I’ve been meaning to do this post for a while. I read the trilogy over Mother’s Day weekend where a book coma was not only acceptable, it was expected. I read all three books in four days. I was actually halfway through writing my own book when I took a break to read this. The point I’m making is that it was so all-consuming, so delicious and intoxicating, that I didn’t interact with my family for the better half of four days and stopped writing obsessively on my own book to read the damn thing.
I have read pretty harsh reviews on E. L. James’ 50 Shades of Grey. My aunt read it after I did and we chatted about the sheer volume of sex vs. content, and it’s definitely heavier on the sex. But this isn’t my first rodeo. I am a fan of the romance genre, including erotic romance and paranormal romance. I’m also a fan of cheesy books like Twilight (shut it) and anything else that will capture my attention like some word-induced drug and make me think of nothing but that book for days, including making me pretty depressed once I’ve finished. To me, that is a successful book.
And if you’ve ever read a romance, it’s actually pretty hard to find a plot in a lot of them. I have a short list of books that I find myself intrigued by the plot and entertained by the book porn. So 50 Shades of Grey actually does a pretty good job in a genre that sets the bar pretty low. And if a dillion people are reading it, there must be something there that makes it special. And half a dillion people will find something wrong with it. Wah. Go write your own book and then we’ll talk.
I don’t have ADD; I probably am more OCD. I choose what I obsess over. By now you know that I can obsess, but it’s on very specific things and usually to some outcome. To me, this was research for my book. And actually quite nicely timed because there were some similar plot points that I was forced to change, and I feel like my book benefited from it. Regardless, this was fun. A fun read, people. It takes place over a short period of time, so there is a lot of minutia and detail that perhaps delays the inevitable growth of the characters, but that sort of thing is fine with someone as obsessive as me. My aunt wanted it to move faster, and I can see her point. But I wasn’t bothered by it.
Now on to the criticism I’ve read about how vapid it is. Effing A. Have you seen what’s on TV? Much less the reality show extravaganza that is on every channel? I’m sorry, but reading a book or three is well above sitting and wasting a day watching a marathon of Jersey Shore, or RHOwhatevercity. And I don’t even care if you watch those things because I can understand getting sucked in. And then hating myself for it. But getting sucked in to this junk food book trilogy was much more nourishing for my brain region than wasting four days in front of the TV. They are apples and oranges in my opinion. No. Apples and gummy worms. I basically think you can’t be criticized for reading anything because you’re reading.
But really, what’s the big deal if you like something that’s not perfect? So what if it’s not a classic? I do not reach for Moby Dick while sitting at the lake. I want to read lots of different kinds of books, some more complicated and polished than others. I just want to read something that pulls me in and allows me to enjoy a story.
I heart reading.
Jells.
I should read the other two–I was caught up in the bad editing, and, I agree, it’s pure escapism reading. SO, for you, I’ll get the last two, cover them in brown paper so I can hide my reading habits and not be laughed at by Anne.
Did you know they sell book covers for romance novels? So heaving bosoms won’t be judged in dentist offices, I assume.
I totally agree. I feel much less ill-educated reading slutty mommy porn than I do watching some of the crap on TV. I’m in the middle of the 2nd book (reviewed the 1st last week on my blog) and I can’t in my good conscience stop now. A trilogy deserves to be read in it’s entirety!
Nice post title! haha! I thought maybe you handed it over to a guest writer like, Mooselicker. But no, it was just old Jells! haha!
You make a very good point about trash TV being just as vapid if not more so. I still have not succumbed to the growing pressure. I feel like I have too many good books on my shelf that need to be read… then again, a little book porn is good for the female soul. Who said that? Oh wait, no one. : )
I go through phases of more wholesome reading and then I like the light and easy. Right now I’m in the light and easy portion. If I let myself, I would read a book a day, so my list is short and my trading piles with my MIL and aunt are overwhelming to them. Then I take breaks so they have a chance to catch up and send things my way. I love Jennifer Weiner books (In Her Shoes, and lots of other good ones), Sarah Bird (she’s an Austin writer and so funny/poignant), and Emily Giffin just came out with a new one that I want to read (they just made a movie about her book Something Borrowed, but obvsly the book is WAY better than the movie). Those are on my list of nutritional books.
Agreed! Any good books in that genre that you would recommend?
I really liked the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole. Now, this is a paranormal romance series, so there are things like vampires and such, but the overall story that reaches each of the 10 or 11 books is pretty good. And they’re funny. There’s making out, but it’s not on every other page.
Hasn’t it enriched so many sex lives of the elderly? That’s what I keep hearing. From the same person. So maybe it’s not true. I’m just speaking to someone who repeats themselves way too often.
I’ve heard that there are videos of grannies reading excerpts on youtube. I haven’t had the need to click on/watch those videos, but they’re out there. I think this was a the general public’s first foray into the dirty book genre and people are shocked that it’s had an effect on their sex life. OF COURSE it does. And the romance genre is responsible for something like 55% of all book sales.
I heard that book is kind of rapey? Please give me deets! I might be interested now. But yes, I agree. If Real Housewives is your thing, that’s awesome. If romance novels are, cool! To each his own! (I like both!)
No, not rapey–although I just heard tonight that everyone gets raped in Game of Thrones. More like tons and tons of making out, sometimes with potential dirtiness. I didn’t actually feel dirty reading it, but some people did. It was fun and easy. You should totally read the first one and tell me what you think!
I read 176 pages of the second book last night. I love love love getting sucked in by a book!
Yes! It’s totally my fave! That’s about the size of my chunks of reading; you’re a gal after my own heart.
The title alone made my trip here worthwhile! Thanks!
Heeee! I’m ever so pleased.
I believe you should read whatever peaks your interest. I read the first one in the series in no time flat (fast reading book) but haven’t time to read the next two. Not now anyway.
This must be the first time EVER something of this type book (50 Shades) is openly called mommy porn and EVERYone’s lining up to read the series.
I know, it’s very interesting that it has the safe description of “mommy porn” and all of a sudden people feel comfortable reading romances.
HA!! Apples and gummy worms. Love it. I read all three in as many days. It’s garbage. But I enjoyed it. Fun and easy. Like me in my early twenties. HA.