Most of my reading is professional in nature, but from time to time I also read books that I think have a great story line or which seem to be really popular. I've recently had a great deal of driving time, and wanted something big. 50 Shades of Grey, Darker and Freed, by EL James, seemed like the right books for me.
I've heard the descriptors of this three-book series (porn for women is one), but I want to suggest something much different for readers. I'm a compassionate person, have worked in psychiatric hospitals, have seen firsthand the impact of child abuse and most importantly, I'm a mother. It is this perspective on the world that really shaped my view of these wonderfully written books and the exceptional delivery via audio.
Yes, there were some really erotic scenes and, especially at first, they made me squirm. Remember, I'm a southern belle at heart. However, as the book progressed it became obvious to me that this was also the story of a man who was shaped by his early experiences. He coped and protected himself after neglect as a child and sexual abuse as a teenager. He struggled with trust and built walls to distance himself from relationships. The world of Doms and Subs was certainly one way to maintain control and clinically separate emotions from sex.
Mr. Grey finally began to experience new and healthy emotions when he met Ms. Steele. Love bloomed, there was conflict between the two as she held firm to her need for a relationship that was emotionally healthy, and finally, she was able to help him realize the give and take of true love.
Now, my friend, Dr. Drew also had something to say about 50 Shades of Grey, but I don't believe he read all three books in the series. Given his perspective on the world, I'd really like to hear what he thinks about the whole series.
I'll end by saying that I would not wish Mr. Grey on either of my daughters. The dynamics are just too complex. However, if either of them were to fall in love with a troubled man and they were able to help him find his way out of the darkness, as Ms. Steele did, I'd be so very proud.
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