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Fifty States of Grey [INFOGRAPHIC]
Fifty Shades of Grey continues to top best-seller lists after almost three months of dominance: The trilogy sold 10 million copies in six weeks, there are long wait-lists at libraries and bookstores, and even Saturday Night Live spoofed the book's popularity in a skit! So, Goodreads took a look at the US stats behind the phenomenon. Where are the "Grey States"?
The country is pretty clearly divided. More readers in the eastern half of the US are devouring the sexual adventures of Christian and Anastasia. The states with the highest readers per capita are located primarily in the Tri-State and New England area: New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode Island, and New York.
If you define "Grey States" by their average rating of the book, the landscape changes. The regions with readers who give Fifty Shades of Grey the highest average ratings are the Southern and Plains states—Mississippi, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.
Fifty Shades of Grey has given some readers a new taste for erotica, and we've found a jump in interest in similar books on Goodreads. Just recently, Penguin's Berkley Books imprint snatched up Sylvia Day's self-published novel, Bared to You, which has generated 2,500 reviews in the past two months. Goodreads member Aestas loved it, saying "This book was absolute perfection for me!! It had me swooning, drooling, and panting over Gideon Cross and had me reading for the better part of it with the world's biggest grin on my face."
Other books potentially joining the sultry summer reading list are Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard, Rock Me by Cherrie Lynn, Captive in the Dark by C.J. Roberts, and The Reluctant Dom by Lesli Richardson. These books are a mix of older titles and new releases, but one thing they have in common is that they are all finding new readers thanks to the Fifty Shades craze.
Looking back, one of the first big milestones for Fifty Shades of Grey was being a finalist for the Goodreads Choice Awards way back in November last year. It will be interesting to see if a new title like Bared to You will be a contender for this year's awards.
What about you? Are you a proud citizen of a "Grey State"? Will you be savoring any other erotica titles this summer? Is it getting hot in here or is it just these books?
Comments Showing 1-50 of 58 (58 new)
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Jennifer
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May 24, 2012 06:11AM
I haven't read these, and don't think I probably will, but I'm curious about the main character's names. Is it a coincidence that the guy's name is Christian and the woman's means "resurrection"?
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"Main characters'," I mean. Gotta put that apostrophe in the right place!
I won't be reading any of the Grey books. I heard that they are poorly written. Why would I want to subject my brain to that? I'd rather fill my head and heart with meaningful works of literature.
fifty shades of grey are awesome ...... I read them twice because I was so sad when I read through them so fast the first go around. I'm a twilight fan but fifty shades of grey blew it out of the water. Hope that e.l. James will continue the story . And by the way fifty shades of grey story line is not even similar to twilight totally different.
I'm in shock ... I can't believe it! There's a STATISTICAL study of 50 Shades' readers ....
I've read all three books...own copies of them actually. I also know a couple of people who have or are reading. We all think Christian is hawt and the love story is wonderful.
After my wife's comments about the quality of the writing, I can't believe it either! Oh well, you can't argue with...
Nice to know that Twilight fanfiction can dupe regular people.Those of you who've bought into this should learn to research a little bit more. And take a good hard look at your idea of what makes a worthy story.
I'm going to go turn my Harry Potter fanfiction into a regular story by changing all the names and self publish it so I don't have to go through an editor too.
Morons.
Gbriel's Inferno was a twilight fanfic too, if you value your money don't waste time buying it
and if you respect stephenie meyer don't purchase any twilight fanfictions that are now published
Is the above chart adjusted for population density? Seems like most people live between Boston > New York > D.C. so the number of readers there would be higher.The NY Times Book Review might have also bumped up readership in the Northeast.
Wait, Goodreads nominated this pile of garbage? That's funny. Apparently you wouldn't know a good book if someone beat you with it.And fyi, the books aren't "hot". As erotica goes, this stuff is worthless. There's plenty of good erotica in the world, but apparently the average American is too stupid to read it. Shame that this jerk is making massive sums of money just for being a talentless ripoff artist.
Goodreads, just because a book is popular doesn't mean it merits an analytical infographic or that it's even a good piece of literature. It would have been much better if you included some opposition, possibly from the thousands of people who know what this book really is: complete garbage.
I haven't read them, but I probably will just because of all the hype. I'm heard mixed reviews- a lot of good, a lot of bad. If nothing else, this trilogy has accomplished two things: it's sparked a lot of controversy, which usually equals big sales, and it's opened the door that erotica hid behind. It's no longer a dirty little secret- people are talking about these books everywhere, and admit proudly that they read them. Personally, I enjoy reading it as well as writing it!
