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NOT JUST ANOTHER FIFTY SHADES OF GREY REVIEW

Posted on February 14, 2015 by Elle Knowles
NOT JUST ANOTHER FIFTY SHADES OF GREY REVIEW

That’s correct. You read that right. This isn’t just another Fifty Shades of Grey review because it’s not a review. I haven’t read it or plan to and I have no plans scheduled to see the movie. Surprised? But…(in a whiney voice) …everyone has read it…everyone is seeing the movie.  Well, I’m not and I’m not everyone.

How many of you have read Fifty Shades of Gray? Be honest now and put that in the comment box below. How many of you have seen the movie or plan on seeing it? You can add that answer to the box below too. What’s your opinion of this latest best-seller-in-your-face book? I’m not judging you. You’re an adult and can pick your own reading material. I’m only wondering if I’m the lone-man-standing here.

hmmmmm?

hmmmmm?

To be honest I really don’t know much about the book. It never really grabbed me as I like a book to do when I pick it up. Oh, I know – plenty of other people have read it and enjoyed it and maybe not. I’ve read positive reviews and not so positive reviews and some in between.  It’s all over the news and all over the internet. You can’t turn around without it slapping you in the face!

I’d rather spend my money on a book I know I will enjoy. Take for instance that book over in my sidebar at the bottom right – Orphan Train. Now there’s a book you can sink your teeth into.  You can’t go wrong there!

I’m also going to try a little poll here because it was one of the assignments on Blogging 201 I skipped. I’m hoping I will have the option to post the final results later so stay tuned for that in one week!

And another thing – Gray vs Grey. What’s the difference?

~Elle

101 Comments

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About Elle Knowles

Elle Knowles lives in the Florida Panhandle with her husband and off-at-college-most-of-the-time son. She has four daughters, one son, and eleven beautiful grandchildren. 'Crossing the Line' is her first novel. The sequel 'What Line' is a work in progress. Recently published is Coffee-Drunk Or Blind - a nonfiction story of homesteading in the Alaska wilderness with her parents and four siblings, told through letters by her mother and remembered accounts from the family.

101 responses »

  1. suzjones | February 28, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    Well, you know I’ve read it because you read my review! lol
    As to the spelling, I do believe “grey” is the correct English spelling 😛

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Fimnora Westcaw | February 22, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    I answered I have not read the book, mainly because I have spent my reading allowance (I limit myself to the amount of money per year to spend on books, movies, and other things of leisure.

    Would I read it. I might (like if it showed up in the ‘free’ kindle books. It wouldn’t cost me anything. What have I heard about it? I’ve seen the 50 Shades of almost everything books around for a while. It kind of reminds me of the number of ‘insert topic’ for dummies books.

    I know that I like a book to not have all the traditional errors that a lot of self-published (I don’t know if 50 Shades of Grey/Gray is or isn’t) books have I’ve come across on Amazon.

    Would I see the movie? If it came streaming on Netflix, I might take a look see. I generally don’t listen to critiques of content, because we all have different tastes, and I’m not about to actually put someone’s likes or dislikes down. But I do want a book to be well written. I do want a movie to be well made.

    The hype sure does make a person curious. Am I curious yellow? I don’t know. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. feathersanddimes | February 19, 2015 at 10:30 am

    I started to read the book because it seemed all my friends were talking about it and I wanted to see what the hype was about…ugh! Very poorly written, unbelievable and just silly. The main character has no sexual experience and then is able to happily participate in Christian Grey’s sex world? ummm, not likely. I didn’t even bother with the other books in the series. I just got angry because this stupid book was making millions! So many good writers out there…and then it seemed if you said you didn’t like the book, you were looked at like you were a “prude”. Whatever! So, with all that said, NO! Would not waste my time or money going to see the movie. Heck, I hardly get to go the movies at all, so if I get a chance to go, I’m going to see something worthwhile.

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. Debbie Hodge | February 18, 2015 at 8:17 am

    I’m really not interested in reading a book that one of the stars of the movie asked her parents not to watch… That, on the other hand, may entice others to see what she was ashamed of 😕

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. fillyourownglass | February 16, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    I said “no” in the poll because I technically did not read the books. I caved in to peer pressure and bought the first one. I struggled through the first fifty pages, sure that it had to get better, but it never did. I then did something I had never done before, and I threw the book in the garbage where it belonged.

