For many middle-aged women it was the book of the year.

The “50 Shades of Grey” trilogy by E.L. James accounted for 1 in 5 of every adult fiction book sold in the U.S. this year. Fifty Shades of Grey became the best-selling book in Britain since records began, surpassing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows with sales of 5.3 million copies.

If you’ve somehow missed this phenomenon, the erotic novels are set largely in Seattle. The trilogy traces the deepening relationship between a WSU college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a young Seattle business magnate, Christian Grey.

Most don’t read it for the relationship, but for the explicitly erotic scenes featuring elements of sexual practices involving bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism/masochism.

Last night an event at the Columbia Tower Club brought the books to life, in a way, with a soiree attracting fans from as far away as Australia.

“Women across the country have been riveted and emboldened by this book and since Seattle is home to Christian Grey, there is no better place to host a party dedicated to all things 50 Shades,” says Tracy Klinkroth, owner of Epiphany Events.

See a photo gallery from the evening here.

And, enjoy your weekend.

By LINDA THOMAS