For months, I kept putting off reading Fifty Shades of Grey. I wasn’t interested in the craze, especially after hearing the first reviews.

But after a dozen people asked me what I thought about the trilogy, I finally decided – why not give the first book a quick read.

I don’t even want to give a full review. What for? You’ve heard enough about the book already. When compared to most fiction, there isn’t much of a plot at all. The relationship between Christian and Anastasia is a bit ridiculous.

But Fifty Shades of Grey is not meant to enlighten you (at least, I really don’t think it is…). It’s an erotic novel. It’s meant to entertain.

There’s a reason why millions of copies of this book have sold. And yes, it’s partly because many people want to be a part of the craze. They want to know for themselves what it’s all about.

But (and I keep using the word but) the book is about seduction and it has certainly seduced millions of readers.

Actually, it has probably seduced many non-readers into picking up a book for the first time in years.

Like Twilight before it, Fifty Shades of Grey has attracted a new generation or population to the local bookshop. And why should we bash E L James for that?

On the contrary, whether you like the book or not – mission accomplished, James.

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