When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.
Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.
Hearing all the hype and controversy surrounding the Fifty shades trilogy, is what compelled me to read E. L. James’ scandalous series immediately. I consider myself to remain open minded when reading any book, leaving all my judgments and criticism until the end. I found myself to be more attracted to the book than I would have ever imagined. After reading the first book, I found myself racing to Amazon to download the other two. As will you if you choose to read them. I loved how she managed to insert the word ‘submission’ within the third sentence of the book.
“I should be studying for my final exams, which are next week, yet here I am trying to brush my hair into submission.”
Mentally it set my mind up for what was ahead. Well done Ms. James.
Anastasia Steele is young and inexperienced, but I believe those qualities allow her to keep an open mind about Christian Grey and his list of “requirements.” We find out quickly just how experienced Mr. Grey is, yet Ana still manages to give him a few “firsts” of his own.
I love how Ana finds herself, and her voice, asking for things she wants and demanding them when the situation calls. Ana becomes more outspoken in the following books and its refreshing to witness as she embraces her true identity.
Christian Grey is a dark knight. Yes. No doubt about that. Yet he is a coin with two completely different sides. A side that wants to be loved more than anything, the other who couldn’t care less about love, doesn’t want it or need it. Ana brings the two together and forces Christian to review love in a way he never has before. In his own way, he submits. I found Christian Grey to be sexy, charming, dangerous, bossy, secretive, and overprotective, all qualities we want in men, but don’t admit.
Jealousy is a big part of the book and continues throughout the series. I found it to be very relatable and accurate given the situation. Although as unpleasant as jealousy is, we all have to conquer those unwanted feelings with someone we love and care for. Its hard. Its ugly. And most of the time it gets worse before it gets better, and it unfolds in text just as it would in reality.
I did NOT find this book or any in the trilogy to be demeaning, humiliating, or shameful towards women. All things that occurred in this book are things that Anastasia has asked Christian to do. Christian does NOT force Ana into any unwanted situations. There may be some unknown or unforeseen events that occur, but lets face it, that’s the exciting part. Be reasonable. Do we make a “map” and discuss a “plan of action” before our own love making sessions. I think not. The excitement is the unknown. Ana ALWAYS has a way out, remember that.
I did find the overuse of the word ‘murmur’ to be a little bothersome. I found myself mentally substituting words in its place. However, I love E. L. James! She does not disappoint, and she totally delivered with the Fifty Shades Trilogy! I loved, loved, loved, it and cant wait to see if she continues with another equally entertaining series. In the event she does, you can bet I will be the first in line to purchase and give my review.
I have many favorite Christian Grey quotes, but choose a few to share with you.
“Anastasia, you should steer clear of me. I’m not the man for you.”
“Oh, I exercise control in all things Miss Steele.”
“You are mine. Only mine. Don’t forget it.”
I give it 4 stars!
Want more Christian Grey? You know you do! Read the trilogy!
Laters baby
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I read the first two books before all the hype, and really enjoyed them. When the third one came out I pounced on it and was thrilled all over again. Your review covers all I would have said about this trilogy. Excellent review.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Much gratitude!
OMIGOD! Is Amy part of the team now?!?!? *Happy Dance* Awesome review! And, I agree about it not being demeaning (etc) towards women! I said something to that same affect in my Darker review. 🙂
*Does happy dance with you* Yes! I am an official member of the team, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Thanks for the encouragement Heather! You rock!
Awesome review, Amy, and welcome to the Pure Textuality gang.
Thank you Beth!
I realllllly want to read this series, and even more so after reading this review. If only it wasn’t so expensive (or rather, I wasn’t so cheap haha). It’s on my list though. I WILL read it eventually! Thanks for posting a helpful review!
Rebecca, I’m so glad my review assisted in your decision to read the series! I can assure you, E.L. James delivers! When you do read the series, please let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear them! Look for my other reviews on Fifty Shades Darker, and Fifty Shades Freed coming soon! Best wishes and happy reading!