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

More than 150 million copies sold worldwide.

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success - his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family - Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

This audiobook is intended for mature audiences.

Look for E L James’ passionate new love story, The Mister, coming April 16, 2019.

©2011 E L James (P)2012 Random House

Critic reviews

• Finalist, GoodReads Choice Awards, Best Romance

YESSSSSS….!!!!

LOVED IT !! I don’t think you could’ve asked for a better narrator, obviously smutty, but it’s amazing how to worlds to can collide let’s see if it works ?!!!!

Read exceptionally

I love how it was read and the storyline is excellent ! I read this book when it first came out but listening to it is even better and works for a busy lifestyle

Details

I don’t have a dislike. I was very detail and listen to the subtle version I miss something that I have read. Even though I have seen the movies the books are always 100% better, thank you.

Not what I expected- I liked it.

I guess all the hype and silly buzz around this book when it first became popular made me think it was a raunchy sex story. It was not at all even distasteful.
I’m not too critical of romantic fiction. It should be enjoyed as the escape it was intended to be.

If you’re looking for BDSM, this is not really where you’ll find it. This is romantic with a sprinkling of a hint of it. I did learn some associated terminology.
The narrator has a sweet voice but it took me a while to get used to her cadence which reminded me of a 5 th grade teacher reading to students. Either she became more comfortable with the role as the story progressed or I became numb to my previous annoyance, but she was more convincing at about half way through.

This story is a perennial favor of mine

I love this story and I love the narrator If you continue under the next book it's such a sweet turnaround feminist everywhere disagree that it's a good book but I think it's wonderful

Poor representation

I have never seen the movie or knew much about the book before listening to it. The reader was a bit vapid when it came to Anna and her portrayal of Christian was very disappointing. She got better as the book progressed.

I enjoyed it

Very good story, keeps you interested in what will happen next. I love each of the 50 shades books. Ready for more!

What took me so long?!

I can’t believe that I avoided this series for as long as I have. I’ve literally read HUNDREDS of romance novels at this point, but only recently considered reading these ones. I admit that I was pleasantly surprised.
I cheated and watched the movies first. I was very surprised by how close to the book they were able to keep the storyline! I feel like that never happens! Kudos to the screenplay writer(s)!
Starting on another immediately!

Awesome!!!

What made the experience of listening to Fifty Shades of Grey the most enjoyable?

It made me want to be Ana and get into the story so that I can experience the pleasure that she was getting.

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

When Grey found out that Ana was a virgin, he went crazy also especially at what happened after.

What about Becca Battoe’s performance did you like?

She pulled me into the story with her performance, i especially like how she portrayed how Ana felt.

Any additional comments?

James knew exactly what he was doing....this story captivates you and will hold you to the last word.

STOP WITH THE SHOUTY CAPITALS! This book is magic!

If you could sum up Fifty Shades of Grey in three words, what would they be?

A-MAZ-ING

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

It does have a similar tone to twilight, the Edward and Bella side, but for adults...controlling man, naive girl, somehow you just WANT it to work!

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

Ana....She is youthful, just out of college, naive, yet wise beyond her years. I could feel Ana screeching in surprise as I read the books and the audio version depicted every nuance exactly as I'd envisioned it, even the funny ones!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Ana stops doubting herself....and she allows herself to BE the person Christian needs her to be.

Any additional comments?

Some people are always going to have problems with the narration, the editing, the whatever….if you are use to nitpicking a book to death for its faults then this is not the book for you! If you want to sit back and be transported to an alternate reality where you can allow your mind to wander free and picture these people and places and live their ups and downs with them, then BUY THIS BOOK!