Fifty Shades of Grey (Book 1)
E.L. James
Published May 26th, 2011 by The Writers Coffee Shop
ISBN: 1612130291
360 Pages
Fifty Shades Darker (Book 2)
E.L. James
Published September 13th, 2011 by The Writers Coffee Shop
ISBN: 1612130585
532 PagesFifty Shades Freed (Book 3)
E.L. James
Published January 19th, 2012 by The Writers Coffee Shop
ISBN: 1612130291
466 Pages
Synopsis
Book 1: Anastasia Steel is a journalism student on the verge of graduation. Her best friend and roommate is the editor of the school paper, and asks her to conduct an interview of the rich and successful Christian Grey. It is a fateful meeting that has Ana tripping over her feet, and Christian aching to break her of her fidgeting habits - in a rather startling and pleasureful way. The story spins these two characters together, Ana into a dark and sexual world she has never experienced, and Christian into wanting more than he ever has. Christan finds himself unable to resist this innocent girl, and breaks several of his own rules to have her.
Book 2: Ana has broken off her affair with Christian for both their sakes, but they soon find themselves back together under a new proposal. Ana has started her career, and endearing and racy emails set the stage for a majority of this book. Enter the mystery of the saboteur, more about Christian's past, and a few other twists - and this is probably the best of the three books.
Book 3: (It gets much more difficult to not give anything away!!) Christian continues to be a control freak, but they both now acknowledge their relationship is 'more' that they ever believed it would be. Ana is finally gathering together all the clues and history about Christian and his needs and desires; she finds herself willing to flex, and grows more confident in their relationship - and their future.
*The tidbits at the end of book 3 make the story worth while, and got my blood pumping to re-read the first novel. (Think: Midnight Sun)
Musings
Wow, what a book to pull me back into the review and discuss mindset! Okay, so first the -gossip- I heard that made me want to read the book:
These books started as Twilight fan fiction. Christian is Edward, Anastasia(Ana) is Isabella(Bella). Christian is dark, rich, and leads a secluded and secretive life. Ana sees herself as plain, and is a typical college student, about to get her journalism degree (think about the plot - she couldn't be a minor and in high school!) Ana is dorky and clumsy, Christian becomes obsessed with her and her safety. Then there is Jose(Jacob), The psychiatrist father figure(Carlisle), the spunky sister(Alice), and even the self-centered best friend(Jessica). It is a total parody - down to Audi's instead of VW's. But instead of Edward/Christian being a vampire... he is a sado-masochist, and into BDSM. He wants to bring Ana into his world, but can't stand the thought of actually hurting her.
I enjoyed E.L. James' rise to fame and proof of concept that a self-published, normal person, can write a best seller - and bring sex back to mainstream. However, I do want to say for all you scardy-cats out there: this is not a story about S&M. There is no bondage, beatings, or described acts that even come close to true BDSM. I will say it does have a lot of spanking, some fun toy use, and a little bit of 'tie me up, tie me down' - but it's mostly vanilla. That said... it is a LOT of vanilla, but well done. However, there is that room full of implements, and the constant threat that it could turn dark at every turn. By the third book, it begins to gloss over some of the sex scenes because the story of these characters is just as important (if not more so) than their vigorous exercise regime. Christian goes through a powerful character development and peaks over the course of the novels. You are given tidbits about his dark past, and begin to see what makes him tick.
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4.5 Stars - I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun and sexy read. It's quick and easy, and just racy enough to keep you on your toes, without losing the plot and character depth required for a good read.
-Rita
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