4 Reasons Why '50 Shades' Is Still So Popular

The "Fifty Shades" books continue to generate buzz.

Recently, I saw an entire magazine devoted to the trilogy; there are rumors of a fourth book; and, of course, there's constant contemplation about which Hollywood actors and actresses will play which characters when the books are adapted into film.

Anyone who thought these books would have died down by now were all wrong!

As an expert in dominance and submission, as well as a general sexual enthusiast, I have a few ideas about how the "Fifty Shades" books became so popular and why they won't be losing their steam anytime soon. /inline/node/158194

1. The economy. In these economically uncertain times, the fantasy of having someone ridiculously wealthy in your life is sexy (and practical) for both men and women.

Even though it is 2012 and the feminist movement is going strong, there is still an old fashioned notion that a woman just needs to find a rich man to take care of her. For the men, it taps into the desire to "bring home the bacon" in such a way that all needs are simply met.

2. The Anti-Cosmo. Coming from a world full of Cosmopolitan magazine — which focuses almost exclusively on satisfying male pleasure — it's nice to see a story that has a lot of interest in female pleasure. 

Being ravished is one of the top female fantasies, and Christian's constant hands-on approach with Anastasia feeds right into that. He gets pleasure from pleasuring her. Actually this is pretty common in the "real world." Many men love to make sure their partners are getting off. However, it is easy to get into a sexual 'rut' with a busy life, kids, etc. These stories combat that reality. /inline/node/158150

More about 50 Shades Darker from YourTango:

• Kink Up Your Sex Life '50 Shades Of Grey' Style
• I'm A Feminist Who Loves BDSM
• 50 Shades Of Grey: Do You Like It Rough?

3. The side note. The kinky aspect is — in many ways — a side note.

Coming from the BDSM community, I can safely say that what Ana and Christian play with is S&M light. Now, there's nothing wrong with that. It gives just enough "kinky fuckery" to be titillating but not intimidating.

Spanking and light bondage are also common fantasies. For women, the feeling of 'giving up control' can mentally release them from the double-sided message females receive about sex. To 'want' sex is considered slutty (by some), so this arrangement skips right over the guilt-inducing desire to be a sexual being. /inline/node/157485

4. The easy read. There has been a lot said about how the book was written. But the bottom line is, it's a very easy read.

The "Fifty Shades" trilogy exploded over this summer, which makes perfect sense. It's a light, yet stimulating, story. It’s not overly-intellectual and has a more relaxed way of telling the tale of redemption and love conquering all, which is a narrative that has been used by authors for a very long time.

These are just a few of my thoughts about why the books have been so popular. What do you think?