Books in Review: Pulling Back the Shades

For this post, I must explain where it originated. I was selected to be part of the book team for the book Pulling Back the Shades. I have been posting about it on my social media over the last few weeks. As I have been trying to find ways to spread the message of this book, I was given permission to write a review for my church’s newsletter, so I’m posting this review below. I wanted to share my thoughts on the book now with the intention of discussing this topic further the week of Valentine’s Day.

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As women of faith, we have legitimate desires that are rarely addressed, because they are very personal. As a result, women often turn to other sources, such as erotica or porn, to have these needs fulfilled. This book puts an honest light on the consequences of turning to these sources by sharing the stories of women who have. But this book also explains the proper way to have your longings filled. Despite what many have misunderstood, spirituality and sexuality are not meant to be exclusive of one another, but rather that together, they are the complete picture of what intimacy in marriage is meant to be.

This book for women addresses three topics: the literary genre of erotica, intimacy in marriage, and the longings of a woman’s hearts. Co-authors Dannah Gresh and Dr. Juli Slattery did not think they would have to write this book, but with the ever-growing popularity of the Fifty Shades of Grey book series, they both felt compelled to address these issues from a Christian perspective. This has become even more relevant since the book’s release, as the first film for Fifty Shades will open this Valentine’s Day. 

​If you are an adult women (I recommend 18 years old or older), whether you’re married or single, whether you have read Fifty Shades, or are just curious about it, this is a book worth your time.

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Teen Rating. I only recommend it for a teenager if they have read Fifty Shades or struggle with using erotica, as this book is very honest about sexual issues women deal within their marriage.

Male Friendly Rating. This book really isn't designed for men and really only should be read by men that have wives that struggle with this issue within their marriage.

Singles-Friendly Rating. As a single women that has not struggled with erotica, this book was uncomfortable at certain points. There are some moments that they intentionally address single women, but other times the descriptions of marriage were a little uncomfortable.

Personal Rating. The only reason I tell a reader to proceed with caution is the sexual content. It is necessary with addressing such relevant issues, but it difficult to read at certain points