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. that traveling nurse | February 16, 2015 at 7:57 pm

    I voted NO. Never did interest me in the first place. I’m putting a link here to my Facebook account (not sure if it would work. if it doesn’t, kindly disregard the link) where I posted an article (different author) about 50 shades and put in my two cents worth. I didn’t expect it to get a lot of feedback from my friends. Out of the 10 or so who don’t like the books nor agree to watching the movie, only one was a fan. That tells you something. I might watch the movie some time when all the hoopla has died down and only because a good friend wants me to come with her. This should be interesting.

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. Dom | February 15, 2015 at 10:50 am

    Hey, there.
    Voted.
    I have not seen the movie, nor shall I. I actually wrote a post on 50 Shades (from a male perspective). Too much commotion about this movie in my opinion.

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. P. C. Zick | February 15, 2015 at 10:27 am

    Refreshing review. I only started reading it because I was tired of folks telling me to give it a try. I did. It took me one month to read 45 percent on my Kindle when I said, “Enough!” Poorly written, poorly constructed, and poorly drawn characters. I’m done with it.

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. hirundine608 | February 15, 2015 at 10:19 am

    I voted, too.

    Film adaptations are seldom better than the book they are taken from. Have I read the book? … Seriously? I enjoy books like “The Fall of the Roman Republic” etc. Novels? It’s hard to remember the last novel, I read?

    I was buying electronic books by authors like Brian Greene and Stephen Hawking. Then my reader went bye bye. To read them on computer screen is a nightmare of strained eyes.

    Besides, Grey not Gray, is my favourite colour. It is the colour we all see in. Then when we focus. The other colours come into view. To read a novel about a Mr. Grey. Is just not on my radar. Why on earth would I even watch a movie about it? Maybe, just maybe, if I was watching with a significant other? I might manage it? … Maybe? Don’t hold your breath.

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. Loretta | February 15, 2015 at 8:35 am

    After having read the first book, I didn’t have the heart nor inclination to spend time and money on the next one. Will I be intrigued by the movie? Hmmmmm, only if it’s free, I wouldn’t waste my money in the theatre. There’s just so much hype about this, so I’m adamant not to fall into the trap initially. Perhaps a year from now, I might be curious LOL!

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. Susannah Bianchi | February 15, 2015 at 8:10 am

    I’ll bet more people would pick up Moby Dick if they thought it was porn…LOL

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Susannah Bianchi | February 15, 2015 at 7:30 am

    It’s amazing how a shitty book can reap such a response. I’m sure it was your post, not its contenst. If you asked these ?s about Pride & Prejudice or Moby Dick, no one would be interested.

    SEX…even badly written turns heads.

    I perused it and put it back…I often say, it doesn’t matter what people read, as long as they read something…but I’m changing my point of view.

    A provocative post nonetheless, so congrats 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Elle Knowles | February 15, 2015 at 7:44 am

      So true about badly written SEX! And that’s s great thought about Pride and Prejudice and Moby Dick. I was thinking I was the only one out there who wasn’t interested in 50 Shades but from the looks of this I see I’m not. It’s interesting to see the points of view from others. We are all adults here – I hope – and can read what we want and keep it in perspective. What I worry about are the adolescents who can get their hands on this book and how it may affect their life choices. And that’s my thought without even reading! I’ve just heard so much.

      Liked by 1 person

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  13. MyLovingWife | February 15, 2015 at 4:12 am

    I’ve read the books but won’t see the movie. I tend to read the books I buy and everyone was talking to me about it. If I’d known it was a Twilight fan fiction I would never have bothered seeing as I didn’t even manage to get through chapter 1 of the Meyer’s series (one series I did NOT buy).
    The only thing I’ll say is that it’s concerning that they’re presenting this as a love story when it really reads like a glorification of abusive relationships. At least that’s what I felt when I read the book.

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. "Bethie" | February 15, 2015 at 12:39 am

    Haven’t read 50 Shades and I don’t plan to. Nor do I plan to see the movie in theater or on dvd. The only series I’ve read and loved (as well as the movies) is the Harry Potter series. Oh btw, did you finish Orphan Train?

    Liked by 1 person

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  15. audreydix | February 14, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    I haven’t read them or watched movie, really have no desire to. I also must say I don’t know much about them. I’m not knocking anyone who has read them or those who are rushing to see it in Theatre. My Facebook and other soul sites are a straight split. Big Fans or Big Haters.

