I'm done. I've finished the series, the books are now circulating the neighborhood (I've warned all of the husbands their wives may have new ideas in the boudoir). What did I think? I think the writing became better with each book. The characters a little fuller, more sympathetic. I guess there is still the fact that Ana's love for Christian caused her so much emotional pain that I didn't understand why she continued to remain with Christian (who definitely showed character growth). It reminded me of Catherine and Heathcliff of Wuthering Heights-obsession to the result of demise.
And truly-the sex scenes were so ridiculously unrealistic that I started skipping them. I kept wondering if they are having sex this often, how the hell are they walking? And he touches her and she almost instantly climaxes - REALLY??? While yelling his name and he yelling her name - REALLY???
Truly 50 Shades did delve into the obsession-so deeply it was disturbing. However, and this is a big however, I'm glad I've read them. I was able to see what has captured so many readers and learn of a different type of relationship. I hadn't really spoken to anyone about the entire series, and I so thought it was going to end badly. I envisioned broken hearts cinched in handcuffs strewn all over Seattle-yes, that badly.
What did you think? I'd love to know.
That's it according to Maddy~
Tootles~
Madelyn
50 Shades of Grey Part 2
Friday, June 15, 2012
Okay, so I finished it. It took longer than I thought and I'm still not sure how to feel about this book. I've read agent posts about how they need manuscripts to be pristine, grammar error free, and ready to publish and then a series such as the 50 Shades comes along and is a hit--although poorly written. How do they justify some of their decisions and now the quality of what is sent to them is going low.
I wondered as I read the book, am I looking at this as a writer or reader? Am I being fair? A friend borrowed the book and I made sure I didn't share my opinion. We'll talk once she's read the book.
But here are some of my problems with the book:
Spoiler Alert! If you haven't read them, be forewarned. Some of my biggest problems with the book was the repetitive phrasing--Okay, we get it, Christian Grey is handsome, good looking. Don't tell us, show us. I want details, not just gray eyes and coppery hair. What else? Also, she is constantly gasping, blushing, chewing on that damn lip. I just didn't care after a while.
There was also some very English phrasing. Americans do not say "keen", such as I'm not "keen" on coffee. We just don't. Also, American men do not say it is a "lovely" day. Not realistic. I know the author is English, but shouldn't this have been caught and edited? Again, not believable.
When Ana and Christian first hook up, I do not believe the attraction on his side. After a while I do, but the obsessive part just wasn't real for me until after Ana graduated. I almost put the book down here to forever live at the bottom of my "to be read" pile.
Was the book hot? Yes. Was it erotic? Yes. But after a while, come on--*#)$-ing her hard was just repetitive.
Have you read the 50 Shades books? Let me know what you think. I'm not trying to be overly harsh. I'm just thinking out loud and hey--it's my blog, so I can do that.
That's it according to Maddy~
Tootles~
Madelyn
I wondered as I read the book, am I looking at this as a writer or reader? Am I being fair? A friend borrowed the book and I made sure I didn't share my opinion. We'll talk once she's read the book.
But here are some of my problems with the book:
Spoiler Alert! If you haven't read them, be forewarned. Some of my biggest problems with the book was the repetitive phrasing--Okay, we get it, Christian Grey is handsome, good looking. Don't tell us, show us. I want details, not just gray eyes and coppery hair. What else? Also, she is constantly gasping, blushing, chewing on that damn lip. I just didn't care after a while.
There was also some very English phrasing. Americans do not say "keen", such as I'm not "keen" on coffee. We just don't. Also, American men do not say it is a "lovely" day. Not realistic. I know the author is English, but shouldn't this have been caught and edited? Again, not believable.
When Ana and Christian first hook up, I do not believe the attraction on his side. After a while I do, but the obsessive part just wasn't real for me until after Ana graduated. I almost put the book down here to forever live at the bottom of my "to be read" pile.
Was the book hot? Yes. Was it erotic? Yes. But after a while, come on--*#)$-ing her hard was just repetitive.
