50 Shades - Let's All Remember

I've got two things to say about the 50 Shades of Grey movie that is coming out this weekend -- as someone who will own up to reading the book. And, I'm not ashamed to admit, rather enjoyed the story.

I keep reading criticisms about the book and the story that are just crazy annoying.

One, can we all collectively remember this is a romance, well actually an erotica, novel? And, as such, has all the characteristics of a romance novel; cheap and quickly produced. While there are different levels of writing/production of Romance novels, overall, they are not well-written. I mean, when was the last time a romance novel was up for a Pulitzer, huh!? They are written so fans can multitask while reading them. They usually have typos/misspellings, repetitive information and the characters are generally one dimensional -- which allows the female reader to put themselves into the book more completely. See? Get it?

So, expecting this book to be a classic example of timeless literature is like looking for an Oscar-winning screenplay in a soft porn movie. It is what it is.

(Editor's note: Romance novels are also really entertaining, fun and sexy to read. A few good books will do wonders for your marriage.) 

But, I get it, there are a lot of people who had never picked-up a romance novel until 50 Shades became all the rage and they were like, what is this crap?! And went back to their "literature" novels. All good. I read lots of novels, too, so I know the difference.

Simply put: There's snacking on guilty pleasure reads and enjoying a complete 5-star dinner. I like to bounce between them in my to-read pile. A good kissing scene is worth a lot.

Also, can we remember that the Romance category is really all about fantasy. Fairy tales. The best romance novels are totally, completely not based in reality. These relationships would usually never work. But, again, that's not the point. If Mr. Grey came over to your house for dinner, he'd be so creepy you'd probably call the police. Ok? Fantasy. Mousey girl, billionaire hottie, hot hookups ... see how that might be amusing if you suspend reality for a few minutes?

Ok. See the movie, don't see the movie. But let's just remember what we're starting with here, okay? And have some fun with it. Geez.

The Entertainment Weekly review got it.



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