Outlander

I initially had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

I gave up on it because I felt like I was suffering permanent damage from reading it, and I was afraid I might start hitting back. Also, it was a borrowed copy, so that wouldn't have been a good idea.

In fairness, there is some good writing here. The beginning chapters were quite enjoyable, and they even made me laugh a little. I have friends who are into genealogy, and their husbands always have that look when they start talking about it, which is exactly how I imagined Claire's husband Frank.

Claire is a nurse, which is a useful skill when she gets thrown back in time. And she manages to land on her feet and get a job once she figures out what's happened to her.

However, that's when the book started to lose me. There was no sense of culture shock. She just settled in and started being the resident nurse at a castle, with no real emotional turmoil.

The thing that really bugged me, though, was the treatment of rape in the book. It was used as a plot device way too often, and it was just really creepy and uncomfortable to read.

I managed to get through a lot of the book, but I finally had to stop. I just couldn't take it anymore. I hope that future books in this series will be better and will handle sensitive topics like rape more carefully.

Overall, I was disappointed with this book, but I'm still willing to give the author another chance. Maybe her other books will be better.

Just as swoon-worthy as the first read. <3

*****************

When my real life, long distance book club selected Outlander as our next read, I was a bit nervous. Indeed, I had intended to read this series for the past decade. However, the extremely large volumes were intimidating to me. Additionally, I'm not well-versed in the historical fiction genre. I had heard strong opinions about this installment, both positive and negative. So, I finally had to read it (or rather, listen to it) myself to form my own thoughts. I'm so glad that I didn't skip this one and let the intimidation make the decision for me. If I had, I would have missed out on a wonderful novel filled with romance, both gentle and rough, and adventure like none I've read before.

Yes, there are brutal acts in this novel that are related to the terrifying times people lived in during the 1700s. And while "that scene" with Jamie made me cringe and boil with a fury I didn't know I had, I still appreciated its inclusion in the story. If you're looking for a light, historical romance, you won't find it here. This story is full of rape, murder, and every type of violence you can imagine, towards both women and men. Although it's sometimes difficult to read, it was done so well. I believe the purpose of including all this was to evoke a well of emotions in the reader, and by golly, Gabaldon did just that in me.

This book is almost as old as I am, so I feel like there's not much I can add to the numerous reviews here that tell it all much better than I could. But I do want to mention that I chose to listen to the audio, while also using my Goodwill $1 hardcover purchase as a supplement. And the audio is PHENOMENAL. Davina Porter is one of the best narrators I've had the pleasure of listening to. While it's a significant time commitment (my audible version was just over 44 hours in total), it was worth the investment. I highly recommend at least supplementing with this version, as she truly brings the story to life. Her various character voices are diverse, yet not cheesy like some who try to do multiple gender voices too extremely. At the moment, I'm not sure when or if I'll continue with the series, but if I do, it will undoubtedly be with the audio versions.

Buddy Read with Noelle, Nalicia, and Hannah!

Man,

After the pitch I've heard about this book from basically every (female) reader I've ever met, I was expecting something completely different. What I got was fairly offensive, needlessly graphic, and smutty in a rather skeevy way, not the hot way one might hope for. At one point, Jamie punishes Claire for disobeying him by actually spanking her. This was presented as something perfectly understandable and was quickly brushed aside. I know that I cringed throughout the entire scene and found it difficult to believe that any relatively modern woman would tolerate such behavior. Especially considering that Claire is supposed to be extremely well educated, capable, and professional. I truly find it hard to wrap my head around the fact that there are five more books like this and that people actually read them.

That being said, I have read worse romance books. However, the fact that Gabaldon stretched this novel out to nearly 900 pages just makes me annoyed. UGH.

A special note to those who say my review stopped them from reading this book: No no no! Read it! I actually reread the whole series last summer and enjoyed it immensely. Just read it for what it is: ludicrous, well-written, humorous, delicious TRASH. Just don't expect it to be the most brilliant novel ever written and you'll be fine.

How To Commit Adultery Without Being a Cheap Slutty Whore: A Q&A by Diana Gabaldon

Q: I love my husband but I'm feeling kind of restless. But adultery is wrong. So what do I do?
A: Easy! Go back in time!

Q: What do you mean, Ms. Gabaldon?
A: If you go back in time, your husband hasn't been born yet. So you can have wild and crazy S&M sex with impunity.

Q: But won't I still be married to him?
A: Aren't you listening? He hasn't been BORN yet. So you aren't married! But if you are really being such a stickler, then just have someone force you to get married to someone else.

