50 Shades of Grey - Whiteland,IN

I read the first one and was annoyed by the poor quality of the writing. Since I had bought the 3-book set, I forced myself to read the second one. I couldn't pick up the third. Maybe the movie will be better?

I'm one of those who read the first book (for my book club) and HATED it. Not for the storyline - it would take a whole lot to shock me - but for the atrocious writing. I could barely finish the book because I kept wanting to throw it against the wall. Had no desire to read the other two - ended up asking my friend to summarize what happened because I was mildly interested in the characters.

And no, I can't imagine I'll bother with seeing the movie.

I thought the whole point of these books was that they were an escape, not that they related to actual relationships we would want to have. If you're looking for books that would offer any insight into what a relationship should look like, I think you're looking in the wrong place!

I haven't read the books, mostly because I didn't know anyone personally who was reading them. I might have if one of my friends was reading them. Once most of the hype died down, any thoughts I had of reading them kind of died as well.

If the movie gets good reviews I might watch it on DVD.

Here I was hoping you were asking about hair color. ;-)

I did read them when they first came out. Everyone was reading and discussing them. They are very quick reads and into the second book it's like - stop having sex and get to the plot! I thought it was a fun summer read. That's about it.

I do find it interesting that you have such strong feelings for something you admittedly have not read and have no interest in reading. Commenting about something you admittedly know nothing about - that is way more of a problem in America than how our kids view relationships. And I agree, that is a HUGE problem (just from reality TV alone). Ignorance - now that's a issue!!

i thought the first one was fun! not well written at ALL, but a fun naughty twist on a pretty traditional bodice ripper. wasn't interested enough to go on with the series, though.
not thrilled with the casting in the movie. but i'll probably see it.
but i loved twilight too, bad writing and all. these gals opened my eyes to the fact that some people can tell a great story even if they can't write. and some of the 'great writers' can put together gorgeous sentences, but their tales bore me to tears.
i'm always amused when someone says something like 'if you read 50 shades you can't be my friend any more.' i'm a bit of a writing snob, but i can still enjoy some junk food books from time to time.
ETA , oh pffffttttt to books ruining our kids for future relationships. nabokov's is horrifyingly creepy, yet one of the most entrancingly-written books i've ever read. anyone who lets their kids' view of 'how adults relate' be defined by a popular trash book needs to get a grip, and have a better dialogue with their kids. @@
EATA for the REALLY good stuff go to 'the story of O.' classic!
:) khairete
S.

I read the books. They weren't bad. Not fabulous either. Just bubblegum reading. I won't watch the movies because they'll probably ruin it for me. That and neither of the actors they chose to play Ana and Grey are what I picture in my mind.

It's pretty well understood that Grey has a screwed up idea of relationships. Ana helps him with this, and she also stands up for herself. There are some pretty screwed up parts, and some parts where they both redeem themselves. They both have trust issues and through the story they work through them. It's certainly not a story that anyone would think "I want to have this kind of relationship." Part of what engrosses the reader is, honestly, how eff'd up it is.

I haven't read the books because they just sound dumb. I like good erotica, don't get me wrong, but from what I've seen the writing is pretty lame (judging from the few excerpts I've read.)
And re your SWH, why would our children be viewing adult entertainment at ALL? I don't expose my kids to the adult things I do, read or watch! Who would do that!?

I read the first one and had to force myself. Poorly written with far too many mistakes. Reminded me of an ebook (I often wonder if they are edited/proofread at all).
I am honestly surprised by the hype the movie is getting. I have several friends planning to go see it together.
As far as how my children view relationships-well that's another can of worms. I certainly hope they don't base their opinions about relationships on anything from Hollywood.

I like variety in the books I read and am not opposed to erotic literature. If I want to read this type of genre, there are other authors I prefer over this one.

To each, his own. It's just a story for entertainment purposes and I am not the least bit bothered by the content/plot or the fact that some people will or will not read the book. I've not given it a second thought regardless of the reviews for the book.

However, I don't have any plans to read this collection. I'm just not interested and likely won't see the movie.

Who needs 50 Shades when there's Outlander?

I read them...it's mindless entertainment. I think they are a little like a marriage though- at first they're hot, steamy, and exciting. But then all that sex gets boring. After a while, I was like "God, they're having sex AGAIN?!"

Zero interest in any of it.

Like many of the other people responding, I found the writing so poor that it was a struggle to get thru one. I skimmed the first but had no interest in the main characters, so didn't bother with the second two. I have no idea what all the hype was about.

I would consider renting it at some point but it's not like I'm waiting for it to come out. I'm curious how they could make it into something watchable.

"Is this how we want our children viewing relationships?"
Why would children come into it at all?
The books are not written for kids to read (neither are romance novels for that matter).
Granted the books are fiction but I haven't read them nor do I plan to (and I'm not seeing the movie either).
It's just not my genre and I have no interest in it.

I read all 3 of them - while completing my MBA. It was mindless reading and it really does draw you in. Most mom's I know around here have read the series as well.

I do not plan to see the movies. The actor's don't match my view of the characters in the least which would just make it weird.

I'm not a fan of romance novels in general. And I heard that the writing was awful. So I haven't read it.
As for how my daughter views relationships, if she wants to get into kink, that's her choice. I just want her to be sure that everything she does is entirely consensual and something she actually wants.

