Alright, if you haven’t yet heard about the book Fifty Shades of Grey, you just might be in the minority. Fifty Shades of Grey is a new book to not yet hit bookstores. And you can only buy this erotic novel, frequently described at “mommy porn,” if you own an iPad, Kindle, Kobo, Nook, e-reader. The hard copy is coming out in April.
Ladies, this book is hot. REALLY hot. And I’m not embarrassed to say that I put down an incredible memoir to be taken away by Fifty Shades of Grey. Hell, I don’t even read fiction, but I had to see what all the hype was about. Well, I had NO idea what I was in for. I am halfway through, and I’m HOOKED. Smitten. I find myself sneaking moments to read whenever I can– hockey practice, carpool lineup. The buzz is everywhere. Conversation flowing amongst all the yummy mummies I meet. Women telling me their whole bodies “tingle” when they read this book. Or that they just wanna go home and f— their husbands. We discussed it at my girl’s dinner this week and we talked about it while I served hot lunch at school yesterday. But I will tell you, I have rediscovered my husband again because of this book. I kid you not. It has done wonders to our marriage. Let’s just say, my husband has never been so thrilled to see me reading.
I don’t do book reviews on this site. It’s not the feel around here. But I will give you a little background. The protagonist is 27 year-old, sexy, uber-controlled, self-made billionaire, Christian Grey, who also also happens to have a major fetish for domination and S&M behind closed doors. The other main character is 22 year-old college girl, innocent, virginal, submissive, Anastasia Steele, who gets swept off her feet and into the bedroom in sexcapades that are beyond smoking.
I was going to post an excerpt to give you a little teaser, but this book is so bloody descriptive and twisted, I refrained. You’ll have to just take my word for it. What makes this book juicy is the extreme build up, and then the explosive description of what these two people do to each other. On a scale of 1-10 in the prudeness department, I’m a zero (not prude at all), and even this book has my jaw on the floor.
The interesting part is, most of the women reading about the sadism, masochism, and domination in this book are not sexual deviants at all. These women are lawyers, doctors, accountants, soccer moms, bright women. NORMAL women. That is what blows me away. Smart and well educated women are coming out and saying things like this is the best book they have ever read. Parts of the book do irk me (Anastasia’s extreme submissiveness and Christian’s controlling ways), but it hasn’t stopped me from reading yet.
Oh yah, and it’s a trilogy, by the way (the gift that keeps on giving). 😉
So today, my goal is to throw a few ideas your way and get your perspective. I read on the Internet: “It’s taboo for women to admit that they watch pornography, but for some reason it’s O.K. to admit that they’re reading this book.” Why do you think that is? What does the popularity of Fifty Shades say about the modern woman today? Could this be the beginning of a new revolution, acknowledging the female as a sexual being, possibly just as sexually charged as her male counterpart? Could this be the turning point in a “new normal” for women? I’d really love to know your thoughts.
Additionally, if you have read, or are reading the book, drop me a line and let me know what you think. Is it total garbage, a masterpiece, or somewhere in between?
Oh yah, and if you’re interested, Universal Pictures bought the rights to the movie this week. You can check out this poll on People.com. Who should play Christian Grey?
Happy weekend ladies. Happy sexing! 😉
xoxEDxox
I’m almost done book 1 and its the hottest book I’ve ever read. I read it to my husband also and he loves it just as much as me. Bring on book #2!
all 3 books are already out. I am going on vacation soon and am waiting to read it while i’m away! Can’t wait!
Great article Erica. Geez I got to pick this book!
I would also like to point out that many women’s activists groups are outraged at the portal of women in this book.
I suppose bad publicity is publicity none the less!
It’s not just women’s groups, it’s people who like good sex and good writing. It’s just that the book is so badly written (the “hero” sounds about as American as John Cleese), not very sexy, and the hero and heroine are pathetic. The writer doesn’t even use real sex words -it’s just not animal enough. People can READ what they like, but I’m sick and tired of HEARING about this book – it’s clearly 100% bandwagon effect.