Q: But, but, no one can force me to get married against my will!
A: Okay, let me lay it out for you: You're really hot for this sexy warrior barbarian guy, right? I know this, because you stop thinking about your husband about 24 hours after you've been dropped in this guy's arms. So you get in this situation where some obscure tribal law insists you have to get married, make a little protest, sign some papers, and voila!

Q: But that doesn't mean I have to sleep with him.
A: Oh but you do, because some random dude insists that you have to. Don't worry, the sex will be great even though he's a 23 year old virgin. So you see, you HAVE to do it, so it's okay.

Q; But isn't it a sin?
A: Fine, find a priest at the end of the book to absolve you, whatever. And anyway, it's okay because your husband basically told you it was okay, right before you were whisked back in time. Seriously, go for it. When else will you get the chance? You've been married for years. You deserve a little hot and heavy barbarian action.

Q: So what's this hot barbarian guy like?
A: Well, watch out, because he loves to reminisce about how his dad used to beat him and how wonderful that was. And he really gets off on beating you, but it's just the once. Oh, and it seems that he wants you so badly he can't restrain from ramming you repeatedly with his male member while telling you how much he can't restrain himself and that gets seriously annoying after the twentieth time. But otherwise, it's all good.

Q: Anything else I should be aware of?
A: Surprise! Buttsex! But not for you, so it's okay.

Oddly, I'm going to read the next one in the series. Because I'm bizarrely fascinated. It's like a train wreck.

Edit 1:
Someone in the comments said I should copy this into the review, so here you go:

Plot Summary

Claire: I love my husband! I love sex!
Frank: But it's okay if you have sex with someone else, in certain circumstances.
Standing Stones: SUCK! Ha ha, you're in another time!
The Anti-Frank: Ooooh, I think I will rape you.
Claire: Eeek!
Clansmen: Scots to the rescue! Here, meet Jamie and his manly manhood.
Jamie: Och, aye, I'm a tough laddie. And I'm going to kill the Anti-Frank for beating the shit outta of me and raping my sister.
Claire: Ooooh, he's cute. Hey, wasn't I married?
Dougal: Ye have to marry the laddie to get away from the Anti-Frank.
Claire: Okay.
Dougal: And ye have to have sex wit' him.
Claire: Mmmmm.... but.... well, okay.
Jamie: I'm a virgin. Oooh, but I love sticking my manhood in ye. It's like a sacrament and all.
Claire: I should get back to Frank, I think I will take this opportunity to run away... I guess... sort of... meh.
The Anti-Frank: Ha ha! Found you. Now to rape you!
Jamie: Och, that's my wee lassie. First I'm going to rescue her, then I'm going to beat her for disobeying me. And then I'm going to tell her about how me Da beat me and how much I liked it.
Jealous wench: The village witch is looking for you.
Claire: Okay!
Villagers: She's a witch! Burn her!
Jamie: Over my dead body!
Claire: Honey, I have something to tell you. I'm not a witch but...
Jamie: Ye must go back!
Claire: I can't. I long for your manhood too much. It's a manhood like no other.
The Anti-Frank: I too long for your manhood. I think I will bugger you right after I crush your hand with a hammer. But, I love you. You remind me of my dead brother. Here's some grease.
Jamie: Ouch. Oooh, but that feels sort of good. Och, I'm so ashamed.
Claire: We must rescue Jamie! Send in the cows!
Jamie: OCH! Me hand! Just let me die!
Claire: Never! Let's go to France.
Jamie: Och, aye lassie, I feel much better now.
Father Anselm: God says it's okay that you're a bigamist.
Claire: Awesome. Time to use my foreknowledge of past events for good!
Diana Gabaldon: The sequel will be 900 pages.

Finis

This review provides a humorous and somewhat irreverent take on Diana Gabaldon's work. The Q&A format adds a touch of playfulness, while the plot summary highlights the more outlandish aspects of the story. Despite the criticism, the reviewer admits to being strangely compelled to read the next book in the series, perhaps due to the very qualities that they mock. Overall, it's a lighthearted and entertaining read that will likely appeal to fans of the Outlander series as well as those who enjoy a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor.

The use of vivid language and exaggerated descriptions makes the review engaging and memorable. It also gives potential readers a good sense of what to expect from the book, both in terms of its content and its tone. Whether you agree with the reviewer's assessment or not, it's clear that Gabaldon's work has sparked a strong reaction, and this review is just one example of the many discussions that it has inspired.

In conclusion, while this review may not be for everyone, it offers a unique perspective on a popular series. It's a reminder that sometimes, even the most unlikely books can have a certain charm, and that it's okay to enjoy something that might not be considered "highbrow" literature. So, if you're looking for a fun and slightly naughty read, you might just want to give Outlander a try. Who knows? You might find yourself as hooked as the reviewer.