I read (struggled through) the books (mainly because I like to finish what I start). Several hours of my life I'll never get back. If you haven't yet read them, save yourself the brain cells and just don't.

As far as the movie is concerned, nah. I'm not going to bother. I watched the trailer that just came out and there's nothing in there that's of any interest whatsoever.

Not interested-- there are plenty of fascinating things under the sun, but books like these? Meh.

I read the first and most of the second book. (we moved and with settling down, I didn't cut out time for me to read the rest). Surprisingly, there is a storyline other than sex. I found myself actually interested in the characters. I don't agree with the actor they have for the main character. I'll probably watch the movie/s when they come out on video, NetFlix, etc... but won't pay theatre prices to see them.

Havent read them, dont know what the story is about. Not interested. It will be a different story when Magic Mike 2 comes out. ;)

I have read the books, they were okay. I will only see the movie on DVD and that is pushing it as the actors they have playing the roles are not who I envisioned when reading the book.
As far is how children view relationships, how would they even know this type of relationship exists unless people are allowing their kiddos to read books of this nature.
Then again I do not read reviews of books at all, if I see a book that peaks my interest I read it. The only time I read movie reviews are if we are going as a family and I read to see if it is suitable for the kids. other than that, I like to form my own opinions.
Many blessings

I've read a couple excerpts, to say they are not for me would be an understatement.

In fact I'd rather be bound and gagged then have to read the entire series!

One of my coworkers mentioned that she was reading it so I tried, but I just couldn't get over the terrible writing I had to stop.

I started to read the first book two years ago. I could not get through it because it's so poorly written. As I read, I could not help editing. Then, I'd get tired and just fall asleep. My friends kept telling me how good it was, and I really did try to finish it, but I never did.

The author has no talent for writing. I think it's just the anticipation of the next sexual encounter that keeps people hooked. If you're a writer, you'll be appalled with the predictable patterns in the story and the unimaginative and redundant language.

Not worth your time. And no, I have no interest in seeing the movie.

Haven't read them. Not really into overly sexualized reading. I mean, a little sex...ok! but when it starts getting gratuitous I just skip over it. Which I think means I would skip the whole book. lol
L.

I was warned away from the book by my book snob friends who say it is unbelievably bad. Most of them couldn't get past a chapter or two just because of the poor writing. There's a hilarious review in Time right now by a husband who includes some snippets and it does look pretty bad, but hey, there must be some reason billions love it. I might be game for cheap entertainment, but I haven't had time with all my other books to read first. Will I see the movie? Meh. I'd probably watch the movie rather than spend time reading it...but again, not sure I'll get around to to it with all the great movies I haven't seen yet.

I'm all for sex and dark, twisted, psychotic craziness in books. Some of my favorite books illustrate the worst inhumanity...but I can't deal with terrible writing very well.

I think it's interesting that no one denies they are terribly written....so what gives? I wonder how they managed to get so huge with so much erotica out there....some women talk about these books like they've never gotten their hands on a book with sex in it before..

I understand what you're saying, but there are many, many books and movies that I hope my kids never find out about! But I'm not going to waste my energy worrying about what they might come across as an adult. As a teenage I saw movies I wasn't ready for and couldn't possibly understand. Off hand I remember seeing "About Last Night" and "Sex, Lies and Video Tapes." I didn't understand them at the time, and I don't remember anything about them. But I am appalled that I saw them before I really knew anything about relationships. I survived and have really ever only had healthy relationships. So seeing those movies didn't scar me.

Our kids might come across these books and movies and others like them some day. I don't really want them to see them, but I know they will be exposed to things like this. I just have to trust that I've done a decent job raising them and that they will have the sense to know that these stories don't represent healthy relationships.

Relax! There's lots of filth out there. You sifted through it and found the good. Now you have to trust your kids to do the same.

I read the books. I did not care for them. They seemed to be the same tired sex scene over and over again held together by a poorly constructed and written plot. But that did not surprise me because I went into it knowing they were based off Twilight fan fiction.

As for the movie, I plan to see it. I am not thrilled with the actors they choose though. If you get the wrong man playing a Dom then what should sound sexy just comes a crossed as cheesy.

I don't have any concern about how this portrays relationships to youth, I mean it is a better love story then Twilight after all, lol.

I haven't read the book but I know people who have and they say I must read it,no time to read it but will watch the movie and I will come back and comment on it

I read them. I was glad when I was finished with them. I thought the books were ok. I had to finish the series but I don't think I would read anything else the author wrote. I wanted to shake the girl in the story. It was full of BDSM. One of the ladies in my building claims she got pregnant as a result of the books. As far as the movie I think I will wait to watch the movie on cable. I wouldn't pay to see it.

read the books hated them. If it was one book instead of 3 (by minimizing all the repetitive sex) it would have been much better. I don't plan on watching the movie. I really wish they would make a move out of the black daggar brotherhood series. Now that I would watch!!

I read the books. They kept me interested. But I have no interest in seeing the movies.

Nothing. No and No. lol

Since I discovered J D Robb books nothing else compares. I love those books.

Now don't run out and buy one unless you read intense love scenes, graphic murders and crimes, and some language.

I had no interest in 50 shades, I didn't think it would compare to J D Robb.

J D Robb is written by Nora Roberts. She used the first initial of her 2 son's names then shortened Roberts to Robb.