Skip to footer

5 reasons 'Fifty Shades of Grey' is everywhere

In the book world, it’s safe to say this will be the year of grey, and this week, 'Fifty Shades of Grey' turned 20 million shades of green, according to the Wall Street Journal (more on that in a minute). The fictional erotic trilogy is fast becoming a surprise pop culture phenomenon that’s breaking records around the world – and at 30,000 feet in the air. Here’s five reasons “Fifty Shades” is everywhere right now.

1. 'Fifty Shades of Grey' turns 20 million shades of green

  • By Husna Haq

As the Journal reports, the racy trilogy is expected to hit the 20 million sales mark in the US this week, making it “one of the fastest-selling book series in recent memory.” As of July 2, the trilogy sold 19.4 million copies in both print and e-book form since its publication in March. It’s expected to hit 20 million this month; by comparison, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” took more than three years to hit 20 million in sales in the US.

1 of 5
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us