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

Overuse of the word "murmurs"

The author could have extended her vocabulary instead of using "murmurs" over a gazillion times. The narration would have been better had there been a male narrator for Mr. Grey's voice. Becca's male voice interpretation was pathetic.

awesome reader

i just love this reader the way she brings the book to life♡ it !!!!!!!

Is it love or just sex

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

A love story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Christian - complicated and wanted to see if and how he would come around

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Becca Battoe?

Two narrators: Sebastian York & Andi Arndt

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

No

Any additional comments?

A dominant and a submissive but always with permission. Did not think this was too dark compared to other books I've listened to on audible. Tame in comparison.

oh my!

wow this book is good and so very vivid :) love love love it but don't let the little ones indulge unless you are ready to teach them about birds and the bees

Mixed Opinion

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

What I like best was how Christian was evolving as the story went on. It is clear that he loves Anna but because of his childhood he does not know what to do with these feelings. The only way he knows how to show his love is by abuse because that his what he was shown as a child. The other thing I like most was the sex scenes. The are certainly graphic and hot! I'm not a fan of any of the BDSN scenes but the other ones are yummy!

What I dislike the most was some aspects of Ana's character. At times I found her to be immature and pathetic and I lost count on how many times she said "Oh My" and "Holly Sh*t" That was a little annoying.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The evolution of Christian Grey. I actually felt sorry for him. I can see he has the potential to love but he has been so broken due his childhood. Although he is twisted now, I believe He has the capability to evolve in to a caring man who can love and be loved.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Yes, she does. I actually researched BDSM and she has clearly done her research as well. I also felt the impulse to look up the author just to see what sort of person could write a book like this. It makes you wonder if she herself is in to BDS and makes you wonder if she is the dominent or the submissive. LOL

Could you see Fifty Shades of Grey being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I could see this and obviously it would have to be an X-Rated movie otherwise the movie would not be able to, in any way what so ever, capture the essence of this story.

Any additional comments?

I have hesitated for months on reading/listening to this book simply because of the mixed reviews. The books is somewhat know as degrading to women and this was not something I was interested in. However, I did not find this to be true at all. Christians "ways" are understandable and Ana's consented to Christian's desires. They were both consulting adults and I know there are many couples in the real world that do practice BDSM

Surprised

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

I don't know to say, I can't agree with the past reviews. I like Becca Battoe's voice, I think her inflection and tone is appropriate. It took some time to get used too because well lets face it,middle age women like myself, find the way young people talk a little annoying, but in the case of Anna Steel's charactor I found it endearing.

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

I haven't read anything like this before. It was an experience.

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

Without reservation, Anna Steele

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did have an extreme reaction. I was drawn in by Anna's disciption of every detailed emotional response. I loved it!!!

Any additional comments?

I had reservations about reading this book. I thought it might be distasteful and I wouldn't enjoy it, however, I was wrong it is the most interesting book I have read/listened to in a very long time. I'm glad was open minded.

It grows on you

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Time well spent? I suppose once you've mastered the ability to ignore average writing and slow-to-warm up plot.

Could you see Fifty Shades of Grey being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes. Cinemax. The after midnight genre.

love this book

this book is amazing. most def is an emotional ride... el James did amazing she really knew what she was doing

AWESOME!!!!

super awesome book, plus I couldn't help but notice that my sex life as slightly increased ;)

love it

love it. could not put the book down. read 2 times in 2 weeks time