Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Everyone knows by now of Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L James. And everyone has an opinion about it. Either you love it or you hate it, there rarely seems like an in between. But I am here to tell you both sides of the coin. (Obviously, this book is for adults and contains mature adult situations and sexual scenes. If you feel you are more on the conservative side this book probably won't be your cup of tea.)

Fifty Shades of Grey follows college student Anastasia Steele, the average, plain Jane student that finds herself in the lion's den so to speak. Once her roommate comes down with a cold and can't make it to an interview for their school newspaper, Anastasia offers to go in her place. Little does she know her interview with one of Washington's biggest businessmen, Christian Grey would turn into much more. 

Now many people see Christian and Anastasia's relationship in two ways. Either they see the loving romantic relationship or they see the BDSM relationship. And now that I think of it, maybe they just see a man trying to control a woman, which I don't see at all. Many feminists have a problem with this book because they feel like Christian brainwashes Ana into being his slave or forces her into his lifestyle. I disagree. I like to believe that Ana is a strong woman that is intrigued by Christians lifestyle. Why? Well, I think there are a few reasons. One, Ana is still young and has lived a very sheltered life. There is no doubt that she is thrilled by the idea of exploring new things and lifestyles. I also think that she wants to learn more about Christian's life. And why wouldn't she? I am not sure why it is so hard to believe that a woman would want to learn more about the lifestyle the man she loves is living and try to fit into it. 

In the end, you can see two relationships form, the love between Christian and Ana and the BDSM relationship they are exploring. If you choose to look at the love Christian and Ana have you will find a truly beautiful relationship (and yes a healthy one). I think it is unfair to look at and judge Christian and Ana based on the BDSM relationship the author adds in. BDSM is a very misunderstood topic and the author did not do a great job of explaining it or she didn't understand the dynamic herself. Either way, it isn't explained really well what is involved in a BDSM relationship and I think the sticking part is that it is never said if Ana really understands all that is involved either. 

Either way, if you are going to read this book, or already have, keep in mind that these characters are fictional and there is a lot more to the BDSM lifestyle than what is in this book.