Plus, I’ve tried to get through this piece of tripe (in the book store – couldn’t bring myself to spend money on it) and I just DESPISE this Christian Grey guy. An emotionally underdeveloped rich brat – some hero. I don’t find his back story at all sympathetic or even credible, and most of the readers who somehow find him lovable wouldn’t have a shot with a guy like him in real life because a pathetic, no-self-esteem virgin like the boring heroine is the only kind of woman a hideous puss like him could handle. (And OMG, the stupidity of the dialogue – “claim your ass”?) I laughed out loud in the book store.
you sound like my sister! she hates with a passion and refuses to read Twilight… i am gobsmacked someone can have such a strong feeling about a book they haven;t read. But yet she holds up Lolita as a misunderstood genius. Is it just being elitist or contrary to popular opinion? She was really raving about Harry Potter when it was initially out, but disses it now everyone likes it. Fifty Shades popularity seems to doom it to the same fate. I think it happened to Dan Brown too – a mass audience and approval brings out the literary snobs crying about ‘bandwagons’/ it just can;t be worth reading if the masses enjoy it?!. I have read many books, many great novels and classic literature – even of the many many I have loved reading, very few stand out as books I couldn;t put down – how long do you remember the characters names? the plot? how many would you willingly seek out and re-read… yeah…this may not be a masterpiece but it has something special – and an undeniable appeal to people!! there are lots of different ways to categorise successful literature, well written books can be as boring as sh&t; this author has touched a chord. Shakespeare was considered very vulgar and lowbrow author in his day wasn”t he?
They are outraged because the premise of the book is to make a woman a subordinate to a man sexually, abuse her, pay her, and then make believe she falls in love. The worst part is the shallow minded, silly hearted, soap opera ding a ling woman that are grown up and still want to
live in this fantasy world…not to mention the level of writing is that of fifth grade. Heidi what great works have you read, your namesake? It’s appeal is it is cheap, dirty sex, written in childish dime store novelish fifith grade level difficulty. And “married”, bored woman get somw fantasy kick out of it for some ungodly reason. For the record, “Lolita” was not a literary milestone either. If you need a book to get you and your husband ‘hot, then perhaps you need to repeat 9th grade biology.
Best book. I breezed through all 3 in 8 days. Can’t get me enough of Christian Gray.
I read the first book and I’m now reading the second one. I can’t put these books down. #Hooked
Oh, dear, Erica, now you have opened a veritable can of worms. I recall when I was a young bride (many years ago), someone in my new extended family gave me a book entitled Escapades of a Victorian Gentleman (or something like that.) I could NOT put that book down. Couldn’t believe it–it occupied all my head space and had a great deal to do with the way I lunged at my new hubby when he came through the door. Yes, it profoundly affected me. So, do I think women have an appetitie for porn (albeit the romanticized kind)? Most definitely. But it must be done ‘right.’ No stupid, plotless escapades that just smack of over-the-top ‘gross’ (that’s why women never like the ‘Suzie Does Dallas’ (or any other city) genre; we need a story line…a plot…something to kick up the interest. But once it’s there, my God…there’s nothing stopping us.
I find that I love and am disgusted (in a good way 😉 with this book. It does have me finding a spare moment anywhere anytime to read a few pages. I got up way before my, spring breaking, kiddos this morning to read! I have three kids (7, 5, and almost 4) along with my 16 year old niece…so finding time to read such a racy novel is a bit difficult! (especially since it’s spring break!) I have to admit that I do find my husband more desirable and wanting to go outside my box a little. He’s even offered to read it in order to see what’s bringing all this on…for the record, he has been forbidden to read it! Not just bc some of the things they do is more than I care to entertain, but also because I’m afraid I would do the ‘Ana Blush’ knowing he knows what I was reading! I do live the book and am embarrassed to admit it, but I know I’m not the only one looking forward to seeing what happens in the next chapter. One question I have though…will the movie be in 3D? Just say’n….
I read through all three books in probably 3 days. I could NOT put them down!!! I have actually started re-reading them again and hi-lighting my favorite parts. THEY ARE THAT GOOD! I don’t want to give anything away but I really hope that E.L. James decides to really write a fourth book and maybe continue on with more. I’m crossing my fingers! Oh, Christian Grey, if only you were real 😉 Laters, baby. <3
I have read this trilogy 3 times and it is just as hot and erotic as the first time I read it! My husband loves me even more and what it has done for us!!!! We have rediscovered ourselves in ways we didn’t know existed! Kuddos to EL James! I read it in 5 days and couldn’t get it out of my head! LOVE IT!
laters!
I love this story. I first read it when it was online as Master of the Universe. I am married and have 4 kids aged 16yrs to 11 mos. I see nothing wrong with this at all…I mean guys can look at the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated, right?! lol I agree with all the ladies posting prior to me.
To those listening to the woman’s groups… everything is consensual and the D/s “stuff” is not a major portion of the book. Yes, the topic is very highly discussed but the acts are far less than what it appears some of the non readers to believe.
To me, this is all about personal choices. If you want to read it, great… enjoy! 😉 If you don’t, awesome… but don’t judge those that do.
