I have had several people come up to me asking if I have read Fifty Shades of Grey yet. I also had several people wanting me to review Fifty Shades of Grey.  Well here it is readers, my honest opinion of the book: I didn’t like it. I would not be in a rush to suggest this book to any of my friends, and frankly I just don’t get it. I don’t get the hype, I don’t get how it has become so popular, and I really can’t understand how this book has been recognized as a “literary masterpiece” when the writing is AWFUL!  Now, if you are curious, by all means take a leap, and check the book out. I advocate reading, and if someone started reading because of this,trilogy then my profession is doing its job.

For me personally, I couldn’t get through it. I went into this with an open mind, but was left very disappointed.  I’m going to really sound like the stereotype, that I get with being a librarian, but  it was really hard to muster–the writing it is.  I felt like I was reading a JR High creative writing paper, and I felt exhausted.  I’m not the master of writing by any means, but c’me on!  I decided to give up when I got to chapter 4, and I am one of those readers that once I start a book – I read it through, even if I don’t care for it. So, the fact that I couldn’t get through it….really does say volumes for the type of reader that I am.

The erotica in the book was not that bad, because it made up for it in the writing. I’m not a prude, but I don’t tend to read erotica.  I don’t go to the bookstore thinking, “Oh what’s new in the erotica section…” I read books with depth, that can transport me into the story and open my mind to new ways of thinking. I like a book that can give me a personal attachment, and inspire me.  Fifty Shades of Grey gave me none of these, but the clear understanding that erotica is not my thing.  Erotica is not meant to be masterpieces or literary manuscripts–they serve one purpose, and that is pleasure. If you are into that, please don’t get offended, it’s just not my cup of tea, and I’m glad I tried it out, to find out.

So if you are out and about, and run across E L James‘ Fifty Shades of Grey, by all means take a stab at it. You may like it, and you may dislike it. Whatever you get from it; in the words of LeVar Burton, “don’t take my word for it,” find out for yourself! The overview of the book is below.

When literature student Anastacia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too-but on his own terms. Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success-his multinational business, his vast wealth, his loving family–Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.