My 2 Cents on 50 Shades

My Friday Favorite is "50 Shades of Grey" {the trilogy}

The books are everywhere.
Everyone knows someone who loves them...someone who hates them.
There are articles floating around about how horrible the books are and degrade women.
People are praying for those who read them.
Fan clubs supporting them are on Facebook.
A movie is being made based on the erotica novels.
So what's the big deal?

Here is my stance: I LOVE THE BOOKS.
Plain and simple.
I never am one to voice my opinion openly. I don't discuss religion or politics. Why?
Because they are my beliefs and views, and your's are just that. Your's.
I was scared to delve into the books after I learned that they were being referred to as "mommy porn" and that it included BDSM. All are very unfamiliar territory for me.
But I went ahead and ordered the first book from Amazon and as soon as I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I read all three books in four days and the love story of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele consumed me.

So why would I, a married woman, a mother, a regular person, would be interested in these books?
I can't simply put my finger on one thing.
Christian is a broken man. He was abused as a child. Adopted. His soul is lost. He doesn't feel like a full person. I can relate to him on some levels. Abuse as a child. Taken away from my parents. It took me a long time to find myself. (Granted I didn't do it sexually like him).
Anastasia is a young woman with big dreams for herself, wanting to make a great career. She hasn't been in love before. She is trying to figure herself out.

Now, if you search the internet simply for "50 Shades of Grey" everything about the book is being put under a microscope.
Oddly enough though, when I read many of the negative reviews of the book, the author of the review hasn't actually read the books for themselves.
How can someone be so judgmental of something that they haven't read?
No one is forcing you to read it, and it isn't your duty to try to stop others from reading it.
I know people are saying it objectifies women, and has gone as far as saying the book is about Mr. Grey raping Miss Steele.
Granted, there are scenes in the book that she wasn't sure about doing, but she always consents, and he always reminds her that she doesn't have to do anything she doesn't want to do.
Plain and simple.

Another point is that many of the reviewers stop after the first book.
During the trilogy the reader learns so much about just how broken Mr. Grey is. He explains himself and his actions endlessly. It is all he knows. Control. Over everything.
People seem to be forgetting that this lifestyle is everywhere. We just turn our head to it. And I would be willing to bet that many of the people who partake in that type of lifestyle are often times broken as well.

This is from the second book "50 Shades Darker". The first page of chapter 14:

I'm not saying that what he does is right by any means, but that is who he is.
When a person overeats, there is a reason behind it.
When a person smokes, there is a reason behind it.
When people are addicted to drugs, there is a reason behind it.

The book is a work of fantasy. A super wealthy man, falls in love with an average girl, sweeps her off her feet, and in return she unknowingly helps a broken man become whole. It is a beautiful love story.
Sure, it isn't the best written literature. But that isn't what the book is about. It is written from Ana's perspective. Quite frankly, how the book is written is how I think. I don't speak like Shakespeare's work. I don't know many people that do...

Do I agree with the book replacing the Bible in hotel rooms? No, I don't.
Do I believe the book is degrading to women? No, I don't.
Do I believe everyone should read this book? No, I don't.

I know all to well that there are many people who wouldn't read this book.
The use of language would make some people very uncomfortable.
The talk of sex makes others uncomfortable.

But, I do wish my Grandma were still alive, she would love this book. Guess what?
She was a Christian woman, sang in the church choir...and her basement walls were lined with Harlequin Romance novels. Was her marriage in danger? Was she missing love? Romance? I would say "no" since she and my Grandpa celebrated 50 years of marriage.

All I have got to say is that this book isn't for everyone. I don't like the negativity stemming from those who judge it without reading it.
You can't judge a book by its cover. This is one of those.
You can judge me for loving the book. I wish it wasn't being made into a movie...I'd rather see it weekly on HBO. There are so many awesome story lines that could be taken from it.
I'm reading the books again, slower this time, skimming the hot sexy scenes because now I'm in love with the true love. The need, the lust, the romance that is blooming. What woman doesn't love a great love story?
If every book were written for everyone to love and enjoy, then the author didn't do their job very well. In this case, I think E L James did great.

Laters, Baby.