As a couples’ therapist, I am always interested in ways to bring passion back into relationships. Not only is it an essential part of a union between two people but it is also good for our emotional and physical well being. Along comes Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James and all of the sudden there are a lot of bedroom doors being locked.

This book is very popular among the mom set which is typically the group that is lacking in sexual desire. Whether it is the demands of the day, the hormonal changes post partum (that seem to persist for some until their kids go to college,) or just sheer exhaustion, this is one group that can use a jump-start in the bedroom. Young kids are often climbing into bed at all hours so bedroom doors are left open, sexy lingerie has been traded for sweatpants and flannel pajamas and sadly couples begin to drift apart. This new graphically sexual novel seems to be just what the doctor, or therapist, ordered.

I am not a book critic but you need only to read a few pages of this book to know that it is really poorly written, which has been the general consensus among actual book critics. Even many very discerning readers I know have opted to pick up the book just to see what all the fuss is about. I have had clients tell me that it is the best thing to happen to their marriage in years. This book is being called “Mommy Porn” and after even just skimming through it, I can certainly see why.

I have not read the entire book yet but what I find most interesting is that it deals with power and control; and while there is a great deal of descriptive sex scenes in the book, there is also a narrative about a very emotionally disturbed man. Maybe because it is so poorly written no one seems particularly concerned with the ridiculous storyline. Book critics are up in arms that this book, along with its sequels, is flying off shelves. There is a mix of embarrassment and pride among those who are reading it. Everyone wants to know what is being talked about in hushed tones and be able to participate in these conversations but many are reluctant to be caught reading this book out in public.

From my perspective I think it is great that something so harmless and affordable can actually spark up a couples sex life. So if you can tolerate a less than stellar use of the English language, you are able to suspend reality, and you are looking for a little libido booster than you might want to give this book a try.

- Cyndi