In August, I finished reading Head Over Heels in the Dales by Gervase Phinn, and then went on to read a trilogy.
Having heard so much in the media about Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James, I thought I would get myself a copy and see what all the fuss was about. I have to admit that I did quite enjoy reading it.
I borrowed the second and third books in the trilogy, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed. I thought the second book was actually better than the first, but the third was very disappointing. I was actually bored reading it, and it seemed as though the author was just trying to string another book out of the story. I was glad when I eventually finished it.
I've recently picked up another couple of books from the charity shop. The first one is The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith, another tale from The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, and the other is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I've got the film on DVD but have never read the book so I'm looking forward to settling down over winter and getting stuck in.
Ah, Daphne du Maurier - one of my favourite authors. Rebecca is fantastic. Did you see "The Scapegoat" on TV on Sunday - that was another du Maurier. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteJune
I did the same thing with "The Hunger Games". I wanted to know what all the hoopra was about. I bought the first book and then to my surprise - there were two more books when I thought it was only one.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine being in line overnight to watch a movie.
I've heard lots of folk talking about Fifty Shades, but I can't say that they appeal to me.
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm a big lover of Alexander McCall Smith, especially this particular series of books - I always find them such a relaxing read, nothing too taxing.
I'm sure you'll love both your new bargains. I'm currently reading Maria Mundi (The Midas Box) by GP Taylor, which I picked up from the charity shop. I think it's supposed to be a children's book, but I'm loving it.
Happy reading.
Jill x
Nothing more than lots of hype, marketing and publicity made them best sellers, but definitely not for me!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Rebecca. xx
I read the 3 Fifty Shades over the holidays and I will not rushing off to see the film. They were a OK read but not as brillant as all the hype made them out to be. It just goes to show how a good marketing machine can sell anything.
ReplyDeleteI have read the 'Grey' trilogy too and thought they were ok, even though the repetitive writing drove me mad in places. apart from the content, they seemed to have been written for teens. I agree they were strung out far too much. I've not seen the other books and would be interested to hear what you ahve to say about them!
ReplyDeleteI read the trilogy at the start of summer and I completely agree that they become very repetitive and I skim read the last book as I was quite bored by then. My friends I decided that it had to be set overseas as no Yorkshirewoman would stand for his nonsense!!!
ReplyDeleteI have only read the first of the 50 shades books and to be honest I didnt really rate it.I cant be bothered getting the last two!
ReplyDeleteI've never read Rebecca but really want to, it's on my "one day" list.
ReplyDeleteI've also been reading the 50 shades books. They are surprisingly enjoyable, once you get over how badly written they are. I'm half way through the third and so far there's not much plot! x
I have Rebecca on my to be read pile. I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI was listening to Radio 4 when I was painting S's room and there was a feature on there about would you let your teenager read 50 shades and one of the woman said it was really badly written!
Lisa x
Havent red Rebecca in a while, but read a few other Du Mariers before heading down to Cornwall this summer as they are mostly set there - Jamaica Inn, Frenchman's Creek and Don't Look Back (short thrilling stories) - all good books.
ReplyDeleteAm a great lover of AMS books, especially the 44 Scotland Street and the Sunday Philosophy Club series - both set in Edinburgh with great characters, highly recommend them Jo!
Gill xx
I have heard a lot about the Fifty Shades of Grey book, but have yet to read it (nor have I read the other two you have chosen). They will have to go on my 'to read' list (my very long to read list :P).
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading!
Magie x
A friend of mine took the trilogy on holiday. I haven't seen her since the beginning of term so I will be interested to see if she thinks the same as you. I read 'Lace' back in the dark ages and wondered if it might be a similar sort of thing... There seem to be plenty of imitation books out there at the moment. Jx
ReplyDeleteHi Jo
ReplyDeleteMost ladies at work say the same, boredom by the end of the 50 shades trilogy! Daphne du Maurier is my favourite author too - amazing writer - I love Rebecca but also read My Cousin Rachel this Summer, which was even better!
Sally x
Thank you for all your comments. It's interesting to hear what other people make of the trilogy.
ReplyDeleteJune - I didn't see the scapegoat but I heard it was very good.
Ruth - I haven't read The Hunger Games, did you enjoy it?
Jill - There's some great children's books out there. Why shouldn't we read them?
Flighty - I agree with what you say, it certainly wasn't how well it was written which made it a bestseller.
The Cookie Jar - I agree. I enjoyed reading the first and second books, but it was definitely the marketing which made them bestsellers.
Kelly - The repetition drove me mad too, as well as some of the turns of phrase she used.
Freerangegirl - That made me laugh, she definitely wasn't a Yorkshire lass.
Anne - I enjoyed the second book more than the first, but the last one was a waste of time.
Gillian - I don't know why the third book was written, certainly not to tell a story because there isn't one.
Lisa - Eleanor has asked to read Fifty Shades of Grey. Apparently all her friends at school have or are reading it. I told her no. I don't think a fourteen year old needs to be exposed to that kind of material, though I know that all her friends will be telling her about it.
Gill - I'm sure that once I run out of books from the Ladies' Detective Agency series I'll start on the other Alexander McCall Smith books. They all sound good.
Magie - The problem with book reviews is that you end up wanting to read the book, the to be read list gets longer, and there's no hope that you'll ever end up reading everything on it. You're really not missing anything if you don't get round to the Fifty Shade trilogy.
Jan - I've never read Lace. I wonder if your friend enjoyed the trilogy, there's plenty of mixed reviews out there.
Sally - So many people love Daphne du Maurier. I shall be on the lookout for more of her books once I've read Rebecca.