Thursday, July 24, 2014

7/24/14

It's been a while blog world - BUT, today is a monumental day. The 50 Shades of Grey trailer was just released. My co-workers and I, being the freaks that we are, just watched the trailer for the first time ever and our reaction was -eh-. I think we'll all stick to our imaginations. I guess the cast was just not what we had pictured. Oh well - we're still going to see it!

Start the count down!


Monday, May 14, 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey

So Christian and Ana get their happily ever after. Go figure - rich, married and happy; I bet they're republican (Besides the point). The finale to this trilogy made me......upset. Am I simply acting as a jealous critic, labeling this story as complete FANTASY because it's something I don't possess?

I'd like to think not but then again, why would I ever expect this fantasy erotica novel to be anywhere near realistic. My mistake. Still it got so farfetched from life - where was the deceit, the cheating and agony? Sad to say but that is real life. Christian's painful memories of his past do not make up for Ana's lack of personal history. Her characters purity and naivety made her someone who should have lived during the days of Jane Austen or Tess D'urbervilles; which oddly enough she relates herself to.

I'm even finding it hard to blog about because I feel like I'm constantly repeating myself. Yes the entire series was far from realistic, but was anything believable about it? (Seriously taking the time to think about it -so far it's been five minutes).....................................maybe the accident that Ray got into with Jose and his father. Even then, however, his recovery was lucky; anyone else would have been brain dead.

I'm sad to say that I'm disappointed with the last two books because I was excited to read the story any time I got the chance. However, nothing compares to the first book of the series. It was surprising and Christian Grey proved to be a mysterious character that readers were compelled to discover. Ana, too, grew throughout the series. Not so much in the first novel, but definitely in the third; she distinguished herself from Bella and become quite the independent confident young lady. One that all women could aspire to be like. So, finally I will say 50 Shades of Grey is a MUST read. But the sequel 50 Shades Darker is good if you weren't completely satisfied with it's predecessor. Unfortunately, I will say 50 Shades Freed is not a read I would recommend.

50 Shades of Grey: READ


50 Shades Darker: eh- it's up to you

50 Shades Freed: Don't torture yourself; trust me 

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Endurance

On this overcast day it has come to my attention that I have ignored my own blog for the past few days. Shame on me. It's not so much neglect as it is disappointment in this trilogy. Sure, it's exciting and addictive but all I can ever think of to share is how unrealistic and frankly immature it is - apart from the NC-17 scenes. Honestly though, this story appeals to the imagination of every woman; a man that's insanely rich, smart, handsome, giving, loving and oh, let's not forget a SEXGOD (shouty capitals).

In the second book of the series, the story was admittedly dull until chapter 13, when things started to accelerate towards a narrative pinnacle. The action in the 50 Shades sequel was acceptable and I think all readers anticipated a marriage without having to open the first book of the trilogy. The most shocking piece of action in 50 Shades Darker  however, was Christian's confession as to why he is, in his own terms, 50 shades of fucked up. With that revelation I'd say 50 shades is a HUGE understatement.

In my opinion, all is agreeable until slightly through the third book. I love how James explains Christian and Ana's wedding as flash backs; it leaves room for a more interesting story. On the other side, what I don't like is how unrealistic this book is becoming. Yes Christian is rich, we get it, but Ana at 22 owning her own publishing company with less than a year's experience as an assistant-  you've got to be kidding me.

And then there's Jack Hyde. You would think with the recent Leila occurrence the lunaticity (not a real word) in this story would cease. On the contrary, I fear it has only just begun. Especially since the antagonist in 50 Shades Freed has already been caught and arraigned. Side note, I think it's funny that his name is Jack Hyde, he was inevitably evil - it's not his fault.

This story is definitely thrilling to read, but it's starting to remind me of a television drama too many seasons in; things just start getting stupid in order to keep viewers entertained. Ana owning her own company at 23 is stupid. It's shocking moments like this, along with a car chase, and avoided kidnapping that make it seem like the 50 Shades story is running out of umph.

Maybe Christian and Ana can share some of the endurance their story is progressively lacking.

Do you agree?


Saturday, May 5, 2012

Addicted

It may seem with my constant criticism, I have no appreciation for this story. On the contrary however, I want to make everyone aware that I am completely possessed by and in love with the 50 Shades trilogy. So much so, that after my night out on the town - which consisted of 1 mojito, 5 shots of tequila, 1 shot of rum and some casual dancing- I found it an appropriate time to catch up on some Christian and Ana action before passing out into oblivion.

Yes, after my drunken wasted night of retardedness (note I did not add blacked out because I wasn't) all I wanted to do was read 50 Shades Darker. Which, didn't work out so well I might add; I believe I made it through 1 page before seeing double and backward words proved too much to handle.


