Our Panel of 50 Shades

Despite the controversy and criticism, 50 Shades of Grey has broken records by selling over 20 million copies. 50 Shades of Grey and 50 Shades Darker have remained on the best seller list for 16 consecutive weeks with no sign of disappearing. The book is the first novel to sell more than 1 million copies on the Amazon Kindle. The book has sparked media attention and uproar because of it's erotic language and sexual exploits. Usatoday.com reported that women can’t put it down because they crave love. Everyone loves a good love story and the book resonates with many women. Believing in love is what gets us through our day to day. For those who have not found true love, books like 50 Shades help solidify hope.

So we’ve asked average women, of all ages, who’ve read the record breaking book…why? Our panelists’ names and ages are listed below. Here’s what they had to say:

Why did the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy appeal to you?

Susan (52): I enjoyed the rapport between Anastasia and Christian and watching their relationship evolve.

Shelly (41): I heard it was a really good book…so I had to check it out.

Rachel (25): The buzz surrounding the trilogy and the author intrigued me. And I am always eager to get lost in a good book.

Sharon (33): Honestly, there was so much media hype and controversy around the book that I wanted to check it out for myself to see what all the fuss was about.

Nicole (41): Everyone was talking about it. My co-worker who is an avid reader and has suggested many, many books to me which I have thoroughly enjoyed loaded them on my Nook.

Did you go on to read the entire trilogy?

All of the women on our panel have or are in the process of reading the entire trilogy.

What did you take from the book?

Susan (52): When you find the right person who loves you and supports you, anyone can change themselves.

Rachel (25): In some ways, this book makes me feel normal. I sometimes wish my partner could be more like Christian Grey; proud, doting, honest and rich. As a woman, I resonate with Ana Steele and I can feel her pain and joy when dealing with the love of her life. And while Christian and Ana’s specific “situations” are rather unique, the story and journey of love and life come down to one specific task: compromise.

Michelle (32): How to overcome insecurities.

Nicole (41): All relationships are built on trust. If we can learn to trust the ones we love, we can make them work. Also that there truly is someone out there for everyone

Sharon (33): At its core, the story is a great romance story – and who doesn’t love a romance? The story also left me with a reminder not to always be afraid of the unknown.

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