Being that I am in a monthly book club with friends, it had to be time that we finally addressed 50 Shades of Grey by EL James. There has been so much buzz about this book and we were honestly super curious to see what all the hype was for.
Via wikipedia, “Fifty Shades of Grey is a 2011 erotic novel by British author E. L. James. Set largely in Seattle, it is the first installment in a trilogy that traces the deepening relationship between a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a young business magnate, Christian Grey. It is notable for its explicitly erotic scenes.”
You get the idea. This book is definitely steamy. With our books in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, we discussed. We needed a bit of liquid courage for this one. 
Overall, most of us were just “eh” about it. I really don’t get why everyone raves.
The boy always laughs at me because I always question TV shows and movies..why didn’t he just go a different way, I don’t think he could really get out of that…you get the idea. I guess I am too much of a realist. I also ask questions that he doesn’t know the answer yet..does he die, what happens next? It is one of the many things he just loves about me. Well for those of you that read the book, I just couldn’t help but ask the questions how and why. But I guess I do have to understand it is just a book.
While chatting away, my sister provided lots of delicious goodies for us to munch on.
Grapes, crackers, and hummus all made their way on to my plate.
And I couldn’t resist a slice of brie. It is my favorite cheese!
Swanky mom, although not a member of our book club, always provides something delicious for us to enjoy. This vegetable pasta bake was modified from a recent issue of Real Simple magazine. The original recipe was for this Roasted Summer Vegetable Pasta. I loved the idea of adding veggies and baking. Good one mom!
Becky, one of our newest book club members, made the most delicious oatmeal butterscotch cookies. One just wasn’t enough, so I had another.
I have heard that they are looking into making a movie. My first question again was how?? The whole book is super steamy and I don’t think it could even pass for an R rating. Then we got to talking about who they would cast. I read that the fans think Alexis Bledel would make a good Ana Steele.
I am curious for who they cast for Christian Grey. He sounds quite handsome from the book. Any ideas?
Feel free to check out our other book club reads here.
I am super excited! Swanky boyfriend and I are both off work tomorrow so we have a date day planned. I can’t wait! I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
Have you read 50 Shades of Grey? Who would you want cast as the main characters?
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I haven’t read it, but it seems really weird to think of Alexis Bledel in a movie like that. I just always think of her as super conservative Rory from Gilmore Girls or as ULTRA conservative Lena from the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies. So it’s kind of ironic to think of her playing in a movie like that, haha!
I don’t know who I would cast for the characters in the book. Grey, a good looking man, who looks good in a suit, who is willing to be risque? I personally would love Daniel Craig but I don’t think he would do it. (I have not read the books yet, but I am just considering it a “grown up” series like Harry Potter, Twilight, and Hunger Games, which I read either.)
I lovee this book club stuff!! I want to join one so bad!! How fun, and all that delicious food!! I haven’t read the book..maybe I will one day. I love that it’s based in Washington though..that and Twilight..maybe these authors are onto something bahaha.
Great looking eats at your book club meeting. I definitely agree wine was in order for that one. I enjoyed the books, but again, I realize they are just books and a story, and really for me, just some good entertainment, especially when I am traveling and looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle. I have no idea either how they think they are making it in to a movie, but given the fan base of the books, a movie definitely seems like the way to go. Have fun on your day off with your boyfriend.
Matt Bomer would be my pick for Christian. I’m still not sure about Ana.
I am with you Regan! Matt Bomer would make a great Christian.
Wow! Matt Bomer is hot!
RIGHT!?!
I love that your mom always provides food! she should start a food blog too!
I tried to read it, but had exactly the same reaction – I was just like, ‘meh’. Weird that everyone else seems to be so head over heels in love with it! Looks like a gorgeous spread though, can I join?
I read the series a while ago, and I’ve since become lukewarm about it. Mostly because it wasn’t very good writing in itself, but it sort of overhyped itself. I read a really good review of it saying that it was hardly a love story and I sort of agree.
Enough about that – I’d say Robert Downy Jr or Christian Bale for Christian Grey, and I have NO idea for Anna, but definitely not Alexis Bledel – seems much too …. not Anna. Then again, she did seem like the naive proverbial lamb…?
PS yummy looking food!
I haven’t read all three but I agree on it not being that much of a love story. I am curious to see what happens in the next two books.
I haven’t read this book, just heard a lot about it. I can’t picture Alexis Bledel being in that movie. I still associate her as sweet and innoncent Rory Gilmore!
Have a GREAT date day!!
I totally agree with Alexis Bledel in the movie! Great pick!
I don’t know who they could cast. I think Christian is blonde/light brown, right? Hmmmm. I admit, I like the books a lot..I’m finishing the second now. I am anxious to find out more in book 3 about his previous relationships. Your mom is so sweet to send something along to enjoy!
I am glad to hear you are enjoying the second book. Even though I didn’t get the hype, the story was good and I am curious to see what happens next.
I agree with your review, although in my opinion, it was the worst written book I’ve read in years…but it really isn’t my genre. I’d rather rave about your swanky fare, my dear! That makes me swoon!
I am reading Pigeon English right now and LOVE it!
I agree with you about the writing too!
And what was with her and her “inner godess”?? haha.
Our book club for this is next month
Foolishly, though, I bought fifty shades darker instead of fifty shades of grey by mistake. I haven’t started it yet. Do you think I should bother with buying the first or just read the second to get the gist of them?!
I haven’t read the second one yet but I would recommend reading the first book.
Let me know what you think!
I actually loved the trilogy but for what it was… a mild-erotic fantasy! It mirrors all the trendy books – it’s like Twilight for adults! A meek girl torn between multiple guys, chooses the “dark” side and finds herself in the end. It’s not nobel-prize worthy but it does help open the conversation about consensual, sexual adult relationships! I like the underlying construct of women being unsure or unwilling to ask/demand for what they want and need.