Okay first of all, Fifty Shades of Grey is nothing like Twilight!!! That has to be said right now!!! And for the person above to call E.L. James a Jerk, wow that shows me and pretty much everyone else around reading this just what kind of person you are, you dont even know her!!! E.L James is no where near a jerk, she is a talented, smart, and beautiful person inside and out!!! Fifty Shades of Grey is a great book and I for one loved all three of them. But that's my opinion and we are all entitled to that. But to call her a jerk just b/c she took a story she wrote, took her own ideas and turned them into a book isn't right at all!
Goodreads is a place for us to share our love of books, not to call people names or to bash people that is all I'm saying!!!
Huh, Well I thought they were hot. Maybe what's good for the goose isn't always good for the gander. But keep doing what your doing. I'm sure pedantic condescension is hot to someone. The books are not classic works of art. They are popular fiction and should be read as such. If you are comparing it to War and Peace, you're doing it wrong.
Alis wrote: "Okay first of all, Fifty Shades of Grey is nothing like Twilight!!! That has to be said right now!!! And for the person above to call E.L. James a Jerk, wow that shows me and pretty much everyone e..."AMEN!
Jennifer wrote: "Huh, Well I thought they were hot. Maybe what's good for the goose isn't always good for the gander. But keep doing what your doing. I'm sure pedantic condescension is hot to someone. The boo..."
YES!
I just want to add that bashing any writer for some publisher's belief in its saleability is just wrong. The writer and the writer's work are two separate entities. Always -- yet people/the media somehow always need to try and grab a piece of the writer when the work is there for the picking.
Whether you like them or not, they have some staying power. I know 30 authors you should read afterward regardless of what you think of the books. Hit me up in a PM.
there are other books as well in this catagory that no one seems to think about..... (Story of O) is an erotic novel published in 1954 about love, dominance and submission by French author Anne Desclos under the pen name Pauline Réage. and (The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy) by American author Anne Rice under the pseudonym of A. N. Roquelaure. The trilogy comprises The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty, Beauty's Punishment and Beauty's Release.... I have read both these titles about 6 or 7 years ago before any of these others were out and both were very well written....
Wow, was the negativity really necessary? Jerks? Morons? I don't think any of that was called for. I say kudos to her for taking fiction to a new level. She didn't steal any ideas, she didn't do anything wrong, period. She took an idea, turned it into something new, and ran with it. It's making her money, true, but what's wrong with that? And as for the "morons" comment, is that directed to the people who like her work or to indie authors in general? I think self-publishing is one of the best things to happen to authors and readers alike. You have a whole new world of reading available for lower prices. I just don't see the problem here. You're entitled to not like the stories- that's your perogative. But people are also entitled to like it if they choose- and they shouldn't be slammed for being fans of 50.
Honestly, you should NOT judge a book if you haven't read it. Yes, there's erotica in the story but the story goes well beyond the erotica and people are stereotyping this series and are losing out on a love story like none I've ever read. Pure ignorance for you to call her a jerk, Michael. I've met her and she's an incredibly nice person. She's not a rip-off. This book may have started from Twilight inspiration but it's NOTHING like Twilight. In fact, it has much more thought-provoking substance. Of course, if you didn't read it or never plan to read it, you'll never understand why. Keep being ignorant. You're missing out on the real meaning behind these books.
Kay wrote: "Wow, was the negativity really necessary? Jerks? Morons? I don't think any of that was called for. I say kudos to her for taking fiction to a new level. She didn't steal any ideas, she didn't do an..."I totally agree with you! The self publishing world has brought us readers some amazing books and for anyone to bash that is so wrong!!!
Out of the books listed above, I would choose Gabriel's Inferno. In my opinion, it is a book worth reading. It is not hard to be open minded, and understand that fan-fiction can be good, if even they are [stories] published as a books.
Dorinda wrote: "Honestly, you should NOT judge a book if you haven't read it. Yes, there's erotica in the story but the story goes well beyond the erotica and people are stereotyping this series and are losing ou..."Very well said!!!
The only new level this garbage took fiction was down.Yes of course its nothing like Twilight. If you knew your fandom, you'd know that this was what we call "alternate universe" fanfiction. EL James published this story online as a Bella/Edward fic and then changed all the names to new ones so she wouldn't get sued by Smeyer.
If you all had done your research, you might actually know that.
Nightfalltwen wrote: "The only new level this garbage took fiction was down.Yes of course its nothing like Twilight. If you knew your fandom, you'd know that this was what we call "alternate universe" fanfiction. EL..."
I do know fan fiction, I write it! HP and Twilight. Yes she published this as a fan fiction, she even tells people that and it says that in the front of her book. But to bash people for that is wrong! She wouldn't get sued b/c Fifty Shades isn't Twilight! The ideas are even different they are nothing like twilight so there is no way for her to get sued!
