'50 Shades': A Man's Perspective, Halfway Through

I've reached the halfway point in the popular book, "50 Shades of Grey," and it's difficult to tell how I'm going to feel by the time I finish it.

I could see myself really liking the risque novel and I can see myself finding it quite distasteful.

So far, I still find the plot intriguing, although not for the reasons you might think.

I actually find the sex scenes between Anatasia Steele and Christian Grey to be, well, boring. I must be getting old.

What interests me more is the dynamic between the two main characters. The emotional cat-and-mouse game that is going on.

She is being pulled into a world where she doesn't want to go, but she can't seem to resist. He knows his actions are reprehensible, but he can't help himself.

To be sure, I am disturbed by Grey's attitude toward women and the fact Anatasia would actually give him the time of day, much less agree to this contractual arrangement.

However, I told myself to put those moral objections aside. I remind myself it's a story. The book doesn't necessarily condone the activities. There are stories about good cops and bad cops. There are stories about kind-hearted leaders and ruthless leaders.

This is a story of a man with deep psychological problems and considerable charm and the intelligent woman he seduces into his lair.

The writing is average, at best. E. L. James obviously has limited vocabulary and expository skills. She uses the same phrases over and over again. I have officially thrown the book down twice because of the overuse of the word "murmur."

However, it doesn't take away from the fact that she has created two compelling characters and placed them in a fascinating situation.

I think I'd probably like to hate the book, but I'm not sure I will.