Newton Public Library discussion

Just wondering how any of our readers felt about the Fifty Shades trilogy ... if it was the best thing you've ever experienced, maybe the worst, or if there is something similar out there that was better? I have a very decided opinion about E.L. James, which some may have read in the Newton Daily News or RomanceReader.com, but I'm intrigued by others' responses.

I have mixed emotions about the book. The writing wasn't that great, nor was the book or series for that matter a quality read. It felt thrown together in a hurry and didn't have much of a plot. Christian and Ana often annoyed me to no end. However, I did manage to push myself through reading all three books to see what all the hype was about and in the hopes that books would redeem themselves. I didn't think they ever did.

Having said that, I will say this, it certainly drew people into the library to check it out or even place a reserve on line. It was so popular at my library we ended up ordering two copies of each book and get a third set in Spanish. It certainly made people read and discuss and could have been used as a great opportunity to showcase similar reads or other books to library patrons.

I agree completely. On a personal level, I found the trilogy unsatisfying, primarily because of the poor editing. But you're right--there were many people who picked up 50 Shades that hadn't read a book in years (or, as one acquaintance of mine told me in a memorable conversation, it was the first entire book she'd ever read).