Scrolling through my Facebook feed this summer, I saw one of the many “50 Shades of Grey” blog posts that have filled my timeline for seemingly forever. After clicking a link about why women should hate the books, I became more intrigued to read it than ever before. It all started with the blogger stating they had never actually read the book.
Because I plan to pursue a career in publishing, I enjoy reading different books from all genres. Every summer, I start out with a mile-long to-read list.
By telling me I should not want to read the books, the blog actually had the opposite effect. The old adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” instead became “don’t believe everything you hear”.
From birth, my parents instilled in me the value of finding the truth out for myself. I remember my father purchasing the first “Harry Potter” book in the series right after many parents of the world warned each other that it was not suitable for children because they would dream of becoming a wizard — if only, right? He told me we would find out if something were wrong with the story for ourselves. In middle school, I was the only one encouraged to read the bad words in context of in-class reading, instead of skipping them, because that is what the author intended to say in order to make a point.
Many books I have read from recommendations have turned out to be books I do not prefer. But that is OK! If we all had the same opinions, the world would be a very boring place. I decided to find out for myself why the “50 Shades” books were so harshly judged. The post overall had some very good points I agree with, but I do not think it is fair to criticize an author without taking time to reflect on the text itself. Google-ing a storyline will not get you anywhere in this situation.
I thought the story made allusions to works talked about in my gender studies class — some of which frankly had some scenes that could repulse E.L. James. I ultimately read the series and found out it actually has a storyline that takes over more than the risqué scenes in the following two books of the series. I thought James had a few interesting plot sequences, minus the all too promiscuous sections I could hardly get through. That being said, the book was not very well written and the plot seemed to drag on about events that were not realistically timed nor interesting. The language either did not flow or was unnecessary and awkwardly worded.
Some argue the books will tempt you to be more sexually active or less chaste, and by all means, if that is a problem you foresee for yourself, stay away. But, more realistically, you are not going to want to become a dominatrix unless you already had that lifestyle in mind beforehand. The whole argument is reminiscent of some parents saying that because you read “Harry Potter,” you will think that you can possibly become a wizard. Yer de-lu-sional, Herry. Take a look at what books like “The Lord of the Rings” and “Star Wars” that have started a fandom where people live out their lives as the characters. I am a devoted “Harry Potter” fan, but I leave that world when I close the book and return to my actual reality.
I encourage you to pick up a banned book list. You might find some on there that surprise you. Read them and find out what you think of them from a literary point of view. It is OK not to like it, but give it a chance anyway.
Lainey Mays is a senior integrated marketing communications major from Oxford.