If that doesn't exemplify love I don't know what will.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

I Can't Even Think of a Title

According to my Kindle (for Mac) I have precisely completed 50% of 50 Shades Darker BY E.L James, and what do I have to show for it? -Zip

I wouldn't call it writers block per say, more like a lack of motivational material in this sequel. So far, I've "witnessed", if you will, a make-up, psycho ex, glamourous charity event, a MRS. ROBINSON (I'll admit that one was a shocker) oh and colossal amounts of sex. So much so, it's almost sickening - but that's why we love the book so I can't be mad. But honestly, this sequel so far is missing something that its predecessor simply radiated. 


On a positive note, Ana is slowly developing; wishes do come true. She is proving to be a strong independent young woman and I praise her for putting that nasty old Elena Lincoln (a.k.a Mrs. Robinson) into her place - who does she think she is? You go Ana (Bella would have never done something like that).

As for Christian and Ana's relationship, it's cute... I guess. Definitely making me a little jealous (it's just a book, Lex, it's just a book). So far, after five weeks, they have confessed their love for one another and have both made intense compromises. Is it realistic - not at all. Is it romantic? You'd better believe it. Sadly though, all it's been is Ana and Christian. Where are the other developed characters? Will James ever bring Kate back from Barbados? Will she make Mia or Elena more important characters? Unfortunately, I feel like a potentially good story has been overshadowed by expensive cars and foreplay.

HELLO! Stop with the sex twice every chapter - let's get to a climax!! (No pun intended)

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Letter to Anastasia Steele

Dear Ana,
      You've been through a lot, we know. In the span of less than two weeks time you have found an insanely attractive, wealthy boyfriend (more or less), lost your virginity, graduated, got a new apartment, met your boyfriends family and vice versa, got a new lap top, cell phone and car, been introduced to the world of S&M, broke up with your new boyfriend AND got a new job straight out of college.

Damn girl you are struggling. 

I don't mean to sound like hater Ana but maybe you're being a little too sensitive? Or is the two week relationship between you and Christian that serious? I'm not demeaning the beat down you received from wonder boy either, that was a bit over the abusive line and you had every right to be angry - but you did ask for it.

Sincerely,
      A soon to be college grad, with no job offerings, a shitty cell phone, a shitty car and no boyfriend. (...I'll admit I have a pretty nice laptop)

Book One was addictive. Could not put down. But, as much as a I loved reading it, the relationship seemed too immature for Ana to become so upset over, this goes for Christian as well.

Regardless, book two has been started, and my comments and opinions will not cease. I only hope for a matured relationship between Christian and Ana, along with a more developed Ana. Christian seems so interesting to readers and while his character unfolds and renders personal secrets, Ana seems a tad bland. Also, the dialogue between the two could improve; I feel like I'm reading the same sentences over and over - but is that what people in relationships do, repeat the same things? Not so sure.

Anyway! Onto Fifty Shades Darker, oOo sounds..... - dark?

Hard Limits

Define limits.

Seriously, try to explain it. They are a boundaries, restrictions... kind of a negative tone towards those words huh? Limits are what stop us from something we've already engaged in - the most we can take. Coincidently, the most we can give as well. So what are your limits? Do we ever truly know them or do we have to keep pushing ourselves out of comfort zones to become more familiar?

In terms of 50 Shades of Grey , comfort zones have been disintegrating in every chapter for both characters. More so emotionally than sexually - but don't get me wrong, sexual boundaries are collapsing like bursted dams.

But that's besides the point.

What I mean to say is that the sentimental connect for these two characters is realistic and palpable. Apart from the S&M kinky stuff that I'm sure most of us do not engage in, the emotional limits can be seen in everyday life around us; and I commend E.L James for including these life aspects into a story that would otherwise be out of touch with the rest of society.

Ana's reluctance to speak her mind to Christian in person is relatable, and her enhanced confidence in communication through email is also true. Especially in a world where technological advances have made intimate face to face communication dwindle. Which is sad to say none the less.  When did it become "okay" for a couple to express romantic/sexual feelings via email but not in person?  Likewise, Ana's keenness to over-analyze every comment from Christian is genuine (my friends and I do this ALL the time), while it seems evident enough that he means exactly what he says. Her inquiry into Christian's thoughts establish the fact that rational minds do not exists in romantic relationships.

ERGO FOOLS IN LOVE! 

Still, if to know ourselves, is to be aware of our capabilities; what we can and cannot do and limits only exist to be broken, do we ever truly know ourselves? Or maybe, life is an extended journey of self exploration. Ana Steele has shattered many personal limits so far, I wonder if in the next 90 pages she will  acknowledge she is not the same person she was at the beginning of this story, and her limits are ever changing - maybe one day caning will be a soft limit for her (Haha). She has already succumbed to spanking, whipping, bondage and is quite possibly reconsidering gagging. She has also sacrificed her great want for more of a romantic relationship with Christian- the hearts and flowers- for one based on sexual interactions and "legal" agreements.

Does she realize she has already changed?