We are now entering Chapter 1 of Fifty Shades of Grey
This post will contain spoilers.
My preconceived thoughts before even reading a page of this books are that one, this is a very naughty novel. Two, it supposed to be ‘Twilight’ fan-fiction according to this GalleyCat article. Three, the editing is supposed to be poor and four, there are supposed to be a lot of Brit sayings even though it is based in the States. I’m willing to look past all those…
My first thought is that the speech and writing is very formal. Here is an example on the 2nd page, where Ana is thinking about her friend Kate, “She’s articulate, strong, persuasive, argumentative, beautiful – and she’s my dearest, dearest friend.” But I’m instantly taken in by the inner struggle with Anastasia’s fear of doing the interview but the loyalty she has for her friend.
Besides the locale the first bit of Twihard culpability rears its head with the fact that Ana is quite clumsy. She literally tumbles into Grey’s office and curses her clumsiness.
“I push open the door and stumble through, tripping over my own feet and failling headfirst into the office.
Double crap–me and my two left feet!”
I already find Ana likeable because of this though. She’s rather hard on herself, a loner and not one to fit in well, but I seem to be enjoying her inner snark. The Blonde One & Blonde Two references crack me up, even though it is rather banal, but corporate drones crack me up.
The second obvious Edwardness rears it’s head right after Ana’s clumsiness with the description of “long-fingered” “copper-colored hair”(ed), Christian Grey. Yet, that is where the ‘Twilight’ comparisons really end for me. Christian while enigmatic like our favorite sparkly vampire is much more, well Alpha. This is the powerful version of that particular character, if this is how he was meant to be crafted. If Edward were a man, so-to-speak instead of a 17/100 year old virgin, I’m guessing he could might be Christian Grey.
Overall I liked the interaction between the two characters. Anastasia was a bit awkward, but it was endearing to me instead of aggravating and pitying. And I loved how they called each other by their first names in goodbyes at the end. Almost like a challenge. Can’t wait for Chapter Two…
My favorite parts:
Grey: “I have varied interests, Miss Steele.” A ghost of a smile touches his lips. “Very varied.” And for some reason, I’m confounded and heated by his steady gaze. His eyes are alight with some wicked thought.
Anastasia: “I really need to get out of here. When I turn to look at him, he’s gazing at me and leaning against the doorway beside the elevator with one hand on the wall. He really is very, very good-looking. It’s unnerving.
“‘Anastasia,’ he says as a farewell.
“‘Christian,’ I reply. And mercifully, the doors close.”
As you can tell from the quotes, not the best of writing, but the character interplay is well done. And Chapter One was a keeper.
- FSOG was Twilight Fan Fic — why not read the real thing?
- Alpha Males are best served Vampire. Try the Black Dagger Brother series.
- Want a little naughtier? Give a menage a try.
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Sounds just okay to me. I’ll just read your read-a-long instead of the book.
LOL – OK…
I’ve been hearing a lot about this book lately, and I’m super curious. Looking forward to reading more of your posts on the book.
I’m still not convinced. Waiting for the Chapter 2 read-a-long with baited breath LOL.
(seriously. I’m intrigued, but not convinced.)
That is the whole point of this project LOL –
Your idea of how it might be twilight ish was what I heard too. But after reading and LOVING all three books I see no comparison! For me when a story is good I can look past some language issues can’t wait to hear the rest of your thoughts!!!!
I think the main thing I’m feeling with the Twilight is the anxiety. It’s the feel of the characters together. The anxiety of Ana with Christian, how she doesn’t know how to approach him and the nervousness etc. I think James captured that interplay between the characters much like Meyers did. Which makes Twilight such a good book, even though it’s not the best written book either. It’s all about those characters — at least that is what I think anyway.
This book is going to surprise you on many levels. It is delightfully, delicious nonsense. Glad you finally gave in.
Delicious nonsense…I like that.
OH my GOD!! Ive been in pins and needles since started…LOL. I’m so hoping it doesn’t go downhill for you. You are killing me! chapter by chapter? wickedly genius!!!
I’ll probably combine a few chapters, especially when chapter after chapter is nothing but steamy scenes…LOL I thought Chapter One was significant though.
