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

Patch editor David Mills gives us his thoughts as he hits the halfway mark of "50 Shades of Grey"

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.

charlotte August 7, 2012 at 09:10 pm
I laughed about your reaction to murmur, I found her writing style as equally annoying. "My inner diva" "My inner feminist" etc. etc. I finished the first but have no desire to continue the triology. I will withhold further comment so as not to spoil it for anyone.
isabel Lau August 8, 2012 at 03:57 pm
I'm also intrigued by how Christian Grey got this way. You get tidbits here and there in the first book which I finished months ago. I feel compelled to read the next two just to find out it is ever revealed.
Tom August 8, 2012 at 04:52 pm
I think (correct me if I am wrong here) the purpose of a book like this is to spark a fire of sorts with female readers. If reading the book gives a wife a healty libido boost I am all for it. Sexuality is not something that should be taboo in a healthy married life but a point of celebration. If the writing is goofy find another author or write your own erotic story. Have some fun people!
Cameron Sullivan August 9, 2012 at 03:09 pm
I'm enjoying your review, David, although I am curious about how long it's taking you to read the book. (smile).
That said, I haven't read it yet. People down here in Pleasanton are joking that they are reading 50 Shades on e-readers or wrapped in paper bags so as to not let their neighbors (or other parents at their kids' summer swim lessons) see what's got their attention. I will read 50 Shades. I'll read it with the same motivation I read (the first) installment of Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series -- for the engrossing storyline and dynamic characters, despite awful writing! :) And I'm going to do so with a hard copy in plain sight - on days off in full view of other moms and dads at the park, the pool, etc. BTW - @Tom - great comment re. libido boosts and "have some fun, people!" Thanks David. Keep reading.
David Mills (Editor) August 9, 2012 at 03:27 pm
Hey, Cameron:
I am a slow reader when it comes to books... I do read the book in the privacy of my home... you won't see me lounging at a park with "50 Shades" in hand
Cameron Sullivan August 9, 2012 at 04:03 pm
Oh, the irony... Good stuff, David.
Tom August 9, 2012 at 04:37 pm
Come on now David, this is part of your offical work here. Be proud of what you do.
Isabella August 14, 2012 at 02:52 pm
"inner goddess"
"murmur" "affected" I'm only a fifth of the way and it's a wonder how 1) I can move through the story when the author uses the same words over and over again and 2) Anatasia hasn't chewed off her lip yet, considering that she only doesn't do it when she's sleeping
Cameron Sullivan August 14, 2012 at 05:14 pm
@Charlotte/Isabella, here's another one: Have you perfected your "impassive" look? :)
Isabella August 14, 2012 at 06:09 pm
@Cameron: HAHA. I'm only going to enjoy this book as long as I'm reading it with you all :)
David Mills (Editor) August 14, 2012 at 07:51 pm
Christian's mood has darkened yet again, I murmured, as I impassively read another chapter of "50 Shades" while my inner journalist shook his head in disgust.
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Tom August 17, 2012 at 04:06 pm
Oh no, not another murmur...............but I guess that could be a good thing.

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