What can I say babe; I’m off to purchase my new tome today! Had dinner last night with friends and a girlfriends said it has made her so hot and bothered she has been upset when her Hubby leaves for hockey because she just wants to pounce on him!
Ok, so I bought this book because it was on the top bestsellers list for so long. I wanted to see what all the “buzz” was about.
As crazy as it sounds, I have a lot of hope for these two and I am eager to read the next installment.
Trite garbage…written on a third grade level with sex hiding how sophomoric the rest of it is. Christian is hot of course, but so contrived as to be not credible. Ana is annoying and hollow. Yes, it’s sexy of course. But like cheap porn…boring very quickly.
I haven’t read it and if I do so it will be a free copy – all I’ve read about it so far (apart from the BSDM, which is nothing new) makes it sound like a Harlequin romance with some BSDM. The problem I have is with the “hero”- from all descriptions,he sounds like a complete ass who doesn’t deserve any woman. I’m tired of books making emotionally stunted, mind-game-playing men sound like lost little boys just looking for the love of a “good” woman – a virgin, of course, more Harlequin tripe. A book about a couple having kinky sex – and btw, REAL BSDM relationships have ground rules, code words for “stop”, and respect – would be okay. But this sounds like a book about a girl with no self-respect letting a psycho abuse her because he’s not smart enough to see a shrink. Am curious as to WHAT the appeal is – there’s a lot of porn out there, what makes this special? Bandwagon, perhaps. Would genuinely like to know what the big deal is for the women reading it.
DH i think you may change your opinion after you read. There are definitely safe words, ground rule and respect… its entirely consensual and she is not abused. She may be virginal but he teaches her to explore her sensual and sexual side – and this she does..and enjoys. He also does and has for a long time seen a shrink. in fact she ends up doing so to in order to understand their relationship better. What makes it different to porn is there is a real love stroy here, and emotional journey of growth and self discovery – as much as for her as for him.
Rationalization. I guess I wasn’t abused being raped at gunpoint and forced to suck the second perps dick? They were “teaching” me to explore my sensual side. It was a rea llove story…like in real life. Get over yourselves. Sick bitches
I teach high-level classics for a high school. We discuss every philosophy, every global dilemma, literature that is often far over my students’ heads (which I’m usually able to help them understand). BIG IDEAS that have shifted this world. Classics are the veggies we all should eat because they’re good for us.
50 is not that. This is dessert. This is a 2,000 calorie sumptuous chocolate cake with crem frosting CHERRY (!) on top, extra sauce, dipped in lasciviousness, with yummy banana to suck on the sides.
This is trashy novel at its best. Grapes of Wrath be damned. Screw Gatsby and Lord of the Flies.
Give me delicious and give it to me now baby.
Congratulations to the review! It was awsome and now I need to read that book! And, answering to your question, Ian Somerhalder – definitily him – should play this carachter – Christian Grey – and he´s already in a certain campain for that…rsss
I just finished reading the books. And i LOVE it…. but i want more, i hate one the third one ended i mean i m up all for the happy ending but i want to see the whole story through Christians eyes. I hope E L James continues and writes the 4th one.
I’m trying to wrap my brains around this phenomenon. It rolled until it became an avalanche and now people believe they MUST read it. I’ll even admit: I’ve begun to point out the soft-erotic scenes in my latest women’s fiction book too…just to let reader’s know it occurs in other books and you can also get a story through the journey. I’ve loved going to different websites and reading people’s thoughts on his book.
I’m reading the first book and honestly am enjoying it. It’s like a secret everyone has, and no one wiling to share or discuss openly, cause what fun would that be?! Thanks for the great review! I skipped over some parts so I wouldn’t ruin my read…that and I was reading this while my daughters are doing their homework! As soon as I’m done with the book I’ll be writing one as well!
I am about 3/4 waye through the book and I think it is the best book I have ever read. It is so hard for me to put it down. I can’t wait to read the next two books! Oh my.
i’m halfway through book one and it reads like the five year affair i had with a man who is sadly gone. Although he did not have a room of pain and wasn’t into the s&m, the playful emails, the emotions, the physical feelings and sucking wine from his mouth (!), wow. it’s bringing back memories and putting a smile on my face. i wish he was still here to read it together. i will savor the trilogy, no doubt.
Honey
Obviously not female, nor gay! I have always known that some women had a very sexual side and think that it is great! Not overly kinky but could adapt! My friend is reading the first book now and I am excited by the notion! Oh I am 60 and divorced, she is a widow of 58 neither of us thinks like our age! Our children are appalled lol
I read all three books. And they were in fact really hot.
