For about two months now, I have been so out of the loop when it comes to books and what people are reading. I don't know if it's because of lack of inspiration, lack of ideas, or just pure laziness, but I just wasn't feeling it unfortunately.
However, these past few months, statuses about a certain not-so-little book from my friends on Facebook are being posted. You may have heard of it.
The reader in me just knew I had to pick Fifty Shades of Grey especially when my non-reader friends started raving about it, and asking me what I thought about it. Going into this, I had no idea what the book was even about - that was how out of the loop I was! I then found out its genre, which I haven't even tried before. To be honest though, my curiosity got the best of me. Why were so many people reading and raving about it? Is it really as good as everyone says it is?
So I read it. I finished it in a day. Here's my opinion. This has got to be one of the worst stories I've ever read. It was, and I don't think I've called a book this, just a complete waste of time.
First, the writing. It was like reading the worst fan fiction story ever. Fifty Shades of Grey was repetitive and unimaginative, as if the author found it impossible to come up with other ideas to make up this story. Chapter 14 sounded like Chapter 1, Chapter 17 sounded like Chapter 14 again, which makes it sound like Chapter 1... you get the point. There's no plot development whatsoever. Also, the events and situations just felt so incredibly forced (like a horribly acted soap opera) that I couldn't help but laugh in some parts.
The characters - just pure cliches! Predictable, abusive, self-indulgent, messed up, and obsessive - scary combination, and not executed very well either. There's of course the needy, dim-witted girl, who just needs a tough man to fill in the emptiness in her life. She wants her life to be spontaneous, exciting, exhilarating, and complete. Then there's the brooding male character. Good looking. Attractive in every way. Mysterious. A little dangerous. Actually has a huge heart. Note that he can be a little intense, abusive, and degrading, but "she likes it, so it's okay!" Yeah. That makes total sense!
As for the plot... was there even one?
Overall, I tried to enjoy this for the sake of entertainment. I tried. I failed. This book had no purpose, no plot, no likable and believable characters... I can go on and on. I will tell you this; if you like this genre and this style - PLEASE go to good, quality fan fiction websites. They will be so much better. I promise you.
I tried a few chapters and felt the same way. Blech!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear someone else feels the same way!
DeleteYou know this started off as TWILIGHT fanfiction, right? it could explain some things . . .
ReplyDeleteDID NOT know that, Donna! Interesting.
DeleteI read 1 review about it & my Christian spirit said, "No one, Jose."
ReplyDeletePeople seem to love it or hate it... like, well Twilight lol!
ReplyDeleteI'm hesitant to read books that book lovers don't like and non-readers love. I feel like the hype it is too much. And book lovers can compare other books to such a wide range of other books. At the same time, I appreciate books that get people to read even if they aren't really that good.
ReplyDeleteI haven't bothered to pick these up. I honestly don't even have an interest in doing so.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I switched over from Lily's Bookshelf to Reading by Lamplight. Stop by some time!
http://lamplitreviews.blogspot.com/