    Liked by 1 person

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  16. nikkispeaks | February 14, 2015 at 8:03 pm

    Not interesting in seeing the movie, and don’t care for the book, though I do have them. They were passed along from a friend. I read romance, but this is just not my cup of tea. Far more interesting reads on my kindle.

    Like

    Reply
  17. 60while60 | February 14, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    Oh and I wanted to add. Grey Hair/Gray Day 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. 60while60 | February 14, 2015 at 7:47 pm

    Did the pole. Haven’t read the book. There is one advertising clip for the movie that reminds me of a host in Canada that is in big dodo because he says that his dates did consent. Great post. You have people tuned in on this one! Way to go.

    Liked by 1 person

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  19. Judith StClaire | February 14, 2015 at 6:41 pm

    Gray is not my favorite color. I probably won’t read it.

    Liked by 1 person

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  20. Brooke E. Wayne: A Rom-Com Writer's Ramblings | February 14, 2015 at 6:33 pm

    As a romance writer, I have not read it and never will. Even the actors confessed in a recent (less publicized) interview that they’re embarrassed to have been a part of the project.

    Liked by 1 person

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  21. Karyn | February 14, 2015 at 5:41 pm

    Everyone was raving, I gave in and STARTED to read a loaned copy. Couldn’t get past first chapter (or so) GARBAGE!! What is it with our society that they binge on this kind of garbage, not just the book, but then the movie??? I’m telling you, it’s the kind of writing a junior high student (with poor grades) would do. And not so very much unlike a lot of other bad, highly publicized writing ‘out there’ now. CRAP.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Elle Knowles | February 14, 2015 at 5:45 pm

      Karyn I can’t judge because I haven’t read but I’ve heard others say the same! It’s sad. Thanks for taking the poll! ~Elle

      Liked by 1 person

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      • Karyn | February 14, 2015 at 5:47 pm

        Seriously. I couldn’t even make myself read more for the…hehhem…”psychological part” that everyone was claiming the REAL reason they were reading it. right.

        Liked by 1 person

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        • Elle Knowles | February 14, 2015 at 5:55 pm

          I believe if they had intended for it to be thought of in that way then it could have been written in a much better manner. These are just my thoughts because I haven’t read it. ~Elle

          Liked by 1 person

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          • soulstoriesbycarol | February 14, 2015 at 10:00 pm

            I did read the book and I found the writing to be dismal and the plot to be a fairy tale gone bad. I am afraid young girls will normalize people like the male character and start to believe either 1. that they can change him or 2. that his way of dealing with relationships is normal. It does offer an opportunity to talk frankly about subjects that are often swept under the rug. I will not be seeing the movie.
            Now the Orphan Train is one of my favorite books and I encourage folks to read it too.

            Liked by 1 person

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  22. Damita M-S | February 14, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    I have not read the book nor will I be seeing the movie. Now when the movie gets to cable I will see it then. It just didn’t get my attention. Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

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  23. daphnecybele | February 14, 2015 at 5:30 pm

    Haven’t read it because I heard the writing was terrible, and not interested in seeing the movie. The topic is fine, I have no issue with topic, I just don’t want to vote with my $ to support bad writing.

    Liked by 1 person

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  24. Karl | February 14, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    Boy it looks like I’m in the right place. Well met, fellow bloggers!

    Liked by 1 person

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  26. WagginMaster (aka Jerry) | February 14, 2015 at 5:08 pm

    No on the book and no on the movie. Your last question Gray vs Gray, What’s the difference? When you live in a white and black world (aka, good vs evil) the difference is what many call a ‘little white lie”. Wrong is wrong no mater what color it is.

    Liked by 1 person

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  27. izzy-grabs-life | February 14, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    I’m excited about reading Orphan Train, too! What I read so far promises a significant read.

    Liked by 1 person

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  28. izzy-grabs-life | February 14, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    I read it (well, most of it) for a number of reasons. While the book isn’t the best content- or written-wise, Fifty Shades did satisfy my need for a certain degree of plausibility. Not necessarily in a “positive” way, but still. If you’re willing to hear me out, check out:

    Readers See Right Through You

    And no, I don’t plan to see the movie until I have the power and choice to fastforward.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Elle Knowles | February 14, 2015 at 4:42 pm

      Now you told me more in that essay than I originally knew! But it doesn’t make me want to read it. You actually read it from a different angle. And yes there would definitely have to be a fast forward option! Don’t forget to take the survey! ~Elle

      Liked by 1 person

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      • izzy-grabs-life | February 14, 2015 at 5:07 pm

        Oh, no, I wasn’t trying to persuade you or anyone to read it, lol. But I did want you to consider a different angle to the book with me (which you were able to do). ^_^ I try to find the positives in things, even seemingly hopeless things.

