book describes. Like any good story, you are immersed in the world built around you, yet you know it is not real but you can't stop reading. There was a time, while you reading every chapter you are completely engross in Katniss character, feeling everything she felt, sees everything she saw. To the point where you have to choose between Peeta and Gale. Seriously, I love those guys - Wow! Who could pick between them? The baker's son versus the long time best friend. 

That being said, I was still blown away by the fact that book is still able to have some emotional impact to its readers as reading it for the first time. I might not remember the finer details but I knew the big elements.  I disliked the mutts part, but since this is a part of successful trilogy, were the audiences stuck around to find what happens. Plus, Collins has crafted such great characters with a very interesting love triangle and twists, at least. Brilliantly done, Miss Collins. Until then, I'll start writing review for Catching Fire. Yeah! I'm addicted. For those of you that haven't watch the movie yet, here's the trailer!! Check it out!!