Have you read the 50 Shades books? Let me know what you think. I'm not trying to be overly harsh. I'm just thinking out loud and hey--it's my blog, so I can do that.
That's it according to Maddy~
Tootles~
Madelyn
National Girfriends Network Day
Monday, June 04, 2012
Let's face it, some people think poorly of romance novels. However, what I love about romance novels are the strong heroines. When I think of role models, I think of real people, but also, I think of some of my favorite literary heroines.
Today is the first annual National Girlfriends Network Day. Why would there need to be such a day? According to the news program I watched this morning, women do not have the strong professional networks that men have. Women are relatively new to the workforce in the scheme of things. Men are expected to go to work from birth whereas women may go to work for various reasons.
Another aspect of the National Girlfriends Network Day is that there are fewer strong, female role models in the workplace. The statistics show how there has been a reduction from already low numbers of women in leadership positions in the workplace and government.
Why do I bring all of this up? First, I found it interesting. Secondly, I have two daughters whom I like to think are strong, intelligent individuals. Thirdly, the role models out there are slim pickings. Today's fascination with reality television has diluted the strong female leadership in America.
Today's kids list actress and reality show star as their future profession. How sad is that? As I think back to some of my favorite role models while growing up there was Amelia Earhart, Goldie Meyer, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Strong women who accomplished amazing feats. Then there are my literary role models and heroines - Jane Austen, Any of the Brontes, Clare from the Outlander Series, Kit from the Witch on Black Bird Pond, even Madeline from books about the French orphan. All characters who have had a lasting impression on me, my reading habits, and even how I write.
Laurel Ulrich said, "Well behaved woman rarely make history" - I love this quote!
A little long winded, but That's it according to Maddy~
Tootles,
Madelyn
Another aspect of the National Girlfriends Network Day is that there are fewer strong, female role models in the workplace. The statistics show how there has been a reduction from already low numbers of women in leadership positions in the workplace and government.
Why do I bring all of this up? First, I found it interesting. Secondly, I have two daughters whom I like to think are strong, intelligent individuals. Thirdly, the role models out there are slim pickings. Today's fascination with reality television has diluted the strong female leadership in America.
Today's kids list actress and reality show star as their future profession. How sad is that? As I think back to some of my favorite role models while growing up there was Amelia Earhart, Goldie Meyer, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Strong women who accomplished amazing feats. Then there are my literary role models and heroines - Jane Austen, Any of the Brontes, Clare from the Outlander Series, Kit from the Witch on Black Bird Pond, even Madeline from books about the French orphan. All characters who have had a lasting impression on me, my reading habits, and even how I write.
Laurel Ulrich said, "Well behaved woman rarely make history" - I love this quote!
A little long winded, but That's it according to Maddy~
Tootles,
Madelyn
Fifty Shades - The phenomenon
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Okay, so I started reading Fifty Shades of Grey several months ago and put it aside. I don't know, maybe I wasn't in the mood and maybe the press jaded my reading experience. And now the Fifty Shade Phenomenon has swept the world. Women all over are creating book clubs to discuss the books and Christian Grey has become some sort of romantic hero.
The other day I had coffee with a friend who had read the books and liked them. We swap books all the time and have similar taste. I said that I thought it was overrated. She said I should give them another chance that she was engaged not in the erotic element but the psychology of Christian Grey and how his character attracted her to the story.
So, have you read any of the Fifty Shade books? What did you think? I'd love to hear what you have to say. I've started at page one and I'm trying to keep an open mind, but I'm still not convinced it's a great story--but I'll finish it and keep you posted.
That's it according to Maddy~
Tootles,
Madelyn
The other day I had coffee with a friend who had read the books and liked them. We swap books all the time and have similar taste. I said that I thought it was overrated. She said I should give them another chance that she was engaged not in the erotic element but the psychology of Christian Grey and how his character attracted her to the story.
So, have you read any of the Fifty Shade books? What did you think? I'd love to hear what you have to say. I've started at page one and I'm trying to keep an open mind, but I'm still not convinced it's a great story--but I'll finish it and keep you posted.
That's it according to Maddy~
Tootles,
Madelyn
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