We all know the truth. The Fifty Shades of Grey books by E.L. James are literary shit.
I have yet to meet anyone who believes that they are either well-written or worthy of the all the hubbub (and a movie? seriously?). The vast majority of articles found online are scathing reviews of James’ vocabulary, grammar, and even her knowledge of the female anatomy, and for good reason.
I don’t disagree with any of that.
Still, if you ask if I loved those books, my answer is a resounding, “YES.” Here’s why.
They made kinky less taboo. Prior to the popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey, the only women who discussed their sex lives in this much detail were the ladies of Sex in the City. If you wanted to talk about handcuffs and lube, you needed to save it for the next Passion Party you received an invitation to. Even then, you had to ask about it with a self-deprecating smile as you tried to convince everyone you were “asking for a friend.”
They help women be brave. Not every woman has the courage to ask their partners to “tie me up, tie me down, and spank me!” The books brought a certain level of social acceptance to BDSM, and with that came the daring— the audacity— to ask for what you really want in bed. The result? Spicier sex lives and women who have found more satisfying sexual experiences (read: orgasms. Lots of orgasms).
Everyone is reading them. No, I won’t go jump off a bridge, screw you very much. What I love about books that every mom is reading is the connection that it brings. Hated them? Me too (mostly). Let’s have an adult conversation about why.
They started global conversations on feminism and abuse. As soon as everyone finishes those books, the first thing they want to discuss (after the atrocious grammar and vocabulary, natch) is the lack of boundaries in Christian and Ana’s relationship. Then they want to talk about what a weak role model Ana is for all the young women who read the series, and how no one should go through life thinking that *that* is the way a healthy relationship goes. I fail to see a downside to that.
They get people horny. Sure, the writing is subpar. And the sex scenes? Not exactly realistic. But if you’re new to the world of erotica and need a quick fix in the libido department, open up the first book and start reading. Bright side? If you decide you enjoy erotica and want to keep reading more, the bar is now set decidedly low. The genre only gets better from here.
Here’s to hoping that the books don’t stand the test of time, but their legacy does. Cheers to more orgasms!
About the author: Jennifer Oradat is the Editor at www.mombabble.com
11 Comments
So wait…the guy in the picture. If he’s Christian Grey, maybe I change my mind about these books. Not! I think this is well-written but it makes me a little sad to think women would need to read this to be brave in the bedroom (or in whatever room you romp in.) If we want a spanking, why do we need to read this to validate that it’s okay to say “I’ve been really naughty today…”
Hmm?
First: right!?! That’s the best photo EVER. #hubbahubba
I think a LOT of women are shy about these kinds of things. They want it, but it’s never been the kind of thing that they’re comfortable bringing up. These books made kink a bit more mainstream, which meant that they didn’t feel as uncomfortable talking about it. I don’t think it’s *validation* per se, just the opening of a door that they had never been brave enough to open for themselves. And that’s a great thing.
I will say “you are welcome” for that photo. It is my little gift to all the dirty girls who say they hate 50 Shades, but rewarded their husbands for buying the books for them.
K, now I have to go read them! I’ve managed to stay away this long. Thanks, Jennifer! You made me curious 🙂
Ha! That’s great. E.L. James owes me a commission. 😉
I will confess to have binge read all these books in one three day sitting where I only ate foods I could eat one handed because it was on my iPhone because I live somewhere is not really very progressive. My issue with the books is that it portrays BDSM in a misleading way – it’s important to differentiate between consensual activity between adults and an abusive relationship with someone who is unstable. I personally prefer Sylvia Day, but I am glad people are at least talking about it.
I agree– the Fifty Shades of Grey books DO NOT portray healthy, consensual activity. But people recognize that, and are talking about it! OPENLY! And before these books…? Most people wouldn’t publicly acknowledge that they even know what BDSM *is*, much less confessing a desire to participate or admitting to having an opinion on what defines a healthy submissive relationship. We have these books (and their mind-boggling popularity) to thank for jumpstarting a discussion that was previously verboten.
I’m going to have to agree to agree with you. LOVED all 3 books, mostly because I love to read smutty trash, but you’re analysis hits some pretty good points. I can’t tell you how many girlfriends I have who were turned on enough to initiate sex with their very own husbands. Not to mention, the books provide a good excuse for delving into some important conversations that may not otherwise happen; getting women talking about their sex lives is a good thing! I had brunch this morning with 2 of my oldest pals and one of them told me she was going to invent a hot-dude simulator that you could wear when having sex with your husband… No comment from me on that particular bit of ingenuity, but you can imagine the context of our conversation; we were talking about sex, and it was great! Long live mom porn!
It IS great what the FSoG books have done, isn’t it? Thanks!!!
i agree! i recommend the books in couples counseling for all these reasons!
That’s really interesting, Samantha! What a great use of pop culture in modern therapy. Cool!