All I'm saying is this to bash E.L for making money on her story/book is wrong!
And I'm saying that people making money off fanfiction is wrong. It makes it ten thousand times more difficult for people with original stories to get published.And I'm not saying that it's Twilight. I'm saying that it's Twilight fanfiction with the names changed and has NO place getting into the market and making someone money. She's making money off of SMeyer's work whether you choose to believe it or not.
And that's wrong.
So, what makes you think that non-FanFict books aren't inspired by other books? They just don't announce it. Plenty of books are inspired by other people, books, movies, etc. You just don't hear the author announce it. Plain and simple, 50 Shades of Grey is in no way like Twilight in storyline, love story, or meaning. There's nothing wrong with her series.
Mags a.k.a Cherry Vanilla Addikt wrote: "I'm in shock ... I can't believe it! There's a STATISTICAL study of 50 Shades' readers ...."Must be a sign of the coming Apocalypse!
Dorinda wrote: "So, what makes you think that non-FanFict books aren't inspired by other books? They just don't announce it. Plenty of books are inspired by other people, books, movies, etc. You just don't hear..."Well put!!! AMEN
As an aspiring author here on GoodReads I am pleased to see the success that this trilogy has garnered. Irrespective of the genre and the opinions about content or quality of writing, Ms. James' achievement in self-publishing is inspirational.The attention and sales that this series has attracted gives me hope as I set out to self-publish. It's a fantastic example of how the publishing industry has changed.
I am encouraged now. And yes, because it is my writing, I think I am better. But that still remains to be seen.
Respectfully,
-tracy leung
GoodReads Author Tracy Leung
Dorinda wrote: "Honestly, you should NOT judge a book if you haven't read it. Yes, there's erotica in the story but the story goes well beyond the erotica and people are stereotyping this series and are losing ou..."You can't say it's "NOTHING like Twilight" though. I read the whole first book and the character relationships and similarities have been left unchanged from the original fanficiton. She could have tried harder. Crossing out Florida and writing Georgia, crossing out Emmett and writing Elliot, crossing out Jacob and writing Jose, is not trying hard enough.
And I can judge it since I read it. In my opinion, it is utterly garbage. And I love erotica. I LOVE reading erotica. But this is a mess of a book and the sensationalism needs to stop.
Marjorie wrote: "I won't be reading any of the Grey books. I heard that they are poorly written. Why would I want to subject my brain to that? I'd rather fill my head and heart with meaningful works of literature."Marjorie - I was hesitant at first for the same reason. I read a sample and was hooked from there. Don't let opinions make your decision.
You either like the series or you don't. I love it! And that is just me. I dislike other popular books simply because it just doesn't grab me.
Angela wrote: "You either like the series or you don't. I love it! And that is just me. I dislike other popular books simply because it just doesn't grab me."I'm certainly not challenging your right to enjoy it, of course you can and that's fine! But may I ask what is it about it that grabs you, personally? I'm curious to know.
For me, the fact that they got together in the first, oh, 50 pages or something completely lost any sense of suspense she might have been able to create initially. I went in wanting to be entertained and I didn't know what there was to wait for any longer. I understand that the end leaves you with "okay now what?" but considering what I saw I don't need to see anymore. It seems like simply a repetitive cycle of the same scenes with the same words and phrases, set in different locations.
Funny thing, I read an interview with Stephanie Meyer, she herself says their are no new stories. All stories have been told, each author puts a different spin on it. And, if you haven't read the books you shouldn't comment on the writing or the story. It makes you look ignorant.
Wigs, I said that those that "didn't read it or never plan to read it". You're welcome to judge since you read it. I was referring to people that are stereotyping this book and not reading it based on those stereotypes, yet judging it. I myself didn't plan to read it originally, as I'm not a big fan of erotica and BDSM, but when I realized WHY Christian is the way he is and the whole love story behind it, it does make you think. For people (that DIDN'T read it) to say it's nothing but sex, sex, sex, and nothing else is ignorant.
I love these books! I was a little intimidated by the subject matter, but I'm completely in love with these two! I'm hoping above all hope that she continues with where she left off- with Christian's point of view. Like Edward and the "Midnight Sun", I want in his head. And sinse I brought Edward up, whose compairing these books to TWILIGHT. The only compairison is that both Anastasia and Bella were both virgins. Maybe the adoptions but Edward wasn't really adoption. E.J. GIVE US MORE!! Yes shouty capital!!
Nope--reviews I've read pan the writing and I'm not into erotica or SM. I don't care what the motivation is--SM is demeaning and erotica is prurient. Too many other good books out there to waste precious time on a trilogy, no less.
