NOW CLOSED Tell us what makes a book 'un-put-downable' and be in with a chance of winning a £100 Figleaves voucher

[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

The folks at Random House, the publisher, have got a new book coming out
that they think is going to take the country by storm and get everyone
talking about it. It's called Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James. You may
have heard about it or read it (it's been a massive hit in the US already),
or this may be the first you've heard of it. Either way, Random House would
like to find out what makes a book a riveting read - there's a few
questions below to get you started but please add any other comments you
have as well.

Everyone who adds their comments to this thread will be entered into a
prize draw where one winner will get a £100 voucher for
Figleaves.

Here are the questions:

Every now and then, a book comes along that gets everybody talking (think
Harry Potter, Twilight, The Da Vinci Code or One Day). Fifty Shades
of Grey by E L James is doing just that in the US. What do you think it is
about a book that makes it such a huge success? What are the key elements
you think a book like that has to have to give it the mass appeal to get
everyone reading?

One of the reasons Fifty Shades of Grey has captured so much attention,
is its open portrayal of the erotic experiences of its main characters. What
was the last book that you read that completely gripped you so you couldn't
put it down? Have you read any books recently that have changed the way you
think about something? Or changed the way you actually feel or act in RL?
Please do share!

Fifty Shades of Grey is already a bestseller in the ebook charts. If you
have an ereader (e.g. Kindle), do you think it has influenced what books
you choose to read? Is there anything you've read on your ereader that you
don't think you would have done if it was in hard copy? If so, what was it
and why? Have you ever been put off reading a book because people around
you will be able to see what you're reading? If so, what was it? (we won't
judge you, promise! :))

Just one last quick Q for anyone who has read Fifty Shades of Grey - the
screen rights have been acquired and it is going to be made into a film -
who would you choose be the the main parts (Christian Grey and Ana Steele)?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ

Isn't Fifty Shades the book that started off as Twilight fanfic (called Master of the Universe or something similar), then had the names changed before selling it to Random House? I believe it's been quite controversial. Not sure I want to read a fanfic with the details filed off tbh!

One of the reasons Fifty Shades of Grey has captured so much attention,
is its open portrayal of the erotic experiences of its main characters. What
was the last book that you read that completely gripped you so you couldn't
put it down? Have you read any books recently that have changed the way you
think about something? Or changed the way you actually feel or act in RL?
Please do share!

1. I most often read fiction but it so happens that the last book I read was abook about North Korea - Nothing to Envy that was absolutely unputdownable. The quality of the writing was great, the author had skillfully weaved six stories together, and it never felt like anything was revealed to emotionally manipulate the reader. It felt honest and it was interesting because it was appalling and true. I used to think huge groups of people couldn't be brainwashed. I've changed my mind.

2. I have a Kindle but mostly use the kindle app on my phone or iPad. I do read more, I also read more widely when there are offers on interesting books. It would make me more likely to buy an embarrassing title I suppose.

3)N/A

well i suppose what makes a book unputdownable depends on the reader. I found one day a load of old bollocks to be honest but then loads of people would disagree with me!

2 recent books i found unputdownable were Before I Go To Sleep (which i think is being made into a film?) and To Say Nothing Of The Dog by Connie Willis. Actually, anything by Connie Willis, especially Blackout and Allclear (as recommended by someone on mums net!) The concept of time travel fascinates me and so even though i would normally steer clear of sic fi books, i found these to be possibly the best books I've ever read

I love my kindle and definitely read a lot of books that i possibly wouldn't in hard back. probably because you can get the sample straight away and then if i like it i can download the book in a few seconds and they are usually a bit cheaper too (although not stephen king's new book grr!)

haven't read 50 shades of grey and tbh from the synopsis it doesn't really appeal, might download a sample and see if i like it. The wonders of the kindle!

Thanks everyone for leaving your comments. We've done the prize draw and the winner is....

coffeeandcream

Congratulations! I'll PM you to get your details.

Congrats coffee you jammy sod :o

Loved this thread I have to say, really interesting!

MysteriousHamster, having read your post I'm going to get Nothing to Envy. Thanks, it sounds really good.