How did you find the Outlander Series?

[Shawn]

I was at Costco one day and it looked good. Boy was I glad that I picked it up!!! One of my all time favorites!!

[Teresita]

When I started reading the first chapter or two of Outlander, I kept thinking 'I hope this story gets better.' I was not overly impressed. But by the middle of it, I was hooked and couldn't put it down. By the end of it I loved it so much I had to get the whole series. It has become one of my favorite books. I loved the way DG tells the story. She is a genius at writing.

[Vicki]

I was looking for a book in an airport bookstore in......1992 or 1993.....and found Outlander which intrigued me because of the time travel element.
Egads, that is almost 20 years ago and waiting for each new book to come out over that 20 year timespan has been torture, as you all know how long the waiting is between books!

[Sara]

I found the Outlander books through my book club on here a few months ago. A few of the members had read and loved them. Teresita, I was the same way about the beginning of Outlander. Now, I can't imagine my life without "knowing" these characters. Vicki, oh my I bet that was torture.

[Teresita]

Sara wrote: "I found the Outlander books through my book club on here a few months ago. A few of the members had read and loved them. Teresita, I was the same way about the beginning of Outlander. Now, I can't ..." Yes Sara, I didn't expect to become obsessed with Outlander and it's characters, like Jamie Fraser...And it was this book that got me into reading again. Even though I have always loved books,especially romance novels, I think it was Outlander that got me to pick up books again. I mean I loved Twilight and the only other book that always stands out for me and I read over and over again is Whitney My Love. The way Judith Mcnaught wrote that book I thought was beautifully done. She wrote other good books but to me none can compare to that one. And I am reading it again now but in the spanish version, to brush up on my spanish reading. I had never read a spanish book before.

[Deena]

Teresita that's exactly how I felt when I first picked up Outlander, I had just bought my kindle and Outlander was free on it so I downloaded it. The first couple of chapters did not draw me in at all I put it down and picked it up again weeks later I was so surprised when it started getting really good and here I am now...obsessed.

[Teresita]

Dee wrote: "Teresita that's exactly how I felt when I first picked up Outlander, I had just bought my kindle and Outlander was free on it so I downloaded it. The first couple of chapters did not draw me in at ..." Hi Dee. Actually I picked up Outlander after reading Twilight and I didn't think I would like it as much but I was wrong. Even though I loved Twilight, I only really like the first book because I can't stand it when Jacob gets between Edward and Bella. With Outlander I can read any of the books over again without a problem.
There are only a few or handful of books I can think of that I get an urge to read over and over..Twilight,Outlander and any of the others that follows, Whitney My Love, A Knight in Shining Armor, Kingdom of Dreams, Something Wonderful. And Not necessarily in that order. I have read alot of other good books but I don't get the urge to read them over again like these books. Diana Gabaldon and Judith Mcnaught are two of my favorite authors.

[Sara]

A Knight in...is on my TBR list. A few of the Outlanderholics in my book club suggested that one too. There are just so many books I want to read. My TBR list is ridiculous. That's great Outlander got you into reading again. If you ever meet DG you should tell her that. I know if I was her, I would love to hear one of my fans say that. :)

[Teresita]

Sara wrote: "A Knight in...is on my TBR list. A few of the Outlanderholics in my book club suggested that one too. There are just so many books I want to read. My TBR list is ridiculous. That's great Outlander ..." I would love to meet Diana and tell her that, that she got me into reading again. She is a fantastic writer.

[Cate]

My mom's best friend recommended the series to me about 6 years ago. I hesitated at first and then thought "Oh well, let's give it a try!". I totally fell in love with it!
The following year, I met Diana in Montreal (my hometown, though I currently live in Manchester UK), and it was such a wonderful experience! She really is lovely ! What an amazing writer and a wonderful person.

[Hillary]

I'm in the middle of Voyager right now and I absolutely love it. I think it's my favorite so far. I know I have quite a few books to go but I'm so absorbed by this one right now. Diana's writing is so detailed that I feel like the characters are real at times. She really fleshes out the characters and brings to life all of the emotions a human can experience.

