I recently became aware of the popularity of the FIFTY SHADES OF GREY book series by E.L. James. Some report this novel is selling close to a million copies daily. Especially since media outlets everywhere are featuring the author and her work.
Normally, I do a happy dance any time I hear readers are buying and enjoying a new novel. This time I can’t.
You see, I have a heart for women. There’s not much more I want in life than for gals like me to find the love and security we were meant to have. I’m afraid the content of this particular story demeans women and leads us into believing our value is “tied up” in our ability to please a man (pun intended).
Admittedly, I’ve not read James’ books (and won’t). I’ve learned the hard way women were never meant to be “mastered” by anyone but our Creator. If you want to release yourself into the complete control of another, God is the only safe person.
Before you start thinking I’m a prude, I happen to know God created sex and is crazy about us having a good time in that arena of life….so long as we enjoy ourselves within the boundaries He’s designed for our protection. Years back, I stepped outside those lines and found some things considered HOT can BURN YOU. I’m not throwing judgment stones at James or her readers. I’m simply warning some paths lead to a place we might not want to go.
I’d love to hear what you think.
My book MOTHER OF PEARL is about a mother who learns her own teenage daughter stepped outside those protections and ventured into an unhealthy relationship with the high school football coach. Barrie Graeber risks everything she holds dear in order to bring him to justice. Now available for pre-order and in stores September 1, 2012.
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Kellie, I agree, alot of women around here are reading and loving this book, but something tells me not to read it…glad you wrote about it….and can’t wait for your book to come out, please let me know when it does, so I can get in on my IPAD…no preorders with it.
Thanks for commenting, Virginia. Take a minute and go to my website home page and click on KELLIE’S READERS CLUB button and sign up. You’ll get all my newsletters and notices of upcoming releases, including MOTHER OF PEARL. And don’t forget to write and tell me what you think of the story. See you on Facebook!
You will be criticized for not reading it, but we do not have to read every book that comes down the pike. There are some themes we are not meant to dwell on. Good thoughts, Kellie.
Thanks, Margo. You know me. I’m not judging James or her readers. I don’t have that right, given my own past. But my heart is sad and I wanted to share my thoughts.
Thanks for taking a stand. Sampling a little bit of poison isn’t good for for our bodies, so why should we dabble in unhealthy things that can damage our thoughts and hearts?
Thanks, Betty. I’m not throwing judgment stones at anyone. Not even to James’ readers. I only want to send a warning some paths lead to places we don’t want to go.
Good post, Kellie.
Sad that women fall for such ‘dirty tricks’
Thanks, Patti. I’m a bit partial to women and want only the best for all of us. Sometimes I think we settle for a pond, when the ocean is waiting.
I don’t know all the details on Fifty Shades, but if it’s anything like erotica, I have no desire to put it into my head. Women have enough to struggle with, without fueling those fires of illicit stuff that Satan loves to tempt us with. And for women, reading can open more doors that seeing, in my opinion.
Some things ARE black and white, and books that revel in or exalt sin or gratuitous stuff are bound to be welcomed w/wide arms by the unsaved. It just makes me sad when saved people fall into the trap of “must-read” when stuff is better left alone.
I’ve experienced how easy it is to get burned. Thanks, Heather.
I will admit I read the first book, there was much hoopla a month or so ago. I have to admit the writing and story are weak, not very well done at all, IMO. The premise of the book about BDSM is not really played out that much, and while there is much sex in the book, it was very well written and it’s not bondage and whips and chains at all..ha ha.
I respect all choices, and I’m amazed daily as I right up copies of all three books. Who would have anticipated how it would sell? Not me.
I’m glad you commented, Anita. I didn’t read the book, so I appreciate hearing your take. Perhaps the television shows (Dr. Oz and 20/20) sensationalized to gain ratings. I hope the book is not as bad as I’d heard. And I respect every woman’s right to choose which path she takes.
Amen! I really tried in Spring For Susannah, to point to a healthy Christian marriage. Back in the early 1990s, Redbook readers were surprised to learn Evangelical Christians have the best sex lives! Celebrate!
Loved Spring for Susannah, Cathy! Great on many levels.
You are so right, Kellie! Thanks for this post and for standing up for all women.
Thanks for commenting, Cheryl.
I have not read the book–I keep hearing about it, but I didn’t even know what it was about, actually. But your thoughts are touching and after reading the premise and reviews, it’s definitely not something I have any interest in reading. My hope one day that a book glorifying God could sweep the nation 🙂
Thanks for commenting, Joanne.
I’m with Joanne. I had no idea what the book’s about. You handled blogging about the topic beautifully! Appreciate your honesty, my friend. I agree with you.
Thanks, Julie. You know me….my heart is for women to live outrageously happy.