Fifty Shades of Grey

Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

By: E. L. James

Narrated by: Becca Battoe

Length: 19 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Please note: This audiobook contains graphic adult content.

The book everyone is talking about. When Ana Steele meets Christian Grey.... Romantic, liberating and totally addictive, Fifty Shades of Grey is a novel that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

When literature student Anastasia Steele interviews successful entrepreneur Christian Grey, she finds him very attractive and deeply intimidating. Convinced that their meeting went badly, she tries to put him out of her mind – until he turns up at the store where she works part-time, and invites her out.

Unworldly and innocent, Ana is shocked to find she wants this man. And, when he warns her to keep her distance, it only makes her want him more. But Grey is tormented by inner demons, and consumed by the need to control. As they embark on a passionate love affair, Ana discovers more about her own desires, as well as the dark secrets Grey keeps hidden away from public view.

©2012 E L James (P)2012 Random House Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"In a class by itself." ( Entertainment Weekly)

"The book that made women want sex again" ( Mail on Sunday)

"It’s the book everyone’s talking about, becoming a word of mouth hit, topping the bestseller lists, and the film rights have just been bought to bring it to the big screen… a good steamy read. 4 Stars." ( Heat)

"E L James's erotic novel, one of a trilogy, has become a phenomenon." ( Telegraph Online)

"E. L. James is the talk of the book world thanks to her Fifty Shades... trilogy." ( Daily Mail)

"It has become the topic of choice for water cooler chats, school run tête-a-têtes and whispered conversations over the garden fence... Erotic novel Fifty Shades Of Grey is conquering best-seller lists around the world." ( Herald Scotland Online)

"Fifty Shades of Grey…is now a mainstream publishing sensation." ( Guardian)

"It's the definition of a page-turner… Ultimately, James’s exploration of the dynamics of sexual power is both troubling and intriguing, and women will undoubtedly be discussing it for years to come." ( Telegraph.co.uk)

"Fifty Shades of Grey isn't your average bonkbuster. It could change our sex lives forever." ( Fabulous, Sun on Sunday)

"..it was a proper love story… If my review has at all persuaded you that Fifty Shades of Grey might be more than just a kinky book full of sex, then I urge you to pick up a copy and try it - I'm sure you won't be disappointed! 5 stars." ( ChickLitChloe.blogspot.co.uk)

"This is erotic fiction that firmly falls into the by women for women category. I’ll be buying copies for all my girlfriends this year... an intriguing read 5 stars." ( Bookbag)

EXCELENT.

Where does Fifty Shades of Grey rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best. Not only is it a good story, but the narator Becca Battoe is the BEST that I've listen to so far.

What other book might you compare Fifty Shades of Grey to and why?

I haven't read any others like this.

Have you listened to any of Becca Battoe’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't yet, but I absoluetly will

If you could take any character from Fifty Shades of Grey out to dinner, who would it be and why?

If it's me taking them out, I would say Kate or Anna.. But I would definitely let Mr Fifty-Shades take me to dinner any time.

Always use headphones

What did you like best about Fifty Shades of Grey? What did you like least?

Not a bad story but a bit on the rude side. Hated the way each email was read out time date to from got a little frustrating after a while

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Mmm makes u want to read book 2 so it worked

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene were she met him hilarious

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Probably now

Any additional comments?

Loved the reader she was fabulous. Very enjoyable listening to her

This will have you panting

I'm not a fan of the romance genre, so I found Anna's character really annoying. And the way the narrator reads the character is grating (I'm not a fan of silly girls). But, this made the really hot parts of the book so much better. The way Becca gets really breathy and deep for Grey is intoxicating and worth enduring the inbetween parts of the book for.

This is the kind of book where you have to leave your sense at the door - this is an unrealistic fantasy world. I won't even go into the flaws in the themes in the book. I think E.L. James should stick to short erotic stories.

I recommend you suspend reality, curl up on the couch, endure the crappy romance and hold out for the fantastic hot scenes. Becca's reading of them makes the audiobook so much hotter than reading it yourself.

What's all the hype about?

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

It depends on what you expect. I was reading this to find out what the fuss is all about & frankly I'm at a loss....the story is just ok but the writing is bad. Predictable plot, shallow characters & almost unbearable narrating make this an effort to finish. If you can turn your brain off you might enjoy it.

Has Fifty Shades of Grey turned you off from other books in this genre?

What genre is this in? I was expecting alot more with the references to "mummy porn". I can name books in completely different fields with hotter scenes. As for the so called romance...hmmmm, it almost fools you into thinking there is some.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Becca Battoe?

Doubtful. This narrator makes all the female characters sound like they belong on the 90s film 'Clueless', she mispronounces words as well as emphasising the wrong ones.

Do you think Fifty Shades of Grey needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes as it ends without being resolved & it's not that type of book....there are 2 more of course

Any additional comments?

I'm sure I'm not the only one to see the similarities to Twilight. It's so obvious at times that I found myself rolling my eyes in disbelief - one scene was practically word for word to a Twilight one! Overall it's good enough to finish & I enjoyed it for what it was but not in my list of favourites. I'm really not sure why this has been so hyped up.

fairytale

loved it! just remember its not like this in real life
wish it was, not the punishment though

HOOKED!!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fifty Shades of Grey?

LOVE the story in general. So much happened in the novel, it moved fast and was always dramatic. I couldnt put it down.

Which character – as performed by Becca Battoe – was your favorite?

Christian Grey! OH Always Christian Grey!

If you could take any character from Fifty Shades of Grey out to dinner, who would it be and why?

CHRISTIAN GREY!

listened to it 10 times still new and exciting !!!

I must have heard this book at least 10 times while I work out, at work, while I do the dishes it is the best book ever and I cannot stop listening to it. I love the narrative and I love the narrator she truly brings this book to life.

Mystery and sweet story

Would you consider the audio edition of Fifty Shades of Grey to be better than the print version?

It depends! I like both

What did you like best about this story?

I'm getting addicted!!!!! It's a cute and kinda dark mystery love story

What about Becca Battoe’s performance did you like?

She did good in Anastasia !!!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely

Any additional comments?

Maybe another guy can perform grey??!! That would be good to listen to

listen yet again

loved it finished with ease narrator's were awesome they were always 9n point and clear

A little bit boring!

I guess because it's fairly repetitive and, for me, not really that erotic. I think Lisa Kleypas' books are a lot more so. I'm half way through part 3 and will finish it but I doubt that I will buy the rest of the trilogy. Mr Grey is a bit too grey for me; he just doesn't do it for me and if I hear anyone say "oh my" anytime soon, I'll feel like hitting them!