[Teresita]

Hillary wrote: "I'm in the middle of Voyager right now and I absolutely love it. I think it's my favorite so far. I know I have quite a few books to go but I'm so absorbed by this one right now. Diana's writing is..." yes Hillary VOYAGER is an "awesome" book. one of my fave's too.

[Pam G]

I started this series when Audible had Outlander as a 1st in series deal for $4.95 or some ridiculously low price, I think. It was a couple of years ago. I had seen a few posts that this series was a favorite for many people, so I thought WTH, I'll try it. I was blown away. I remember thinking that I don't even like history, and this story just sucked me right in with the details of the time period. And the story of Jaime and Claire is just so beautiful and poignant. I'm almost done with A Breath of Snow and Ashes, and still loving this series. And the narrator, Davina Porter, is just perfect. I can't even imagine reading the books after listening to her brilliant performances.

[Carren]

My sister-in-law just asked me last night "how do you find time to read this series?" I told her just read Outlander and you'll make time to read the rest. The series can really take over your life if you're not careful.

[Teresita]

Carren wrote: "My sister-in-law just asked me last night "how do you find time to read this series?" I told her just read Outlander and you'll make time to read the rest. The series can really take over your life..." I totally agree Carren...When I finished reading Outlander and started getting into the other books I swear i made time and felt like my life revolved around those books. I became so fascinated and obsessed with Jamie and Claire's story that I felt I could not get enough of it. I had to remind myself they didn't exist. Because the way she wrote the story made me feel like I was right there with those characters, living their story. I want my very own Jamie Fraser.

[Alex]

How I found these books?
I was a barely fourteen year old girl, who was just dying to read, something, anything. It all started with my french teacher (btw, I'm french). She was reading Children of the Earth by Jean Auel. The edition she had was the first 3 volumes in one single book; it had approximately 1200 pages. My teacher had read it in 12 days, I read it in 11. She realized I was an advanced student, I read a lot more than the rest of the kids. So, she introduced me to Claire and Jamie. The high school library had the series, so I started it... I read the Outlander in 3 days. And I went to school... But I forgot to sleep. :P
9 years later, I'm still grateful of that teacher, because she always pushed my limit. And she introduced me to a world I'd never forget. And to a world that saved me from bad situations...

So, to my teacher... who didn't care if I was too young to read this (thinking of the sex scenes here for a 14 year old virgin!). Now, that's a great person! :)

[Leea, Escape Artist]

That's a beautiful story Alex... What a great teacher and gift she gave you.

[Alex]

Leea wrote: "That's a beautiful story Alex... What a great teacher and gift she gave you."

Thank you, Leea. You're sweet!

Ironically, she was THE french teacher that was the most severe... the one that kids disliked... and she was my favorite... lol :)

[Eclectic]

I picked up Outlander when it first came out 20 years ago. I had heard good reviews of it then. I never read the rest of the series, but the first book's story stayed with me all those years.

Fast forward 20 years and I decided to listen to the audio book by Davina Porter and it opened up a whole new dimension to the story. Ms. Porter is a fabulous reader because you know who the characters are by the tone of her voice. I have continued on with the series and am now listening to Drums of Autumn. I recently recommended the audiobook series to a co-worker and she is enthralled with the story and plans to listen to all of them on CD.

[Thelma]

Hi all. I found this book by looking through lists over on AZ re best historical romance books. I have it on my Kindle and am only 13% through. I found the first part very mundane. Everyone says "just wait until she goes through the stones"....well.....I'm here and still waiting. Does the romance pickup? I am most disappointed thus far on no character descriptions. I really don't know what Claire looks like, nor Jaimie. Does it get better? I do love the writing style though.

[Gwennie, biblioholic]

LOL, we're all going to think it gets better because it tends to be one of our favorite series. I have to say this, the book is long and descriptive. It doesn't develop fast, but over a long period of time.

It's an amazing book, but it really isn't for everyone.

