Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy : Dark, romantic, and a little disconcerting, Fifty Shades of Grey is the story of a handsome control freak and naïve young woman. The story follows Anastasia Steele (‘Ana’), a recent college graduate who finds herself caught up in a tumultuous romance with the domineering Christian Grey. Grey, the CEO of his own company and Seattle’s most eligible bachelor, has a dark secret. He loves control. While Ana fears Christian’s romantic…. erm preferences, she’s drawn to his addictive and child-like demeanor. A steamy romance ensues, resembling the cheesy romance novels you usually laugh at by the check out in Wal-Mart mixed with enticing elements usually picked up in YA romances such as Twilight. The Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy, though not exceedingly well written or composed of a terrific plot, is inviting and somehow hooking. Constituted of the same hot-guy, ordinary-girl dynamic as Twilight (not surprising, since the novel started off as Twilight fan fiction), it’s no wonder women love the book. It’s the idea of the extraordinary taking an interest in the ordinary: the idea that Christian Grey could be so invested in a plain Jane. The concept of the breached romantic, social spheres is luring and appealing. That’s not to say that it’s the only thing alluring about the books, because it’s certainly not. The control and sensuality expressed in the books are also beguiling, making usually awkward and inappropriate situations somewhat acceptable in James’ writing. E.L. James’ novel is still very controversial. With a borderline psychopath and control freak as the romantic interest and some very shocking scenes included in the novel (BDSM included), Fifty Shades of Grey has its questionable moments. Firstly, Christian Grey is an extremely over-protective stalker/boyfriend. While protectiveness can be cute at times, Grey takes it to the next level, conducting creepy background checks on various people in the book and getting extremely peeved with Ana when she talks to other men or defies his ridiculous wishes. The relationship is obviously unhealthy and a little off-putting at times. In addition, the sex scenes included in the book are both awkward and numerous. Less is more, E.L. James. Less is more. Though very contentious in nature and by no means the winner  of a National Book Award, Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy is still captivating and a very good read. It’s a guilty-pleasure to the core; perfect for those long summer days by the pool or excruciatingly boring car rides. Literary snobs may snub it, but they can’t deny Fifty Shades of Grey’s best-seller status or fan craze. It’s a story of finding one’s self and exploring the darkest depths of human life and hunger, pushing popular literature and its heavily enforced limits that much further.