There’s been a lot of media attention these days concerning this somewhat controversial, romance/erotica series. It seems some of the *buzz* words, articles and recent tv segments have many wondering if this series is for them.
I’ve received some inquiries, and thought I’d feature an email, that I answered. I’m here to help, and hopefully this post does just that!
Dear Maryse,
I am hearing alot about the book “Fifty Shades of Grey” I have some questions to ask you because I noticed it on your website.
- Is it a romance book?
- The Today show says it has a similarity to the “Twilight” series is it similar to the “Twilight” Series?
- In your opinion, is it worth buying?
- What is it about that’s making people say things like “It saved my marriage”?
Thanks,Gail
Hi Gail.
“Is it a romance book?”: It IS a romance trilogy, however it has a harder feel to it as it explores elements of BDSM. The main gorgeous, rich and affluent “hero” has had a terrible past and deals with it by being a “Dom” and having a willing “sub” female in his life. It’s all about control, but he doesn’t get emotionally close to the women in his life. He maintains a physical relationship, but will not allow himself to love or be loved. But… he eventually meets a young, sweet, possibly naive girl, who intrigues him, and she pretty much puts his lifestyle into a tailspin. His closely guarded heart and the control he masters over every aspect of his life, teeters once he meets her.
“Is it similar to the “Twilight” Series?”: It isn’t at all like Twilight (well… I didn’t recognize Twilight in it when I first read it). But it did start off as twilight fan fiction (before it became the Fifty Shades Trilogy, it used to be called “Master of the Universe). Not at all the same story, no paranormal twists, or anything of the sort. I would say the only recognizable elements are the strong, silent hero that feels he is a danger to the sweet naive girl, pushes her away, but can’t stay away. That’s about it.
“Is it worth buying?”: I LOVED this series, so in my personal opinion, absolutely! I’m still searching for another book or series that can match it. I read it obsessively without putting it down, lived every emotion, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Is it for everyone? Maybe not, but if the reader is willing to keep an open mind regarding some of the “harder” aspects of the main character’s intimacy issues and preferences, I am certain they will be captivated and swept away.
People saying “it saved my marriage”? No clue, on that. I suppose the sexual elements explored in the book might intrigue some who are willing to explore things in their own personal life as a couple.
Sure, the subject matter might make some nervous, but overall (and most importantly), I’d say this book is mostly about personal growth, and healing. Limits and personal boundaries tested and occasionally not respected for both the hero and heroine. This, however, is all part of the growth process, at least, in the aspect that this novel is written.
Here are my book reviews (but I’d recommend only reading the first review, so as not to spoil the remainder of the trilogy) in case you decide to read it.
- Book Review – Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James (book#1)
- Book Review – Fifty Shades Darker by E. L. James (book#2)
- Book Review – Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James (book#3)
Again, it’s not for everyone, I suppose (due to the harder elements that are explored) but 99% of the people who have read it with me, or after me (at least those who have contacted me to let me know) have loved it. Even those that I suspected might not.
I hope that helps!!
Great website!!! What a great find. Love your top 25 books. Great recommendations = many sleepless hours! Exhausted, Mr.Grey is invading my dreams.
As the one that maryse didn’t think would enjoy this book – my advice ….read it. Its probably the most compelling book I’ve read in a very long time. You will end up adoring Fifty ( even if you really don’t want to.)
Hi Maryse,
Thanks for answering my questions on your blog. I am honored:) I have 1 more question though, What do you read after that series? I chose a book called “Beautiful Disaster” Have you read it? Please tell me what’s Next?
Kimmy! So glad my top 25 is keeping you busy. I love being a sleep-zombie (not enough sleep caused by a reading spree). Actually I just hit a book that kept me up until 5am this morning. I had to take a nap from 1 to 2:30am, but once I was refreshed enough, I picked my book back up and continued. I forced myself to put it down, and NOW I’m a zombie…
Jack! Yep, you and your uber-vanilla friend… 😉 Oh and my aunt!! I had my doubts, only because of Christian’s harder personality, but if you guys loved it, it’s proof that it’s great!
Gail – so glad to have been able to help, and since I had received other similar questions, I thought yours would be a great feature.
What’s next? That’s my next project 😉 It will be up soon.
P.S. I loved Beautiful Disaster, so that’s a great choice.
I was looking for something to read and keep me occupied until my new BDB book comes out this month and so I remembered Maryse posting that this along with beautiful disaster were on her list of FAVES.. so I got the fifty books and started them.. it took me 3 days I read one a day.. and have to say they are VERY much on my list of TOP FAVES!! i recommend them to EVERYONE but I also let them know that you have to be okay with reading about BDSM because there is some in there.. and for those who are uneducated where it comes to BDSM of course you are not going to like it.. it is a lifestyle not everyone understands.. so if you dont understand it you will more then likely not appreciate or enjoy these stories..
but i LOVE LOVE LOVED them and still think about the characters… and wish it wasnt just the 3 books… because I want more fifty!!!
Brandy – me too!! I too, took a week or so after finding out about it, before reading it, but really, the BDSM in this series is really not that hard to take.
sorry but i also have to add i dont think that i have ever read a set of books that have envoked so many different emotions at once… i hated fifty then loved him then adored him it seemed like all at once… they seem to harsh on the whole sex lifestyle he enjoys.. (and unless you try i say dont knock it heeeheee) but they dont seem to speak on the HORRIBLE past he is having to deal with along with trying to love someone when he never really felt that way about someone… THEN on top of that it is a thriller!! lol these books for me just had it ALL!!! going to be hard to find anything that compares..
and i say like when its time to vote for president.. if you didnt vote i dont want to hear your opinions on who is chosen because you have no right to bitch and whine when you didnt participate.. now if you read the book and truely hated it (then im sorry i think that there is something wrong with you lol) then you shouldnt have a right to complain about it.. because once you read the books you will understand why EVERYONE falls in love with the books..
but like i have said before you have to be OPEN minded when reading ..
Brandy – this book DID have everything going for it! Tortured hero with a past, a deep but troubled romance, a heroine that was willing to meet him halfway despite his “unconventional” needs, and a hero that couldn’t help but meet her there, too.
But like I said, it wasn’t just “romance”. It was more than that. We got to experience every little step building towards it. The mounting tension and hesitation, the good, bad and the ugly, it was all there and it sure thrilled me!
And yes!! There were even “bad guys”. SO FUN! A fulfilling and exciting read, for sure!
You hit the nail on the head with answering those questions. Everything you said was exactly how I felt while reading this trilogy! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!
Sheri – thank you so much!
Yup I’m one of the ones that believed it saved my marriage! I couldn’t keep my hands off of him 😉 Love Love Love this series! Thanks again for opening my eyes to a whole new world, Maryse! =)
Jacqueline – this is an awesome comment, and I love that we get a little hint of what’s been mentioned in the media, first hand! 😉