Chapter one introduces us to Anastasia Steel and her roommate, Katherine Kavanagh. Katherine, a no-nonsense journalist for their University's student paper, finds herself down and out with the flu and asks Ana to fill her shoes for the day and meet with the mega-rich tycoon, Christian Grey, CEO of Grey Enterprise Holdings. Ana's not very happy about this, she has no journalist experience but agrees to help out her friend.
Arriving GEH Headquarters, Ana immediately feels out of place, surrounded by opulence and beautiful blond women. Seems every female employee is a gorgeous blond. Hmm....
Like Bella in Twilight (if you don't already know this the 50 Shades books began as Twilight fanficiton), Ana is a clumsy girl and quite literally falls into Mr. Grey's office after tripping over her own two feet. Her very first introduction finds her on hands and knees in his office as 'gentle hands' are around her, helping her to stand.
Embarrassed, and shocked by Mr. Grey's striking good looks, Ana introduces herself and begins a rather awkward interview, clumsily fumbling with her digital recorder. She and Mr. Grey seem at odds somehow and the process goes with excruciating unease for the bumbling
She eyes some paintings of mundane objects on his office walls commenting how lovely they are by choice of display. "Raising the ordinary to the extraordinary." she says, and on first read of the books you would never realize the foreshadowing of that quote.
Christian Grey comes across intense and controlling and Ana finds him very unnerving. We get small insights into his personality with quotes like "I'm very singular, driven. I like control -- of myself and those around me."
"So you want to possess things?"
"I want to deserve to possess them, but yes, bottom line, I do."
Throughout the interview they are both Mr. Grey and Miss Steele - with one exception. When Ana reads her friend Kate's question from her prescribed list, asking Mr. Grey if he is gay. She is immediately embarrassed and he answers, "No, Anastasia, I'm not." He does not looked pleased.
At the end of the interview, Mr. Grey surprises Ana once again by suggesting his company's internship program to her. She just can't figure him out. She then declines his offer to show her around, and, nearly as uneasily as she entered, leaves his office.
Mr. Grey sees her to the elevator, pressing the call button and waiting awkwardly at her side. Anastasia steps inside and just before the doors close they both use the other's given name as a brief means of farewell.
###
Chapter Questions:
1. What were some of your favorite moments from this chapter and did they change after reading a 2nd, 3rd or even fourth time? (you know who you are) ;)
2. Was there anything you didn't like or understand?
3. Is there a particular chapter moment you're just dying to see on screen?
1. The intensity of Christian and how he makes Ana feel so intimidated. Like has been put through the ringer. I have to say I laugh every time I get to the part of the interview where she asks him if he is gay!
ReplyDelete2. I am embarrassed to say that the quote: "Raising the ordinary to the extraordinary" didn't sink in until I thought about it now! Good Lord!!! HELLO! LOL
3. From this book I want to see the scene where Ana drunk dials Christian and what ensues after that...but there is just so much I want to see in the films...and I know they will not be able to give us every moment.
YAY your my first official comment!!
ReplyDeleteYes Christian's intensity and the way he can intimidate with just a look is HOT!
Don't be embarrassed, it just means you need to read them a 5th time because there could be other things you've missed, LOL.
I'd love to see that scene too -- but how about from this chapter? I'm going to pose that question for each so what from this first one would you really like to see on the big screen?
Thanks so much for your support bb!!
Of course the interview is a must for the film. From the moment she falls to the moment he walks her to the elevator...
ReplyDelete1. My favorite part of this chapter is when Andrea comes into his office during the interview to let CTG know his next interview is there. When he tells her he's not done which he probably told her to come in at a certain to wrap up this meeting.. When she's confused and lingers he "turns his head slowly and raises his eyebrows." LOL.. OMG I'd probably be in a puddle on the floor.
ReplyDelete2. No, not really.
3. I want to see his body language. Since we got the bit of his inner thoughts here I want to see how this plays out. The though of him bendig Ana over his desk to prove he wasn't gay. Him toying with her by touching his lips and getting a rise out of her. I want to see when he touches her for the first time when he helps her with her coat. I think his facial expressions and knowing looks will be key here. I want to see his face when she says his name as the elevator closes.
I so agree -- I was in a puddle just reading it! But to see his body language and that intense look in his eyes... Cannot wait for that!! I also love how he toys with her. We get to see that even more with Christian's POV and I love it!
Delete1. Oops not his next interview his next appointment and LOL. Who was that appointment with ? They just got shoved off because of little Miss. Ana.
ReplyDeleteLOL, I think it was someone important... a Senator or something wasn't it? It was in the C-POV files. I'll check on that.