But … I must agree that although there were some shining moments in some of the emailed dialog … they are generally really poorly written. Not as poorly written as some things of course. I have never read a Harlequin Romance, but I cannot begin to get through a Daniele Steele (is that how you spell her name?) novel. And that is not being snobbish. It just is not my thing.
I agree that these books are fun to read … I just wish that they had been “better” books. Better characterization and non repetitive descriptive words would have gone a very long way. How many times can we hear that one person bites her lip or blushes? I think that we got it.
However, they are an interesting look at sexuality that we do not all sit around and talk about … but that we are clearly all interested in at least reading about and considering. Over-all … they were worth the time and the pop-culture moment. And I thought that some of the psychology of the dominate/submissive relationship was pretty insightful. (What is the difference between “wanting” and “needing” something sexually?) And honestly … a movie might just be all too much. Somethings are perhaps best left to the imagination.
But yes … they were definitely sexy.
if you are adog
I think it is a sad tribute to women in general who would embrace a book that further degrades women especially sexually. The womens right movement did nothing but get us to work harder for less pay, increase divorce and have men adapt to the mindset that comittment to the family is futile. And to respect a woman sexually…well let’s just totally dimiss that concept altoghether, really? Just another example of our failng educational system, our dependence on pop culture, and less edcuation regarding ethics morality and self fullfillment.
This is just another scathing example of our failing edcuatuional system and the patriarchal society which runs it. How any women can find entertainment in a man dehumanizing her sexually in 2012 is astounding to me. Have we all become so proccupied with fantasy that we cannot dicern a meaningful realtionship without extremes and drama? Ladies where is your search for self fullfillment? How can you abide by such a dime store cheapening of an intimacy that should be reserved between two who deeply care for each other?
you go girls. just make sure you remember its fiction. a bloke tries this in your real life, CALL THE POICE!!!!!!!!
First, it’s a trashy novel. Second, even women are too stupid to realize when they are being further dengrated by men. What is wrong with you women? Why not educate yourselves and stop living in a fantasy world?
If you like mommy porn with a vampire twist, check out this book I just read “Sin City Vampire Mom” where the heroine Cynthia gets kidnapped in the 1950s, turned into a vampire and then spends her life trying to recreate the family she had to abandon. She also realizes in the 1960s that she can live by having sex because blood is hard to come by and she thinks it’s gross, but now she is married and has to go through everyday trying not to get caught being an adulteress while dealing with her blood cravings, being a wife and raising teenage girls. It’s Sex and the City meets Desperate Housewives meets Bewitched, sexy but also very “mommy”, I loved it!
Great article.
sucks
I still cannot believe the soap opera type “tee hee” comments on this miogynistic filth. You want to be sold as a whore and beaten and then thrown a bobble as a reward. Well, thanks ladies for showing men that they are right in their definition of what air headed idiots the female species is. For those of us who actual think between our ears, feel with our heart, and want respect from men…thanks ever so much for putting us back 500 years
Read Howard Zinn, Carl Rogers, Viktor Frankl, Philip Zimbardo, Noam Chomsky, Kurt Vonnegut…something mind altering
Eⲭсelⅼent poѕt.
ӏ աаѕ ϲhᥱсқіng сߋnstɑntⅼy tҺіѕ blⲟg ɑnd I ɑm
іmρгᥱѕsеԀ!
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for ѕᥙcһ infοrmatіοn a lοt.
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ⅼucк.
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Aftег aⅼl Ⅰ’lⅼ
Ƅе ѕսƅѕсгіbіng tο үߋuг гѕѕ fеᥱԁ ɑnd ӏ ɦοⲣе yⲟս
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Βսt mɑүƅе уߋᥙ
cоuⅼⅾ a ⅼіttlе mοге in tһе ԝaу οf cօntеnt
ѕⲟ ρеⲟpⅼᥱ
cօuⅼd соnnᥱct ԝitɦ іt Ƅеttег.
Υߋսѵе ցߋt аn awfuⅼ lοt
оf tеҳt fοг օnly haᴠіng 1
or tᴡօ pictսrеѕ.
ᎷaүƄᥱ ʏⲟᥙ cоᥙⅼɗ ѕρаcᥱ іt οᥙt bᥱttеr?
Thiѕ is my first time ɡo tо ѕᥱе at Һᥱrе ɑnd і аm геaⅼⅼʏ
plеɑѕѕаnt tⲟ геaԀ еѵeгtһіng at ѕіngⅼe рⅼɑcе.
Yes! Fina?ly something about ???.
You can definit?ly see your expertise ?ithin t?e work
you writ?. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as
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Alwa?s follow your hea?t.
idiot