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A few things that made me realise this book is taking over
1) Reading 50 shades on the underground tube, looking up and realising that the woman on my left, right and in front of me were reading the book.
2) The fact that it is now referred to as “The Book”. Try it; ask the person beside you if they are reading ‘The Book’, they will know what you’re talking about!
3) I was queuing in Waterstones when a man walks in and says “I am looking for the book with that girl Anastasia” …the sales assistant replies “Arh yes, let me get it for you”.
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Several men and women have scorned the “50 Shades” trilogy, berating it as the dummies guide to erotic novels, and self-righteously regarding themselves so highly, that God forbid they should ever choose to read such smut. Well to anyone that hasn’t read it yet, the word “erotica” is what gets people reading the book, whilst the fact that it’s an engaging and funny romance story, is what has what kept readers committed through all three novels.
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Book1- 50 Shades of Grey Book 2- 50 Shades Darker Book 3- 50 Shades Freed -
Admittedly, having finally finished “50 Shades Freed”, the last novel in the trilogy, I do feel 50 shades freed, the books themselves were exciting but also quite intoxicating, but not quite as intoxicating as the #50shades club culture that is spiraling beyond belief! I for one have realised how powerful the growing digital landscape has impacted my circle of influence. For instance, I was recommended the book by one friend over Whatsappp, (a mobile application) and have since recommended it to three friends/colleagues who have started reading it, four friends/followers have started reading it since I have started tweeting about it, and a couple of readers who said she saw it on my Instagram and has since started the book.
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There has also been a tidal wave of online opinions over who should play Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele as Universal have since bought the movie rights to the book, and I was completely blown away that at the readers evening, hosted by Emerald Street, the author E.L James received a completely full house, in fact conference room had readers bursting at the seams.
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E.L James was a delight to listen to. She was down to earth, charmingly unsophisticated, straight talking and knew how to laugh at herself. She explained how she was inspired by the Twilight fan fiction scene, and just started writing out of the blue. She talked about her family life (she is married with two children), and how she cares very little for what the press have to say about her book, good or bad.
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She signed a copy of the first book “50 Shades of Grey” which I am sure I will revisit sometime in the future. So for anyone thinking about whether they should jump on the 50 Shades bandwagon; it’s a fun and easy book to read, great for escapism with a little extra something to make you blush.
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(EL James being interviewed by Emerald Street Editor, Anna Fielding)
(My signed copy of 50 Shades of Grey ‘Later’s Baby’- I love it :-D )
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What I find interesting is how everyone seems to have jumped on the bandwagon about a book , that according to many is just plain bad.No plot, poorly written etc etc. I don’t think the fact that more people may supposedly start reading more (I doubt it) is enough of a payoff.
I missed you at the Emerald Street event. I started reading the book but could not into it. The characters just do nothing for me. Bared to You is so much better, have a read of that and tell me what you think.
I think the book is interesting to read at some points but in my opinion without the “sex” it lacks a plot…I can’t even think of how that movie will turn out. If they go by the book (insert black stare). I’ve read other erotica books, I personally like to read them BUT they have to have a great plot outside of the sex scenes and 50 Shades just gave me too much (lol). But it is a good book in all…just too much for me. Thanks for sharing!
I honestly dislike the 50 shades of grey book! It’s awfully written, awfully plotted and – hello – not even well edited!
Only because it’s a book that talks about s&m (not even correctly) and things considered smut, it became so popular. How sad!
It’s like a movie, you can’t expect everyone to like it or even interpret it the same way. But in comparison to “real” erotica it’s nothing. It’s the authors first book so quite a stretch to expect her to be perfect straight away, but either way she hasn’t done to well and people are having a great time reading it. And like darkwood books commented, it’s got people picking up books again. What more could an author want :-)
I know lots of people who don’t read regularly that are reading this. Lets hope its starts a great interest in books again.