Well-Read: Reading With Robin - Why Does 50 Shades Of Grey Matter?
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Saturday, February 14, 2015
Robin Kall, GoLocalWorcester Book Columnist
I first became aware of the book E.L. James’ book,
50 Shades of Grey approximately three years ago. It was all I heard about at book club meetings, when callers would phone into my radio show or just going about my day. As a book person I really knew I needed to take it seriously when both of my sisters (neither of whom are big readers) not only read the books (all three) but also couldn’t believe that I had not. I needed to do my own research and find out what readers everywhere were getting so heated up about. I ordered the first book. Heck, I ordered all three.
After months of staring at that pile of books I decided to pack them (all three) for a trip I was taking to visit my daughter who was doing her semester abroad. Where better than Paris to read such a book? On a train ride through the countryside I cracked open the first book and started reading. Approximately 30 pages in I could feel my daughter’s eyes on me. “ I cannot even believe you are reading that ” she said. I hold her opinion in high regard and happened to have agreed with her assessment. I put the book down and thought about the additional 2 books taking up valuable real estate in my already over packed ($50 upcharge) luggage. I decided to leave all three at the hotel. I’m sure they found a good home.
Why am I talking about 50 Shades of Grey now when I didn’t even read it? It’s simple. The movie trailer has been teased for months and again, everybody is talking about it. More than 100 Million copies of the Fifty Shades trilogy are in print worldwide in all formats. This is a staggering fact and I knew that with the movie being released it was an opportunity to join in the discussion and check in with my social media and Reading With Robin friends.
Author of Lauren Takes Leave, Julie Gerstenblatt, whose article “Pornography for Mommies” appeared on 1/18/12 in a Huffington Post piece quotes her friend.
"Everyone in Armonk is reading 50 Shades of Grey," my friend Deena insisted, her hushed tones becoming less hush and more hysterical. "Moms are forgetting to pick up their kids at school! You can't even get it! It's sold out at bookstores everywhere!"
“I read part of book one purely because of all the hype. It is not a genre I typically read, so I stopped about a third of the way through. That said, I have a great deal of respect for E. L. James. Whatever you’d like to say about the books, E.L. James has struck a chord. Good for her!” -Emily Liebert author of When We Fall.
Several friends weighed in on the books’ impact and how it will play out on the big screen:
“I read the first one and liked it although I enjoyed the parts of the book with some romance more than the other sexually oriented scenes.” “I liked imaging what the characters looked like and I’m curious what the actors will be like in their roles.” – Mindy from Long Island
“I read the 50 Shades trilogy...I lost interest in books two and three because the story was no longer interesting, but the steamy fun remained. I did learn a lot, not that I am interested in pursuing. I like to think I know what's going on out in the world beyond suburbia.” – Melissa, Rhode Island (*author’s note –this IS suburbia)
“ I read the Fifty Shades trilogy. I actually enjoyed the first two novels. They were very educational. True, there really wasn't much of a plot but I enjoyed them for what they were, an escape. However, I have absolutely no desire to see the movie. I do not appreciate porn movies and, really, that's all this could be if it's going to stick to the book. The pictures drawn in my mind from reading the books are sufficient.” – Amy, Georgia”
“I read the books and I enjoyed them. I also learned a few things I hadn’t known! I know some people didn't like the books because Grey was so controlling but I like how Anastasia Steele changed him. I will see the movie.” Pam, Rhode Island
Last night was the
50 Shades of Grey movie premiere.
Reading With Robin teamed up with
The Savory Affair and planned what turned out to be a fabulous “Girls’ Night Out!” The evening began at
The Savory Grape in East Greenwich where we enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres and desserts prepared by
Dave’s Marketplace Catering. All attendees received a 50 Shades inspired swag bag filled with goodies from:
The Chocolate Delicacy, Organical Botanicals, Perle Nail Spa, Providence Perfume Company, Cabi, J. Hilburn, The Savory Affair, The Savory Grape and Reading With Robin.
We then headed over to the movie, which as you can imagine was packed with lots of excited women and a real party atmosphere! After the movie our group had one final stop for the evening and that was next door at Eleven Forty Nine Restaurant. We had a private room where 1149 provided us with complimentary nibbles and a specially priced $5 menu for both drinks and food items. The “Steele Grey Red Room” drink was especially popular. Safe to say an awesome time was had by all!
Finally Vermont Teddy Bear has partnered with Reading With Robin and this adorable Fifty Shades of Grey® Bear can be yours if you are the winner of this contest. To enter please use the comment section below and tell me your favorite bear of all-time. Please include your email address so I can get in touch with you. Good Luck! Winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 17th.
And wait…it gets better! I just found out that the two sequels have been agreed to even before the first film’s premiere!! So more Grey to come- stay tuned.
ROBIN KALL is Rhode Island’s own book maven. From author interviews to events with best-selling authors, Robin shares her love of books wherever and whenever possible. You can connect with Robin on Facebook and on Twitter, or at her website which is updated constantly with all new author interviews and bookish information. Reading With Robin is on AM790 Fridays from 4-5pm and on I Heart Radio and AM790.
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