Book Review: 50 Writers on 50 Shades of Grey
As you probably know, I am a bit addicted to all things 50 Shades of Grey. I can’t exactly explain it, because I wasn’t a huge fan of how the books were written, but I couldn’t stop reading them and I even read a parody book. When I saw that there was a compilation of essays “Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey”, I had to check it out. I needed to see what other authors thought about the books – was it just me that thought they were poorly written? (No) Can anyone really explain why they become so addicting? (Not really, but I’m not the only one who feels this way.)
The book is split up in to several different sections with the essays fitting in to each topic, with several “intermissions”
These are – Fifty Shades of Erotic Fiction, Fifty Shades of Romance, Fifty Shades of Sex, Fifty Shafes of BDSM, Fifty Shades of Writing, Fifty Shades of Fanfiction and Fifty Shades of Pop Culture. It was the last 3 sections that I was most interested in, as I did begin most of my writing as fanfiction. (But I have major problems with a. finishing anything I start b. concluding anything in such a way that closure is felt.)
Some of the essays brought up interesting points. These books have HUGE popularity on e-book format. Why? Because you can read it and no one has any idea what you are reading! I have read on several message boards I go to how they have seen people reading these books and have judged them (though most of the judging comes from people who haven’t read the books.) with a Kindle or a Nook no one has any idea what you are reading unless you choose to tell them.
The end of the book also has “Fifty Shades of Reading” which is kind of a “If you liked 50 Shades… you’ll love…” list of other books to read. I’ve put this out of my memory immediately because I do not have the time to get sucked in to this many books! I have trouble keeping up with my reading as it is
I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.
About the Book
“Fascinating examination of E.L. James’s Fifty Shades trilogy . . . Love Fifty Shades or hate it, this engaging and eclectic read has a little bit of something for everyone.” —Publishers Weekly starred review
Transcending its roots as Twilight fanfiction to become a bestselling cultural phenomenon, E.L. James’ Fifty Shades trilogy has fascinated and seduced the world. Whether they love it or hate it, people can’t stop talking about it, and in Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey, Lori Perkins has gathered 50 writers—from romance and erotica authors, to BDSM dungeon masters, to adult entertainment industry professionals—to continue to the conversation. Hear from:
-The editor who “discovered” Fifty Shades of Grey back when it was Masters of the Universe, Tish Beaty
-Writer Jennifer Sanzo, who says Christian isn’t a possessive, bossy control-freak—he’s an old-school Byronic hero
-Master R of BDSM training chateau La Domaine Esemar, who evaluates Christian Grey’s skill as a Dominant, and offers some professional advice
-Matrimonial lawyer Sherri Donovan, who examines the legalities of Christian’s BDSM contract, and shares her recommendations for Ana
-And a lot more!
With sections on Fifty Shades as fiction, BDSM, romance, fanfiction, pop culture, writing, phenomena, and sex, Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey plunges into the depths of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele’s relationship and world to explore exactly what it is about the trilogy that’s put readers in its thrall.
Contributors:
Heather Graham
Sylvia Day
Andrew Shaffer
M.J. Rose
Sinnamon Love
Judith Regan
Stacey Agdern
Laura Antoniou
Jennifer Armintrout
Tish Beaty
Mala Bhattacharjee
Rachel Kramer Bussel
M. Christian
Suzan Colon
Joy Daniels
Sherri Donovan
Angela Edwards
Melissa Febos
Lucy Felthouse
Ryan Field
Selina Fire
Megan Frampton
Sarah Frantz
Louise Fury
Lois Gresh
Catherine Hiller
Marci Hirsch
Dr. Hilda Hutcherson
Debra Hyde
Anne Jamison
D.L. King
Dr. Logan Levkoff
Arielle Loren
Sassafras Lowry
Rachel Kenley
Pamela Madsen
ChrisMarks and Lia Leto
Midori
Master R
Dr. Katherine Ramsland
Tiffany Reisz
Katharine Sands
Jennifer Sanzo
Rakesh Satyal
Marc Shapiro
Lyss Stern
Cecilia Tan
Hope Tarr
Susan Wright
Editor X