Another case of curiosity that I read the book. I hear it from friends, officemates, my sister, and then it had a book review featured on the 2BU section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (my guide on the latest pop culture). When I ask what the book is all about, they say it is a story with very graphic, detailed descriptions of the act of sex. Now, that makes it the more interesting, is what I thought.
I started reading the first of the three-book-series on a Saturday and finished it by Tuesday. That would be fast, well, for me. When I read a book that I truly like, I read slow so as not finish it already. It is much like savoring the flavor of my favorite dish. With Fifty Shades of Grey, I just had to find out what makes this book so hyped-up and if it would be worth my time.
The book was easy to read, the words simple and direct to the point. Any student or young adult can easily relate to the setting of the story as it is very much modern and timely as we are today. Initially, the story has the elements of a love story--a pretty college gal meeting a hot, young businessman, with mutual attraction so intense it is obvious.
There is definitely a mystery surrounding the guy, makes one wonder what can it be--is he a criminal, sex-obsessed or a rapist? As I continue reading, I was shocked to discover that Christian Grey is a sadist, well for me, that is what he is. This is the first time that I have read a story that features love-making or sex with pain and pleasure combined. For me, this fact is what makes this read stand-out or different from other young-adult, chick-flick books. I say descriptions of the act of sex are very much like those on romance novels but with the taboo factor of pain infliction during love scenes (you must read it yourself to know what I am talking about).
Sweet moments that make one giggle are present but I was also introduced to the concept of dominant-subject relationship (which is totally new to me). I wonder then if such persons exist in real life. I am guessing there might be, it just makes me think if there is anyone I know who is a dominant (control-freak, yes, but someone like Grey?) or a subject, like Anastasia (who, I was glad to know eventually is still a level-headed woman who thinks).
I can say the book was worth my time. The story is very adult and it made me see an aspect of a real-life activity that is sex different from what I know. At least I learned something new from it, and yes, I will be reading the next two books since the first one left me pretty much hanging. I would like to see what will become of the unusual relationship/setup between Grey and Anastasia. My advice is, sit back, relax, read, just do not forget to breathe. And by the way, you may laugh along the way.
Happy reading!