I have to admit that I read this series before it hit the news and went viral. I really liked it. But I have heard others that have read it after all the hype say they expected more. I am glad I had no preconceived notions about this one going in. Try to keep an open mind.
I’m keeping it open
I just started reading it too…
Yeah — chime in!
Interesting.
After reading both extremely good, and extremely terrible review about it I decided I needed to see for my self and started reading it today. I had those four same worries and then some. What bothers me so far is all the holy crap, holy cows, jeez, and wows. I mean, there are just too many of those. Other than that I’m liking the interaction between Ana and Grey.
I’ll be coming back and checking on this read-along
Ohhh I love this!!! I can get a refresher through you since I don’t have time to re-read it right now. I love your thoughts. I do love the interactions of the characters. I think that is what really got me addicted to the story. I love your lickable button!
Agreed!!!!
I will follow your read a long ^_^. I think I’ll enjoy it more than the book.
I’m actually glad I had no idea this was a Twilight fan fict. If I had known beforehand I probably would have stayed clear away from it. But I’m so glad I didn’t because I ended up loving the series. Yes, it’s not the best technically written novel but I was invested in the characters and the story kept me engaged. I’m anxious of what you’ll think of the rest of the book and hopefully the series.
Wasn’t sure I would like this series, sometimes books that are too hyped up are never what I expected. I am however curious about your read a long and will perhaps pick up a copy this weekend if possible. My sister desperately wants to read this series, because she is super curious about it.
Curiosity is what drew me in too, it’s how I started reading Twilight also LOL
Oh, this looks like fun.
I grabbed copies of all three books for this series because they had them at Walmart for 30% off … Quite a big deal considering how much these cost. I’ve had good times buying stuff this way and I’ve had awful times. We’ll have to see how this goes.
My thoughts so far are that I found the writing relatively easy to get into. I like Ana. The fact that she seems like a loyal friend is refreshing, and I found her nervousness / clumsiness made her relatable. Whether I’ll keep viewing them that way will depend on how those traits are used. Christian seems like he has the potential to be interesting. I felt immediately drawn to these characters and I am excited to see what will happen to them.
I hear ya — I think we are thinking the same
I’ve been debating do I read it, do I not read it.. I’m really on the fence! I’ve heard good from friends and bad.
I might have to pick up the first book and check it out.
Just do it…LOL
I’m in the same place as you are with starting this, so I’m glad you’re doing a read-along/discussion!!
To be completely honest? I felt like the writer was trying too hard (as is with many fan-fic’s that I’ve read…) The speech/voice/writing was just too formal for my liking and that made it hard to really get into. I’m hoping as the book goes on, that will change and I will enjoy it despite the bad writing/editing…
It was formal at first, I’m seeing past it though and it seems to settle down with the dialogue…
Pretty much my thoughts of Ch1 as well. As it continues there are a few other similarities with Twilight, but it is definitely not a clone. And “alpha” is exactly right for Christian Grey. I don’t consider Edward a real leader, but Grey is a freaking freight train with just a look or a gesture. I wish I had that commanding a personality, sheesh.
Personally, I dislike the present-tense-first-person-POV style and avoid novels that use it, but this one kept drawing me in, and I still think about the trilogy, months after reading it. It’s almost a study in the psychology of abuse, relationships, therapy, and BDSM. Looking forward to seeing more of your opinions on it! =)
BTW, are you planning to do a post for each chapter? Whew, long book!
Oh I did love this chapter. The first one was the best of the books.
I’m totally going to be stalking your read-along. Your take will be much more entertaining than the book itself, I think, though I haven’t read it.
The “dearest, dearest friend” sounds like it would be more natural said by someone British. So I’m looking forward to seeing how much the author messes up with that. It’s one of my peeves. If you don’t know the dialect don’t set the book there. This would be the main reason I’d stay away. The second is poor editing, so I really can’t wait to hear what you think as the read goes on.
Your post is a lot of fun!
Personally I haven’t found that many glaring ones, yes their language is formal and clipped, kind of British, but it works because they do try to keep their relationship formal, does that make sense?
I just received these books from my cousin after she read them, and I’m curious to see if they’ll live up to the hype. I’ll definitely be following your read-along. The first chapter reminded me of the vibe at the beginning of “The Devil Wears Prada,” lol.