"Fifty Shades of Grey" by E.L. James is an adult romance novel that gained immense popularity for its explicit content and exploration of themes like BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism). It follows the relationship between Anastasia Steele, a college graduate, and Christian Grey, a wealthy businessman with particular sexual preferences. The novel sparked debate and controversy while also attracting a large fanbase worldwide.