50 Shades of Grey: What's the Addiction?

I remember way back when - before Christian Grey, when I heard Fifty Shades of Grey mentioned. It was back in March when my boss came in and said; "If you're looking for a good book, read Fifty Shades of Grey, I hear its the next big thing." I put it on the back burner. I had no time after working all day and having a 3-year-old at home. Besides, it was probably all just hype anyway.

Then summer hits and my sister gives me her E-reader since she has upgraded. "What book do you want me to download for you?" she asked me. "I really want you to get into using this, its so much better than a book!"

I thought about it and remembered all the news I've heard regarding 50 Shades, so I laughed thinking of the Saturday Night Live parody and asked her to for that title.

That night, after my 3-year-old went to sleep, I began to read...and I read until the wee hours of the morning! What is it about this book that keeps you tied (pun intended) to it?

My husband is even aware of the whole phenomenon asking me, "What is it with this book? Everyone is talking about it." I thought for a moment, should I let him in on it? My inner goddess yells at me - shes not as entertaining as Ana's, actually shes kind of mean - "Wait until you finish the books!" - we decide to wait until I am indeed finished with the trilogy to fill him in - I don't need any interruptions during my reading time. Plus I really don't want to feel embarrassed as to why I am glued to the book every night!

I asked my friends what they thought of the book - were they as hooked as I was? To my surprise no one I know had read them. Really? Come on! How can this be? Am I going to need a support group to discuss thoughts on this book!? I decided to Google info about the book to see what I could find.

I found that either people either love it or hate it - there doesn't seem to be a happy medium. For the reader who thinks it's a bad example for woman, keep in mind that in the book everything consensual. Get a grip it's a book! And I have also heard that this will make woman think that a story like this is possible - come on! If there are people out there that think this could really happen then this book isn't their biggest problem! Most people realize that this type of guy doesn't exist. (I Googled top CEOs and they don't look like Christian and are almost all married..not that I am obsessed or anything.)

Women, in my opinion like this book because they like the fantasy of not being in charge. Let's face it, we have a lot to do. Who wouldn't want someone to sweep in and solve all of their problems. Work all day, home to cook and clean...never mind time for a shower...Mr. Grey takes care of it all (Haven't you noticed he always makes sure Ana has had a bath or a shower?) It's the escape that while you're reading you dont have to think about the everyday crap. 

Although a bit different than the average romance, it has you wondering how will this work for them if at all? Is she or isn't she going to stay? There are several times that the story takes a turn that keeps you reading to find out how the two will overcome their next hurdle. Although some complain Ana is naive in the first book - she is supposed to be! She is described as a bookworm that isn't into the whole party scene. So if some of the story has you rolling your eyes thinking "how can she not know where this is headed?" -thats why! It's all new to her! Let's face it, if she was the stereotypical party girl, the story wouldn't have any way to play out.

For the ones that deem to it being considered "Mommy Porn", all I can think of is "says who?" This is a book that one chooses to read - you see worse things on late night TV. Are you really going to tell me that the scenes in the book mention stuff you have never heard of? I have to say that there was nothing in the book that was a shock. It really wasn't that bad.

As for Christian and Ana they too have their fair share of every day problems.  He is often wondering if Ana has eaten or if she is wearing his undewear. And Ana is concerned about her unruly hair. Although there always seems to be someone willing to tuck it behind her ear.

One thing Ana has all wrong is that lip-biting thing she does. I caught myself doing it - probably because it's almost a story in its own right. I didnt get quite the same reaction.

My husband asked, "Whats that?" and I was surprised that he even noticed! He continued, "on your lip?" I look up shocked - then he replied "Oh I think it's pizza sauce." What!? This is not how it was supposed to play out. He looked again and said "Hey your lip is bleeding, are you all right?" 

Further proof that the book is just that - a book.