EXPLORE All The Shades of Grey

Shonda Rhimes likes symmetry. She has said so several times. But, looking back now after reading Grey's Anatomy: An Unauthorized View from the Other Side, that may very well be THE understatement of the millennium. In fact, I'm pretty convinced that she is obsessed with symmetry. Anne Dawes and Helen Dina, the authors of View from the Other Side, have gone through and looked at the first 66 episodes of Grey's Anatomy in a way that is completely amazing and will, I assure you, bring you an entirely new appreciation to the series.

The book is a comprehensive look into the symbolism, metaphors, and symmetry in the first three seasons of Grey's Anatomy, along with the first five episodes of season four (which makes sense, considering storylines "bleed" from season to season). The brilliant authors show us what births signal, how the episodes from season one dictate the storylines of each following season, and so much more.

As the authors are careful to point out, their views are only one way of looking at the series, and it isn't a complete one. They don't discuss EVERY storyline (as there are way too many to cover, obviously). In fact, most of the discussion of the book deals with Meredith, and the MerDer relationship.

It is a little bit difficult to get into the book at first, and at first glance it seems overwhelming and confusing. But I promise you that if you stick with it, you will become thoroughly engaged in their views and be absolutely fascinated with the book, just as I was.

The only thing they did not include that wouldn't been really neat to read are their predictions for future seasons. Yes, they do include some predictions for the remainder of season four - all of which appear as though they will be coming true - but it would've been neat to read more.

The book, overall, is a fascinating read and really shows another side to this groundbreaking series. We can only hope that the awesome authors will continue to provide insight into the "other side" and continue these interpretations in another book down the road.