12 Most Delectable Reasons to Read the Shades of Grey Trilogy
It all started innocently enough with a text from a friend asking me what types of books I like to read. I’m not sure what answer she expected, but she ended up telling me about a book she was reading that actually made her blush. I was instantly curious, of course.
Less than three weeks later, I finished reading the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy.
The books, which are labeled “erotic fiction” but dubbed “Mommy porn,” tell the story of a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a wealthy young businessman, Christian Grey. More specifically, the books are about Ana and Christian falling in love and all of the bondage and dominance sex that occurs during the process. Yep, you read that right.
Written by E.L. James — a London wife and mom of two teenage boys — all three books remain at the top of The New York Times Best Seller list.
I felt like it was my duty as a woman and avid reader to find out what all the fuss was about. And, boy did I! You should too, for these 12 delectable reasons:
1. You know the books will be better than the movie
That’s right, ladies, there will be a movie. Universal Pictures and Focus Features bought the film rights. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any release date information. We’ll just have to wait in anticipation.
2. You’ll have Christian Grey fantasies (need I say more?)
Seriously, this guy is every woman’s dream. He’s young, rich, beautiful, powerful, possessive… Good luck finding a Hollywood heartthrob who can fill the role readers have created in their minds.
3. You can learn how not to write
Sadly, the books are not well written. The reviews pretty much agree on this point. The plot is mediocre and predictable. However, the sex scenes are so hot that it doesn’t matter much, even to many of my writer friends.
4. It’s time for “summer smut”
These books are perfect for reading on the beach or poolside. You won’t need to think, just grab an umbrella drink and a fan. Trust me, you’ll need it.
5. All of your friends are doing it
I cannot tell you the number of conversations I’ve had about these books since I started reading them. It seems everyone, everywhere is talking about them. All of my girlfriends are either reading them or want to. Seriously, all of your friends are jumping off the cliff. Do it! You know you want to.
6. Your wife is reading them
Ok, guys, this one is just for you. If your wife is reading these books, she’s getting some interesting ideas. You should read them too, just to make sure you’re on the “same page.”
7. Old dogs can learn new tricks
Christian and Ana just did what? Where? Hmmm… that’s interesting. And where does he get all of those wonderful toys? Seriously, men, see No. 6. Women, just read the books already — at least the first one.
8. You’re thinking of adding on
This summer seems like the perfect time to add a room to your house. Perhaps a “Red Room of Pleasure/Pain” is in order? Ropes, a cross and a trunk full of sex toys are just a few of the items in Christian’s secret room.
9. You’ll finally understand the jokes
Chances are your girlfriends are talking all about Christian Grey on Facebook. You can join in once you read.
10. They have adorable email banter
Nothing is sweeter than two people falling in love. Christian and Ana show the playful side of their relationship in their email correspondence. Be sure to read the clever takes on their professional titles they add to the ends. Oh, and don’t worry about email police. Christian owns the company, the building and has his own stealth cyber security. Did I mention he’s rich and hot?
11. We all have Ana’s “inner goddess”
The books’ Ana character is, shall we say, inexperienced. But she has an interesting side to which most of us can relate. Ana calls it her “inner goddess,” which seems a fitting name for the alter ego narrated like: “My inner goddess looks like someone snatched her ice cream” and “My inner goddess is standing on the podium awaiting her gold medal.”
12. It’s been awhile since you blushed in public
There really are only so many ways to describe what men and women do together, but they’re all pretty intense. You will blush while you’re reading these books. I suggest an electronic version to protect the not so innocent.
Admittedly, not everyone likes the Fifty Shades of Grey books. Some people couldn’t get past the worst of the writing and dialogue. An example of what many women seem not to like is Ana referring to her “very own Christian Grey-flavored popsicle.” I found a few reoccurring dialogue annoyances of my own, but scenes like “Before I know it, he’s got both of my hands in his viselike grip above my head, and he’s pinning me to the wall using his lips” totally made up for the bugaboos.
Overall, I recommend the books. You’ll enjoy them. Your significant other will enjoy that you enjoy them. You’ll both want to send me thank you gifts for recommending them, and that’s just fine with me.
If you’ve already read the trilogy, let me know what you think. If not, let me know what you think after you do.
As Christian would say, “Laters Babe.”
Oh, and you’re welcome.
Featured image courtesy of Stijlfoto via Creative Commons.
Kenna Griffin
Kenna Griffin (@profkrg) is the blogger behind www.profkrg.com, which aims to create an ongoing educational dialogue between professional journalists and media students and educators. In her spare time she teaches journalism, multimedia, public relations, media law, and media ethics courses as a full-time university professor. Oh, and she is a doctoral candidate in mass communication on the side.
5 comments
I can't wait...I just bought the trilogy yesterday and am chomping at the bit to dive in. I was planning to wait until vacation, but I don't know if I can! I want to see if they're better than Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series...which was pretty....um... good.
Hmm, my Daniel Silva, David Baldacci, Alex Berenson, Harlan Coben, Barry Eisler - and even F. Paul Wilson - seem like much safer reads now ;)
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