TALK OF THE TOWN: Rachel Kenningale and Marlene Henderson are among the many Griffith residents finding it hard to put down their copies of 50 Shades of Grey. Picture: Anthony Stipo
TALK OF THE TOWN: Rachel Kenningale and Marlene Henderson are among the many Griffith residents finding it hard to put down their copies of 50 Shades of Grey. Picture: Anthony Stipo
THEY are talking about it online, in the aisles of local supermarkets and even on the sidelines of Saturday soccer in Griffith.
The steamy new novel 50 Shades of Grey has certainly got tongues wagging, with bookstores and the library struggling to keep up with demand.
The books, which have been called everything from mummy porn to a bonkbuster, are also thought to be responsible for an increase in the demand for bondage wear in the city.
According to Collins Booksellers Griffith owner Debbie Guertin, the response in Griffith has been nothing short of amazing as it has in many other towns.
"It has been phenomenal, it's one of the biggest sellers we've had," she said.
"It has certainly grabbed everyone's attention. We sold out of the first lot we got in and have just received 100 more.
"People are curious because they've heard so much about it, they want to read it to see what the fuss is about. We even had someone ring us from Melbourne looking for copies."
In the book, college graduate Anastasia Steele is required to sign a contract that allows young businessman Christian Grey to have complete control of her life, which includes fulfilling any desires he has in the bedroom.
The books are in such high demand in Griffith that the copies available for loan at Griffith City Library are booked out for at least the next 15 weeks.
Marlene Henderson is possibly Griffith's biggest fan and is flying through the trilogy, taking just a few days to read the first two books.
"I'm not usually a reader, but I'm finding these books so addictive," she said.
"For me it's not so much about the sex, I can skip that, it's the love story I'm in awe of.
"I've got friends who are in the same boat as me; they haven't read a book for years, but are reading this and saying how brilliant it is."
Risque Adult Boutique manager Peter Gatti said it was clear the books have had an impact on sales.
"I've had people in asking for items used in the book," he said.
"There has been a lot of demand for bondage wear too.
"The nurses' outfits and French maids have been selling well. What has surprised me is the number of guys who have read the books."