I can't figure out why people are so worked up over 50 Shades of Gray. There are so many "erotica" books out there, and they've been around for so many years. It's not like this is the first one ever. Why is this one so special?
As was mentioned earlier: marketing.
They sold the book as a bridge between literature and erotica. And although the writer tries to add a second layer of explaining why Grey is who he is and how he is, it keeps the same through the story. It is mostly used (imo) to make Grey angry so he can do what he wants. The dialogues are not that good and the thoughts of the female protagonist are a bit childish.
Well, I'm intrigued enough to read the other 2 books.
@Donna - I'm happily LAT-ting, so I don't need the book as an inspiriation - besides, the lifestyle in this book is not my (or my girlfriend's) desired lifestyle. But as you say: to each their own.
Looking forward to "The Hobbit" as well...