Carol wrote: "I love these books! I was a little intimidated by the subject matter, but I'm completely in love with these two! I'm hoping above all hope that she continues with where she left off- with Christia..."It's not the plot, it's the characters. She only changed the names when she transferred her fanfiction into something she could publish. And small things, like making Grace (Esme) the doctor instead of Carrick (Carlisle Cullen). He even goes to answer the phone for the hospital call, but then goes "the hospital called and oh honey it's for you," to show you how little she reworked the scenes. Jose (Jacob) has a father who gave her his old car because he and her father are friends from the army (police force) etc etc. It's not that she went into her book meaning to steal characters, because of course she spent hours and hours writing deliberate fanfiction. I just question the integrity of simply search-and-replacing names instead of reworking the story when preparing it for publication. It shows just an insane degree of laziness, or perhaps unwillingness to imagine the story in any other way.
Evidently Oregonians have far better reading materials on which to spend their time. ;-)
Wow! There are some very personal comments on here! I really think some people should just go sit back in their corner and shhhh!
It would be interesting to see how many of these opinionated people could even write a book, let alone get it self published. Some folks should just think before they open their mouths, and say hurtful things, that appear to stem from jealousy, about someone they don't even know.
You people do realize that Twilight was based on Romeo and Juliet,don't you! Are we to go all out hating Stephanie Meyer for that, and for that matter anyone else who wrote a book? Because as Crissy Said there are only so many story lines. I agree with her comment..And, if you haven't read the books you shouldn't comment on the writing or the story. It makes you look ignorant.
Alis wrote: "Okay first of all, Fifty Shades of Grey is nothing like Twilight!!! That has to be said right now!!! And for the person above to call E.L. James a Jerk, wow that shows me and pretty much everyone e..."I find it interesting that a "book" and it's popularity causes people to personally attack the author. Alis, I'm sure history will agree with you. We can see that our opinion and our voice and love for these books is heard.
Fifty Shades is extremely popular. I believe Gabriel's Inferno and it's now released sequel will soon follow suit. We readers know what we like. We don't need biting nats who have no comparable skill of their own to sit back tearing strips off works we are passionate about.
Their choices don't matter because our buying power and our passion is the sound cheering around the world.
Your also right about the authors. E L James is an incredible woman, not because she can write an addictive story but because she tries hard everyday just to be a good person. Nobody is perfect but I know few who try harder or who are more gracious. Good for her and those authors who will SOON follow her footsteps.
SQ
I don't even know where to begin. First off I love the debate these books have created. Amusing on so many levels to say the least. Starting with the 2nd place win Fifty Shades of Grey achieved in the romance category, I believe that was voted by GoodReads readers. So pat yourselves on for that one. *high five*Next up ... Fanfiction. Most entertainment that gets popular is based on one of five formulas. This one is Beauty and the Beast inspired by Twilight and another unpublished work as well. Bet you didn't know that diga? So please refrain from looking down your nose at anyone who hasn't done thier research. Shame on you, oh lofty reader with an axe to grind. You haven't. Silly reader. And furthermore, I don't care if self publishing and ff makes your writing harder and more difficult to get out there. The game has changed Baby, and its about time. That argument is about as solid as someone saying they don't have a chance to get published because they don't have a computer,they can write in long hand. Too bad.
And lastly, the battle cry of millions of people reading trash novels and how 10 million Americans are so poorly read...really? This is news to you? If so go back onto all the red states and and the millions of people who call our current President a communist. Do you think they read The Communist Manifesto? Nope. Probably not. In closing I want to thank Miss James for a hell of a ride both in reading and in shinig a light on so much bullshit. *fistpump*
Wigs wrote: "Carol wrote: "I love these books! I was a little intimidated by the subject matter, but I'm completely in love with these two! I'm hoping above all hope that she continues with where she left off-..."Well, I guess I'm not that deep.
While I was reading TWILIGHT, I kelp thinking why would vampires hang out in high school? Why would a couple so young adopt teenagers or any childern for that matter? Why didn't the school check into all the absenteeism (Really, every sunny day!\0/)While reading 50, I nevered questioned what was happening or why.
♥☆♫★♡ Kathy♡bahd gihrl♥♡★ wrote: "Wow! There are some very personal comments on here! I really think some people should just go sit back in their corner and shhhh!
It would be interesting to see how many of these opinionated peop..."
True that! I couldn't say it better!
Marjorie wrote: "I won't be reading any of the Grey books. I heard that they are poorly written. Why would I want to subject my brain to that? I'd rather fill my head and heart with meaningful works of literature."This is exactly my opinion. Quality over popularity any day!
Gabriel's Inferno was my post FSoG read and I found it both well-written and highly sensual. It was a lovely discovery and a story I'm thrilled to add to my favorote bookshelf. A very impressive debut novel by Sylvain Reynard.
