Please
refrain from any negative comments regarding the book by EL James. That’s not
what this post is about.
I
sold antiques at a flea market this past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Naturally, I set a few copies of my suspense/mystery novel Whistle Pass out for sale as well.
Once
ladies learned I had written Whistle Pass,
the conversation invariably turned to Fifty
Shades of Grey, usually with this line as the icebreaker:
“I’m
reading that book I shouldn’t be reading.”
A
quirky smile then appeared.
It
didn’t take too many of these conversations for me to realize that the majority
of women I spoke with weren’t as interested in the book as they were the idea
of doing something edgy, maybe even bordering on taboo, something risqué and a
bit devilish, with nothing really at stake. It was the thrill of the bragging
rights that they had obtained a copy and were reading a book that they wouldn’t
even say the name of in public. Or at least said they were.
My
point is that for a number of these ladies, claiming to be reading the book
(not a one of them said they had finished it – they were always “reading” it)
set them apart from what had been mediocrity and initiated them into a group of
faceless literary daredevils walking the razorblade of the forbidden. It was
the “act,” not the book, that sent shivers up their spines, reddened their
ears, and provided the courage to share with a complete male stranger the provocative
thing they were doing.
Interestingly,
in all of the conversations I had with these ladies in this unique setting, not
once did the reader talk about the book at all. Not once. Their focus remained
on the act of possessing and reading the novel. After the first couple of
ladies, I started asking if the person had plans to go see the movie when it
came out. The answer was always “no.” Maybe they were being honest, maybe that
was something they didn’t want to answer. I don’t know.
I
do know what one lady gave as her reason for not planning on seeing the film
version. She said in effect, ‘I wouldn’t want to watch the movie because it probably
wouldn’t be like I’ve imagined.’ Her answer made me smile. What she described
is the goal we as storytellers strive for. She said the story took shape in her
mind, and she didn’t want to lose that imagery.
That,
ladies and gentlemen, is the power and joy of books.
7 comments:
I work at a university and only 1 girl came in my office with the book. She's older--mid twenties, read alot, and a grad student (received her masters degree this Fall). She talked about the writing in the book. Didn't like it at all. But she told me that she bought that book for one reason and one reason only: curiosity. She wanted to know what all the talk was about.
Thanks for commenting, Judith.
When a book stirs controversy or debate, readers will find a copy in order to decide the issues for themselves. Very few folks like being told what to think or believe.
I have got to get this book and see for myself...You know me...
I'm old enough to remember a similar reaction to the book "Fear of Flying".
For some it's the titillation of being on the edge of 'naughty'.
Great post as always.
-Ellie
Hi, Margie Heitz!
Thank you for finding us over here at Some Write It Hot. =)
I so agree, Ellie.
Funny you bring this up. My sister-in-law was visiting this weekend and we had the same kind of conversation. She couldn't believe she was reading something like that, but she knows a bit about what I write, so she took the conversation a bit deeper, asking me questions.
I eventually told her I could point her in the direction of some great erotic romance books and authors if she was interested, but I think she needs a little more time. I'm pretty sure she'll take me up on that soon, though.
Thanks for commenting, Lorraine.
If your SIL's literary horizon was "broadened," that's a good thing. =)
I think it's great you two have a solid enough relationship that you can have this type of discussion.
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