It’s review Tuesday here on the blog and I have to confess I’ve not read a book in the last two or three weeks. The last book I read was about a month ago – and yes, it was ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’. I’d resisted reading it as I’m a contrary wee madam (as my late mama often described me). I tend to be either an early adopter of things, trends and technology or I fiercely resist burgeoning bandwagons.

However, in the case of ‘Fifty Shades’, and most unusually for me, I caved into peer pressure. The book was the talk of the predominantly female staffroom. I just had to be able to join in. So the book was duly kindled – and so were what remain of my post-menopausal hormones. Phew! Hot flushes did break through the HRT barrier. Blimey – I had no idea – vanilla sex?! Who knew that’s not all there is – must try some of Ben & Jerry’s more adventurous flavours – caramel chew chew, anyone…

I did actually enjoy the book. It is an erotic read – although the orgasmic does eventually give way to the tedious. However,it did keep me reading to the end. Yes, I know it’s not literary, not beautifully written and a wee bit amateurish here and there. But hey, author, E.L. James probably didn’t set out to win literary prizes and I’d settle for the teeniest, tiniest percentage of her sales. And it was good fun discussing it with my colleagues over a tuna sandwich and a cuppa at lunchtime – much more fun than curriculum development or timetable tweaking.

And, I’m now considering my next novel – set here on the misty Isle of Skye and entitled ‘Fifty Shades of Grey Mist’. My main character, crofter, Jeannie Macteuchter discovers new uses for the cattle crush when she is swept out of her wellies by big Willy Sporranshoogler, when he comes to inseminate her heifers – no not a euphemism – he’s the local A.I. (artificial insemination) dude. Blog readers – you heard it here first…

In other reading news – I’ve just devoured the latest edition of Mslexia magazine – the magazine aimed at women writers. I’ve been a subscriber for eight years and it has never disappointed. This latest volume had much of interest – including some fabulous poetry amongst the winning entries in the poetry competition. It was, as usual, also full of great writing advice and tips. And it has an excellent section of information on all sorts of writing competitions, opportunities and courses. I commend this magazine to all writers – even men.

And that’s the review post for another month.

Cheerio for now.

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