Read Me “Fifty” Times

I love to read. Absolutely love it. There’s nothing I love more than staying up late into the night reading a good book. I’m talking well into the night, like 3:00 or 4:00 am. It makes me feel like I’m doing something wild. Crazy. Like, I’m breaking the rules or something.

And, I will read just about any genre. You name it and I’ll read it, except for the graphic novel. Just, not my thing.

So, when my friend M.K. (Hey Girl) called me up two months ago with a book suggestion, I was all ears.

“You’re a big reader. You have got to read this book, Fifty Shades of Grey. I’m telling you, you’re going to love it,” M.K. said with die-hard enthusiasm.

“I’ve never heard of it. What’s it about?” I asked.

“Just read it. Trust me. You won’t be able to put it down.” M.K was very insistent.

“Okay. You got me. I’ll read it.” And, read it, I did. Thank you M.K. I have now read Fifty Shades of Grey and it’s sequel, Fifty Shades Darker, by E.L James, three times. What? It was my vacation read, and re-read. I’m not embarrassed by that at all, by the way.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Ladies, read this book. Read it for yourself. For your pleasure, if you will. Don’t be surprised when you find it categorized under “Erotica.” It is. Very. Deliciously so.

I could give you a little book report right now. But, I’m not going to do that. You’re just going to have to trust me. I believe you will be thanking me, when you get to the first juicy part, and your reaction is “Holy Shit!” I don’t want to ruin that moment for you.

(Currently, I am anxiously awaiting the release of the third book in the series, Fifty Shades Freed, due out around January 17, 2012. That would be in exactly eleven days, but who’s counting.)

I love a good love story, especially one with some bodice-ripping. But, I was not prepared for the “Fifty” books. Let’s just say that I’ve received a whole new eduction and I am enthralled with this literary genre right now. You know my addiction is serious when I’m having my morning coffee with my latest love tome instead of Kelly Ripa. Just sayin’.

Seriously though, it’s not all the hot sex that has me crazy for these books. Okay, it’s like 70% about the hot sex, but whatever. (I so get the women who scan the aisles in Target for the latest romance novel with Fabio on the cover. I’m with you girls.)

However, the thing that really grabs me about Fifty Shades of Grey, is the desire Christian Grey has for the protagonist, Anastasia Steele. And, how he pursues her. Relentlessly. He can’t keep away from her, can’t keep his hands off of her, and wants to make her his. He’s commanding. Domineering. A sex G-d. Possessive. Totally jealous. Insatiable. Tender. Emotionally challenging. Put it altogether, it’s damn sexy.

(Every one of my Women’s Lit Professors are rolling their eyes right now and choking on their granola. Sorry.)

Anyway. Ladies, read Fifty Shades of Grey for yourself. For your pleasure. I even told my Mother to read it.

And, Men, I strongly suggest that you read this book for Her pleasure as well. Not for the sexual technique stuff. Well, if you want to pick up a thing or two, I’m sure you wouldn’t hear any complaints. But, I’m just suggesting you might want to read it, or a passage or two, as a refresher course in romancing your woman. By romancing, I mean flirting, teasing, complimenting, tender gestures…pursue and chase her. Then worship her. Trust me. She’ll be very happy, and you’ll be thrilled.

So, after recommending the “Fifty” books to so many people, I decided to dedicate a post to it. I’ve bonded with an amazing amount of women over these books, and wanted to share this with you too.

I’d also really like to thank E.L. James for not only giving us a fantastic love story, but for re-energizing that elusive string that ties all women together within the greater realm of sisterhood. I ask you, how many other books can have you sitting with three hysterical kick-ass women, in a health-food store, talking and laughing about things you can only read about in books? Not many, is my answer. (That was me today with Amy, Vivian and Jen. We started with the books and ended somewhere with eggs. There was a whole lot of nasty in the middle. Ahhhh. I’m still laughing.)

But, I really need to thank M.K. for introducing me to “Fifty” in the first place. Because, after reading these books, multiple times, I’ve been a very happy girl and Mark has been one happy boy.

Now, go read, smile, sigh, and enjoy.

What’s the most romantic, erotic or sexiest book you’ve ever read?