tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post8259579569319189916..comments2024-01-26T13:05:23.174-08:00Comments on The Terrible Desire: 50 Shades of Grey is standing between me and well-read? Do I have to arm-wrestle it?Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-2953102098537570402013-08-05T12:38:58.157-07:002013-08-05T12:38:58.157-07:00It's kind of ironic, actually, in light of thi...It's kind of ironic, actually, in light of this OTHER article that just came out on Book Riot, in which they satirize the idea that you can't write about something if you haven't personally experienced it. http://bookriot.com/2013/07/31/that-is-not-your-area-of-expertise/<br /><br /><br />Silly, Book Riot.<br /><br /><br />I started reading her summaries of 50 Shades! They are extremely detailed. It might take me a while.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-2797125264700093162013-08-05T12:34:41.017-07:002013-08-05T12:34:41.017-07:00It was NOT. And several people made that point in ...It was NOT. And several people made that point in the comments there. Because, yeah...why WOULD you list the book that is a ripoff and not the book that started it all in the first place? I DO NOT KNOW.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-59431897679457909302013-08-04T06:17:01.764-07:002013-08-04T06:17:01.764-07:00Wait, was Twilight on the Book Riot list? Because...Wait, was Twilight on the Book Riot list? Because that's much more culturally persistant than 50 Shades, I think (and maybe slightly better quality than 50 Shades? Maybe an iota?). I'm hopeful that 50 Shades will fade softly into the ether in the next year or so, especially if the movie doesn't get made. *crosses fingers*<br /><br /><br />ALSO how did I just find this post now, about a month later? I need to be more attentive to my blog reader...Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-41513397028735315112013-08-04T06:13:46.511-07:002013-08-04T06:13:46.511-07:00First of all, rightclicksave on that Monty Python ...First of all, rightclicksave on that Monty Python GIF.<br /><br /><br />Second of all, AMEN TO THAT. I don't get the whole "You can't have an opinion unless you've experienced it." Because I can certainly have an opinion on, say, Congress without having taken those arduous steps of campaigning and being elected as a congresswoman. <br /><br /><br /><br />Have you read Jennifer Armintrout's summaries of 50 Shades? After reading through her posts on the first 50 Shades book, I can safely say I will never, ever read the actual books, but her commentary is so delightful and points out all the what-the-fuckery with aplomb. Highly recommended. <br /><br /><br /><br />(Also, my book club once had a moment of temporary insanity and wanted to read 50 Shades [It was the male members of the club... They thought it would be funny], but I put the kibosh on that one with a quickness. SUCCESS!)Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-61634393365780576132013-07-12T11:41:13.934-07:002013-07-12T11:41:13.934-07:00SWEET VINDICATION.
I've seen a few used copi...SWEET VINDICATION.<br /><br /><br />I've seen a few used copies that look like they've been through some sort of traumatic event. I try not to think about it.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-10306867738896900172013-07-10T19:23:00.733-07:002013-07-10T19:23:00.733-07:00Each year Brisbane hosts a booksale in our convent...Each year Brisbane hosts a booksale in our convention centre where literally millions of books are sold for very reasonable prices in the name of charity. Each year you can tell what the previous years trend was because there are 100s of copies, looking brand new, lining the tables. This year it was 50 Shades, so many copies! And I've got to be honest, if I was going to read that book, I'm not sure I'd be in any rush to get a second hand copy...Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-15224118068801197902013-07-09T10:52:29.952-07:002013-07-09T10:52:29.952-07:00Oh you are FINE for not having read Twilight. I me...Oh you are FINE for not having read Twilight. I mean, I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but it's just filler. And who has time for filler when there are teetering stacks of unread books?Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-16261115522685464862013-07-09T10:50:53.242-07:002013-07-09T10:50:53.242-07:00*time travels 5 years into the future and then ret...*time travels 5 years into the future and then returns*<br /><br /><br />Well...the 50 Shades trilogy seems to have a pretty strong presence in thrift store book sections and yard sale giveaway boxes.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-11784732170587638562013-07-09T08:09:30.199-07:002013-07-09T08:09:30.199-07:00EXACTLY. Preach it, sis! This book in no way posi...EXACTLY. Preach it, sis! This book in no way positively (or uniquely) contributes to culture and shouldn't be on that list. I haven't even read Twilight (gasp, I know), and I still consider myself "well-read". BS, indeed. (Excellent ending gif, by the way)Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-48895929846345629692013-07-08T19:56:19.450-07:002013-07-08T19:56:19.450-07:00Ahahahaha this is wonderful and you make all of th...Ahahahaha this is wonderful and you make all of the good points. I sincerely hope 50 Shades is not still a cultural thing that we have to deal with in another 5 years. <br /><br />Well done, madamMegshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-73548714818811443762013-07-08T19:16:33.084-07:002013-07-08T19:16:33.084-07:00I LOVE that review. Love it.