DeleteYes he had another appointment which he canceled just like that! I loved it...the connection was there as soon as she fell through his door! Andrea didn't know what to make of his demeanor. This is not Christian Grey!
ReplyDeleteAnd the fact that the appointment was there too ? Right ? He just blew them off. LOL..
ReplyDeleteI'm with XO, I love everything we get from his POV, (in general I love how he's always confused by the reactions she elicits from him) and I'd love to see his facial expressions, how he's "twitching" etc.
ReplyDeleteOne if my favorite parts is after she's fumbling with the recorder and then finally asks if she can record him and he sarcastically says-"after you've taken so much time to set up the recorder, you ask me now." And when she says, "I have some questions" and he says "I thought you might" - I love when he messes with her.
Oh me too! That recorder scene MUST be in the movie! That 'you've taken so much time' line is classic Christian! <3
DeleteOh-and when he walks her to the elevator and his staff gapes at him. I love everything he does that's out of his normal character. And of course the "Anastasia" and "Christian" at the elevator.
ReplyDeleteYes.. I'm sure the staff is like. WTF? Who is she ? What's going on here ? Then they all run and gossip in the corner (oh wait that's what happens where I work).
DeleteAnd thank you for this blog. We need this. LOL
ReplyDeleteAli..yes can't wait to see the facial expressions. His POV is so key (are you listening Ms. James we want it) so seeing this come to life on screen I think will give us this. He was so amused by her setting up the recorder. I remember laughing my ass off when I read his POV..like who uses an video recorder anymore? LOL I felt for Ana because Kate didn't really give her a heads up..she walked into that without no prep at all. But that's what was one of the things that Christian liked. She appeared to be someone that he thought would fit right into his life style..or so he thought! Christian you had no idea what you let yourself in..but so glad he did!! Not going to jump ahead but suffice to say what a beautiful transformation.
ReplyDeleteExactly right ~ Ana came across as some meek, submissive girl. The poor man had no idea!!
DeleteWho is GGirl ? Twitter UN please.
DeleteGGirl is @Destiny0001 it's her LJ handle ;)
Delete1. My fave part is definitely the interview. After all, that's where the first attraction happened.
ReplyDelete2. I had to look up images for the leather riding crop and metal wah balls. Had the idea what they are but needed to be accurate on my visuals.
3. I'm looking forward to all the piano scenes. There is something sensual and melancholic about CG playing. I want to feel the intensity.
YAY, Mal you made it!! :) Persistence pays off!
DeleteOh, yes, the piano scenes. So sweet and melancholy. Can't wait!
Mal.. We are talking about chapter 1. We will get to that stuff. Focus Mal.. Focus. LOL XO
ReplyDeletePoor Mal, it's always pick on Mal day. Heehee! :)
ReplyDeleteLOL...you guys are killing me! And ggirl is me Destiny/Clo!!! xoxoxoxoxo So excited to get to chapter 2! Anyone else get giddy when Ana described Christian's hands and fingers...
ReplyDeleteLong fingers and blueberry muffins. Two of my favorite things.
ReplyDeleteMy mouth just went dry.....
ReplyDeleteAna knew she was out of here element as soon as she arrived at the building. She was dressed proper but definitely felt lacking. I give her credit for doing this for Kate. For starters she had never done an interview before and then to come face to face wit this man that clearly put her on the edge as soon as they met. The electricity burning between them from the very moment they touched. HOT!
1) I have to say when Ana fell into his office! I just loved that! It sort of tells you this is no ordinary meeting! At least for me it did ;) And then he helps her up and she is awe struck! GAH <3
ReplyDelete2) Why didn't they just make out then and get the party started? Hee hee... just kidding ;)
3) I definitely want the meeting scene in the movie! It is such an intense scene for them both. Their first meeting!
Hey bb! Glad you made it over here! Right? I can't wait to see that up on the big screen too! So intense! <3
DeleteYay! Lovin' the blog! I think I am going to reread as you post! ;D
DeleteYou got your pic to work!! :D :D Brendan is looking mighty fine! ;)
DeleteYES - you so should!! Have you read more than once yet? It's SOOO much better the 2nd time around -- once you know what's going on and can just enjoy C & A. I am rereading for the reviews and it really goes quick... short, easy chapters.
I'm pretty sure D is rereading also for a *gasp* 5th time. I'm only on my 4th, LOL!
his is my Brendan CG pic! ;D
DeleteI have not re-read it yet! I am scared b/c last time I go so sucked in, LOL!!
But I am reading the chapters as you post your reviews!
Evie....YAY~ I agree their first meeting has got to be in the film and I hope it is as true to book form as possible.
ReplyDeleteHiya, bb!! Yes! They HAVE to have that full scene in the movie! I am so worried they are going to cut important stuff out :(
Delete