Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James

I consider it quite hard for myself to write a review of Fifty Shades of Grey. Why? Because as much as I wanted to hate this book, I loved it. I loved every minute of it and am sad that the series has come to an end (I finished all 3 in about a total of a week and a half).

I saw people posting on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. about Fifty Shades. I wasn't sure what it was about, but I knew there was a lot of "hype" and criticism surrounding the book. So like I did with Hunger Games, and Twilight I decided I wouldn't read it. Not my type of book. I am used to reading light hearted and fun chick lit novels. I figured Fifty Shades didn't quite fit into that genre. Not to mention the "relationship" the book involved. It just wasn't my thing- no way. No way would I ever read it.

Then it seemed as though everyone around me began reading this book and falling in love with Christian Grey. As much as I like to differ from the crowd and do things my way, I can hardly ignore a book being talked about so much by people who don't even typically read books. After much consideration, and persuading from friends who couldn't put it down, I borrowed the book and proceeded to read the entire thing in about three days.

The writing itself was not incredibly amazing. It's typical fan fiction writing, right up there with Twilight. However, E.L James's character development was beyond superb. By the end of the first book I felt like I'd know Ana for years and she confided in me her secrets about Grey. As much as I wanted to dislike Christian Grey, I couldn't help but love him. Even though I'm embarrassed to admit it, I shed a tear or two for the characters in this book. But, then again, that's what you would do if these were your real friends, right? And that is what James makes you feel.

Meet Ana Steele, an innocent college student who works part-time at a local hardware store and lives with Katherine Cavanaugh. It all starts when Ana's roommate is sick and can't make the interview she has lined up with Christian Grey. Ana gets stuck into attending the interview and that's where it starts.

Clumsy and flustered she stumbles into Grey's office mesmerized by his beauty and nervous. So much so that she asks Grey some embarrassing questions. From there it is a wild chase that will keep you flipping the pages.

Ana's life is forever changed when she learns Grey's secret and she must battle with her feelings for him as well as the future she had always imagined for herself.

If you have reservations about reading this book because of the type of relationship Christian and Ana are involved in-- read it! I almost let this book pass me by entirely because of their physical relationship. I told you, I never read books like this one. After book one, things cool off a bit and the story actually becomes more enjoyable. When you get to the parts of book one where you consider putting it down because it's just too much to handle, keep going! I promise, you're going to love it. If you can look past the physical part of their relationship this story is about two people falling in love, one with a troubled past.

Again, I'm writing this review after finishing all three in the series. I will tell you that book one was my least favorite, with the third being my absolute favorite. But, the second one was wonderful too. They all are!

Rating: ★★★★

Stay tuned for reviews on Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.