Fifty Shades of Grey: A Review

My friends wanted me to provide a review. I've been making cheeky little comments while I've been perusing the novel and calling it Fifty Shades of Smut, Fifty Shades of Barf, etc. However, E.L. James is laughing all the way to the proverbial bank after penning a wildly successful trilogy. (I've been working on my first novel for awhile-- it's an endeavor, so I respect the process.) So, really, who am I to judge? The writing is fair, and I do respect her for her success.

The book is a dark love story between a young college graduate (Anastasia Steele) and a mysterious billionaire (Christian Grey). The story revolves around the theme of dominance and submission. And since it's a book about erotica, there is a lot of sex. (Keep a bowl of dark chocolates ready.) I think there is a reason why the characters are very young, as Anastasia is 22 and Christian is 26 (or 27). Otherwise, characters my age (40+) may not have survived some of the scenes (unless they are fit). Pop your aspirin! Also, characters my age would make their own money so they wouldn't have to be bribed with cars and money.

Here's what I liked about the story:

• The setting: Portland and Seattle
• Good attention to detail and setting
• Anastasia's character: clumsy, down-to-earth, intellectual
• Anastasia's friends and family (except the one that hit on her)
• Anastasia's old hippie vehicle
• The sex scenes (some of them)
• The email banter between Anastasia and Christian

Here's what I disliked about the story:

• Christian: he needs hospitalization and pharmaceuticals
• Spoken dialogue: went back and forth with the formal and informal. Seemed stilted.
• Violence: there were a couple of scenes that bothered me.
• Ending: I like all stories to be self-contained, even in trilogies Although it is clever marketing, I think it is disrespectful for the writer to leave the reader hanging. (As an impatient person, I don't like it.)
• Layout of the book: editors! We need more white spaces, please.

I hope this helps you make an informed decision about checking this book out! Here is a link to her website: http://www.eljamesauthor.com/music/fifty-shades-of-grey-soundtrack.