        Liked by 1 person

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  29. reallifemarti | February 14, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    I read the first nasty little bodice ripper. Honestly, I hated it, but I always finish books as a rule. I don’t understand what the big deal about the book is, it really wasn’t redeeming in any sense. If the book were marketed on its merits, we wouldn’t be having any discussion. But it is marketed for sensationalism. It’s a Harlequin romance gone viral, no more.

    Liked by 1 person

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  30. Mike S | February 14, 2015 at 3:18 pm

    I think there’s more in your camp than you thought Elle 😉 I’m not concerned that the movie is out there, as there’s far worse, however it does seem a lot more accessible/justifiable i.e I’d be surprised how many attendees would admit to watching porn etc, and I totally agree with @sculpturesteph, putting it out on Valentines Day? That’s not cool.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Elle Knowles | February 14, 2015 at 3:24 pm

      No Mike, I think the campsite is getting quite full! I wonder how many kids can actually go buy that book off the rack? That’s a thought isn’t it? Join in on the poll Mike! ~Elle

      Liked by 1 person

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      • izzy-grabs-life | February 14, 2015 at 4:50 pm

        This worries me, because I know I mostly skipped the vulgar scenes, but would they? I was focused on the psychological aspects, but would they focus on the characters’ sex lives instead? After all, that’s the number one thing being promoted about this book, even though there’s more to it. This story has so much potential. I wish more time was put into the editing process and more attention was placed on the psychological distress.

        Liked by 1 person

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        • Elle Knowles | February 14, 2015 at 5:03 pm

          I doubt kids would skip and that’s sad it’s out there for anyone to get their hands on Izzy. It’s like movies you go see and wonder why they have to have all the vulgarity. Couldn’t they make a meaningful story with out it? ~Elle

          Liked by 1 person

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  31. tinehreno | February 14, 2015 at 3:17 pm

    I haven’t read the book. I might some day. By all accounts, it is porn for women, like a Harlequin romance, but dirtier. The way that I understand it, it gets a lot of flack because we live in a culture that seeks to condemn female sexuality at every turn. I’m not sure this is the right way to celebrate female sexuality, but I won’t judge anyone who likes it. Some day, if the movie turns up on Netflix, I might watch it then, but I don’t think it’s a big deal.

    Liked by 1 person

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  32. stu06bloc9 | February 14, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    I am SO glad I’m not the only one who hasn’t read that book! That’s very ressuring 🙂 have a good weekend and best wishes

    Liked by 2 people

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  33. Maia Blessings | February 14, 2015 at 3:09 pm

    nope not read & no way will I see the movie … I find it rather scary that something that glorifies manipulation & abuse has got so popular…

    Liked by 2 people

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  34. asewalson | February 14, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    I haven’t read the books, and am not interested in seeing the movie at all. Not my cup of tea 😉

    Liked by 1 person

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  35. sculpturesteph | February 14, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    I totally agree with you.
    I am getting fed up with having this marketing campaign constantly thrown at me. And I find the effort into selling it quite sinister. It surely doesn’t have the best message to promote to women and young girls (it’s hard to even walk past bus stops with your children (5 and 8) without having clear S&M imagery shoved into your vision).

    And that is supposed to be the Valentine’s romantic thing to see with your significant other?

    I’ll pass on that…

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Elle Knowles | February 14, 2015 at 3:03 pm

      We are passing on that also. So glad my children are grown and can make these decisions themselves now. I would have probably had to burn a book to keep them from reading it! 😉 Hope you took my poll up there. It’s the first poll I’ve ever done and easier than I thought. ~Elle

      Liked by 3 people

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      • sculpturesteph | February 15, 2015 at 7:58 am

        Hi, I’ve done the poll before I replied…as this is the first time I actually had an opportunity to make a statement (no matter how small) that I am not part of the marketing machine of empty crap (pardon my language her) under the hype of ‘modern women’s liberation’, feminism, spice up your relationship’…
        Are extreme tastes and fetishes now the only validation to be an interesting human being (or more precisely ‘woman’) and are now the new norm?

        I feel a post brewing about this in the back of my mind…

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

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