Ok, to be honest, historical romance has never been my favorite genre. I ended up reading this book in a rather strange way. After a concert, I got a bit tipsy and somehow found myself in a bookstore. On a whim, I bought a whole bunch of "Highland-hunk" romance novels and even tweeted about it. So, I felt obligated to read them all. Ugh! I endured 4 other really terrible books, and then this one was highly recommended to me by many people on Twitter and Facebook as the best of the lot. I was extremely skeptical.

However, I have to admit that this is a truly LOVELY book. While I'm not overly excited to read the rest of the series (which consists of 5 books), it really does have some amazing aspects. The characters are fantastic, and it's clear that a lot of research went into creating them. The romance is not at all predictable, which is a refreshing change. The plot is exciting and keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the main character is wonderful. Again, it's not exactly the kind of book I would usually choose, but the quality of the storytelling is simply undeniable. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It's similar to "Gone With the Wind", unapologetically epic, sweeping, and dramatic.

Here are a bunch of pics from the TV show being filmed right now :D

The filming of this TV show is currently in full swing, and these pictures offer a fascinating glimpse into the action. Each image captures a unique moment, whether it's the set design, the actors in character, or the behind-the-scenes preparations. The first picture shows a detailed set with intricate props and a captivating backdrop. The second image features an actor in a dramatic pose, bringing the character to life. The third picture showcases a different angle of the set, highlighting the creativity and attention to detail of the production team. The fourth picture captures a moment of interaction between two actors, adding to the story's narrative. And the fifth picture provides a final look at the set, leaving viewers eager to see more of what this TV show has in store.

This was a rather challenging book to rate. Out of the total 630 pages, approximately 200 of them were not up to par. They seemed a bit strange, excessive, and deserved only a rating of 1 to 2 stars. There were a couple of instances when I found myself wondering why I was still persevering with the reading and didn't have the inclination to continue.

However, the remaining 430 pages were extremely interesting and well-written. The premise of the story was truly fascinating and left me engaged in deep thought, constantly pondering various "what if" scenarios. It was a work of historical fiction that had been very thoroughly researched, and I am indeed a fan of good-quality historical fiction. If those 200 pages or so that I wasn't particularly fond of could have been edited out or abbreviated, I might very well have given it a full 5-star rating.

In conclusion, it appears that the author has an interest in historical fiction, as well as gratuitous sex, rape/S&M fantasies, and homo-erotic torture. In the first area, she shows proficiency. The second aspect wasn't too bad initially, but after about 100 consecutive pages of it, it became a bit overwhelming. The last two elements were somewhat disturbing.

If you have an interest in historical fiction and a relatively high tolerance for questionable sexual content, it might be worth giving this book a try!

Hallelujah!

After four and a half months, I have finally completed this book. If I were to continue at this pace, my shameful rate of reading around 12 books a year would plummet to fewer than three!

To say that I was not completely engrossed by this book would be an understatement. However, that does not mean that I disliked it.

I approached this book with the wrong expectations. I had seen a film called Outlander, which features a future man with a spaceship crashing near a Viking settlement. I had assumed that this book was the inspiration for the film.

Instead, I found a historical romance with a touch of time travel.

I persevered with it for several reasons. Firstly, it is well-written. The author has a talent for creating vivid characters and a richly detailed world. Secondly, I felt that I should not always read the same type of books. This book offered a new and different experience. Thirdly, it is a huge bestseller, and I was curious to see what made it so popular.

I have never been a fan of romance novels. I am fine with a romantic thread in a book, but I have always wondered where the line is drawn between a book with a romantic element and a full-fledged romance novel.

Outlander demonstrates many of the characteristics of a romance novel. The main character, Claire, is focused on her relationship for most of the book. She is constantly aware of the physical details of her partner, Jamie, and there is a significant amount of sexual content. However, there is also a well-developed emotional relationship between the two characters, and a lot of exploration of their pasts and traumas.

Jamie is the perfect example of the "new man" in 18th century Scotland. He is tall, strong, sensitive, and gentle, yet also headstrong and passionate. He is not afraid to express his emotions, and he is always willing to open up to Claire.

One of the things that I found most interesting about the book was the portrayal of life and medicine in 18th century Scotland. Claire is a nurse, and she brings her modern medical knowledge to the past. We see her treating all kinds of ailments and injuries, and we learn about the herbs and remedies that were used at the time.

The book also explores the political tensions between the English and the Scots. There are scenes of violence and conflict, as well as escapes and captures. The plot is somewhat meandering, but it is never dull.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Outlander. It is a well-written and engaging book that offers a unique blend of historical romance and time travel. However, it is not without its flaws. The sexual content may be too much for some readers, and the plot could have been more tightly focused. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance or time travel novels.