You and your ignora...I LOVE that review. Love it.<br /><br /><br />You and your ignorance bolero onward, and I'll just sway contentedly here in the corner with my glass of whiskey.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-29409559735207160702013-07-08T15:10:08.313-07:002013-07-08T15:10:08.313-07:00I am perfectly happy taking the advice of these .g...I am perfectly happy taking the advice of these .gifs. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/340987215 I, in fact, REVEL in my ignorance. My ignorance & I are now dancing a bolero.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-65646557157217111482013-07-08T13:50:45.239-07:002013-07-08T13:50:45.239-07:00The fact that you agree with this post makes ME so...The fact that you agree with this post makes ME so happy. Mainly because I don't stand a chance in an argument with you, and I would rather have you fighting for my side.<br /><br /><br />I couldn't stop saying "triangulate" and "akin" if I TRIED. I AM WHO I AM.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-77429025659089617492013-07-08T13:47:08.825-07:002013-07-08T13:47:08.825-07:00EMILY YOU ARE STIRRING A POT THAT CAN NEVER BE UNS...EMILY YOU ARE STIRRING A POT THAT CAN NEVER BE UNSTIRREDMegshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-44713869822308346772013-07-08T13:44:34.473-07:002013-07-08T13:44:34.473-07:00This post makes me so happy. because OF COURSE ev...This post makes me so happy. because OF COURSE everybody will have different opinions on what books should make any list, but to include this on a WELL-READ list is asinine. Asinine, I say. And for all of the reasons you point out. If the list were for HAVING YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE OF POP CULTURE, then it would be a reasonable, nay expected, inclusion.<br /><br /><br />Please keep saying "triangulate" and "akin." I think it might be fun to observe the action. That's all I'm sayin'.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-76761469815528973022013-07-08T13:42:50.203-07:002013-07-08T13:42:50.203-07:00Those were EXACTLY my thoughts when I first saw th...Those were EXACTLY my thoughts when I first saw the list last month. Well they weren't really thoughts as much as a buzzing like angry bees. So I guess it took me until precisely midnight on July 8 to form those bees into an orderly configuration.<br /><br /><br />I sincerely hope that 50 Shades doesn't last even as a pop culture phenomenon. It doesn't have much substance to give it staying power, so I think our wish may come true. And it's OK to get a little snobby about books when people are trying to peer-pressure you into reading trash. Totally OK.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-66690999685152518032013-07-08T13:39:33.413-07:002013-07-08T13:39:33.413-07:00I can agree with that. Absolutely.I can agree with that. Absolutely.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-55337732750437647872013-07-08T13:12:18.336-07:002013-07-08T13:12:18.336-07:00DUDE, you kind of summed up my thoughts about why ...DUDE, you kind of summed up my thoughts about why 50 Shades of Grey SHOULDN'T be on that list, only my actual thought was 'why the fuck is that on there?' and then I kind of moved on and washed my hands of the whole list. So your brain is smarter is what I'm saying, I guess!<br /><br />Here's a thing though- IS 50 Shades going to even be a permanent fixture in pop culture? I mean, I know it is right now, but is it going to have a lasting effect? I really really really hope not. And also, since it's a book where people are like 'Well, at least it got people to read' then isn't it the opposite of a book you need to be well read because basically ONLY people who aren't well read are reading it AND enjoying it? (oh god, this sounds so snobby now... Oh well!)<br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway. Hells yes to not wasting several hours on this book.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-55433741016044354432013-07-08T13:10:48.186-07:002013-07-08T13:10:48.186-07:00Yes, but at least you'd be able to argue that ...Yes, but at least you'd be able to argue that we're then able to <i>discuss</i> the unhealthy gender messages, which is definitely a discussion well worth having. It's not <i>completely</i> unreasonable.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-71915019383807567682013-07-08T13:05:01.073-07:002013-07-08T13:05:01.073-07:00Hahahahahaha!Hahahahahaha!Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-34700662643463721992013-07-08T13:04:33.661-07:002013-07-08T13:04:33.661-07:00WELL-stated. And I would tend to agree with you ab...WELL-stated. And I would tend to agree with you about Twilight deserving the spot before 50 Shades . . . even though we still run up against that unhealthy gender message.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-39655603522906829832013-07-08T13:01:05.423-07:002013-07-08T13:01:05.423-07:00I think the best argument against including someth...I think the best argument against including something like <i>Fifty Shades of Gray</i> on a list of this kind is a counterexample - books that have made that "media wave" that <i>Fifty Shades</i> did, except also enhanced and developed the literary (and non-literary) culture. <br /><br />The easiest example is obviously Harry Potter. There was that same media adoration and attention, that same media backlash, and a similar response from general pop culture, which quickly adopted it. But Harry Potter also sparked a literary conversation. A fanbase grew around it that appreciated more than just the content, but also the world the story took place in. Fans have taken Harry Potter and transformed it into beautiful, wonderful things that themselves have added to our overall cultural discussion. <i>Fifty Shades</i>? Not so much. In fact, I'd even argue that <i>Twilight</i> clearly deserves a spot on that list - not only has it influenced young adult literature in innumerable ways, it itself enabled the creation of the whole <i>Fifty Shades</i> phenomenon!<br /><br />Basically, this whole thing is stupid. Also - that is a <i>ridiculously</i> Anglo-centric list. But that's a completely different rant...Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-14702354528492800592013-07-08T12:56:53.754-07:002013-07-08T12:56:53.754-07:00*takes furious notes for this weekend**takes furious notes for this weekend*Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-30284865468989871482013-07-08T12:49:34.285-07:002013-07-08T12:49:34.285-07:00Just keep it real dumb when we hang out. And don&#...Just keep it real dumb when we hang out. And don't use 'triangulate' or akin for God's sake.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7252631163414371464.post-72530013414376795842013-07-08T12:47:54.095-07:002013-07-08T12:47:54.095-07:00I was SO concerned that this made sense to me at 1...I was SO concerned that this made sense to me at 1 a.m. and then seemed like nonsense at noon today. So I thank you.<br /><br /><br />But don't worry . . . this is sort of a rare occasion of me sounding smart.Megshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10967657695336270359noreply@blogger.com