By Vanity Delbridge—
Spanking, wrist cuffs, and dirty talk: “50 Shades of Grey” was the equivalent to “Bieber Fever,” with book copies gone before they could even hit shelves.’ Yes, sex sells, but who would have thought your moms would be running out to get their hands on a copy.
From morning news broadcasts, radio airwaves, and book club with the ladies, 50 Shades of Grey has been everywhere.
Some places, like the Damson Dene Hotel in England, take the book almost religiously replacing Gideon Bibles with 50 Shades of Grey.
The book also made headlines on Twitter as Sydney Rice, an Australian Women’s Olympic Swimmer, tweeted a picture of the book and admitted that the team uses it to “relax.” Many of the swimmers won Gold during the 2012 Olympics.
Dubbed “Twilight for grown-ups,” its sensual and erotic components may leave one hot and bothered. What’s all the hype? Here is an excerpt from the book called the elevator make out session:
“Before I know it, he’s got both of my hands in his viselike grip above my head, and he’s pinning me to the wall using his lips … His other hand grabs my hair and yanks down, bringing my face up, and his lips are on mine … My tongue tentatively strokes his and joins his in a slow, erotic dance … His erection is against my belly.”
The book is centered on 22-year old literature student Anastasia Steele, 27-year old entrepreneur, Christian Grey, 27. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him.
Not surprisingly so, with her quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey gives in; but on his terms.
A fictional story of submissiveness and dominance, Grey just may be every girl’s fantasy man.
As to the people who say that those that engage in such a book are reading porn, well, let’s just say most are in agreement.
“They’re right!” says Alejandra Guzman, 32 year old Art major from Weehawken. “[Fifty Shades] has a lot of erotic elements, and makes your blood rise.”
Assistant English Professor, Corey Frost said that he thinks 50 Shades is porn, but “People make distinctions between porn and erotica, it’s simply a matter of taste.”
Kyle Woolley, 22, Math/Education from Bayonne, begs to differ. “When I think of porn, think of actual videos, so I don’t consider it porn.”
The buzz has even hit Hollywood; the book is going to be turned into a motion picture. Universal Pictures and Focus Features purchased the rights to the novels in March for $5 million.
With all the hype, some are not sure as to what it’s all about, while others simply take it in stride.
“I don’t see what the big deal is. It’s nothing new,” says James Impellizeri, 22 year old Senior Media Arts Major.
Kayla Lennon, 23, Math from of Bayonne said “I don’t really understand it; the hype is about the sex, not the story.”
As an English Professor, Frost isn’t bothered by 50 Shades, instead, he’s “Encouraged by the fact that every few months a blockbuster hit comes out and drives people to want to read.”
So, is any of it realistic?
“As a reader they’re describing a man from a fantasy world, but there’s also the reality of dominance and submissive,” says Guzman.
“[I] Guess what happens in the book is real life, but no one talks about it,” said Bukitowicz,
Frost took a bit of a different approach: “Having not read it, I know people have criticized it with the being misogynistic; [I] think they should read it critically, it’s just fiction.”
With is sure to be the craze for who knows how long. So Ladies and Lads, before you jump under the covers, have your towels handy!