I do find it odd that you say there are no character descriptions. I think that there are very clear descriptions. Claire has curly brown hair and light brown eyes that almost look like the color of whisky. She's slender but not curvy. And the book describes her having transluescent skin. For the times (in the past) she was tall for a woman, standing somewhere around 5'6-5'7. Jamie is tall, more then 6'3, with fiery red hair and blue eyes that tended to slant on the outer edges (fraser blue cat eyes). He has a long nose and a wide sensual mouth. His lashes are pale at the root but darkening at the tips. The backs of his hands have red hairs (he's hairy)... I mean, I can see them quite clearly.

Diana Gabaldon does say that we get a better picture of Jamie then of Claire, but that makes sense because the story is told from Claire's POV.

[Ladyhawk]

I'd say get to the "something else" but just realized it would be a terrible spoiler for you so I'll second the "keep reading". It IS the same for most readers regarding the first part being "mundane". I almost gave it up! Now I am one of those whose lives were changed by that darned book!!

[Sherri]

A good friend of mine introduced me to this series. I had never heard of it before but my life as well has been forever changed by now knowing Jamie, my new dream guy :D

[Lynda]

Re: descriptions ....Claire is definately curvy!
Doesn't it say 6'4" somewhere...

I see Jamie's hair also somewhat curly/wavy - sort of like Shawn White's.

[Gwennie, biblioholic]

I see it wavy and thick, but not really curly. She doesn't say that in particular though, that's just based off The Exile picture. And yes, I do think it said 6'4 for Jamie.

[Thelma]

I guess because I read historical romance..i am used to more description of the characters....but I am really at the beginning. So far no chemistry (sexual attraction) at all. Or none that I have picked up on. But I will say..her life after the stones seems far more interesting than her existence in 1945..

[Gwennie, biblioholic]

I think it's kinda unfair to catagorize this book in the Historical Romance section, because it seems that's what people will expect but it's really not that. It should really be stored in the Fiction/Adventure section.

[Diane]

Yes Claire is curvy the only times was was not so was either when she was working too much at the hospital or after an illness. Otherwise Jamie mentions often that she has a big roundarse or refers to her as being heavier than expected. I picture her being solid and curvy but not fat. It is also said often that Jamie is head and shoulders above everyone else.

[Marietta]

Thelma wrote: "I guess because I read historical romance..i am used to more description of the characters....but I am really at the beginning. So far no chemistry (sexual attraction) at all. Or none that I have..."

Wendy F wrote: "I think it's kinda unfair to catagorize this book in the Historical Romance section, because it seems that's what people will expect but it's really not that. It should really be stored in the Fic..."

I was introduced to the books by my next door neighbor 3.5 yrs ago. Outlander sat on my piano for 3 months. I didn't read novels--especially romance at the time. One day I picked it up and started reading it and couldn't put it down. She gave me the second book and I finished that one, too. Then she brought over the next 2. She was working on Fiery Cross. I caught up w/her and it's a good friend who will give you the book she's reading right out from under her. I read all 5 books in about a month. I feel lucky that I got to read them all like that. Then Breath of Snow and Ashes came out the next yr and Echo 2yrs later.

I became so interested in Scottish history and how it related to American history and damn if I didn't start suspending reality and start wondering if there really could be time travel!! Jamie is the ultimate alpha hero who no one lives up to. I joined the Outlander book club on line to discuss the books for 2 yrs. That was lots of fun.

And now I think guys in kilts are so HOT!!! I love Highlander romances.

[Thelma]

Just a quick report.....upthread I was wondering if the book would "pick up"....oh yeah....I am now totally hooked and I CANNOT stop saying "verra"! I am officially in love with this book.

[Marietta]

Marietta wrote: "Thelma wrote: "I guess because I read historical romance..i am used to more description of the characters....but I am really at the beginning. So far no chemistry (sexual attraction) at all. Or n..."

They took the Outlander series out of "Romance" after the first book because the books are more works of fiction and are truly historically correct. They just happen to include a fantastic love story. Once which you will not understand the depth of without reading the entire series.

[Gwennie, biblioholic]

Yay, Thelma! I'm so glad to hear that!

[Carren]

Marietta - Even DG said once she doesn't really know what category you'd put the Outlander series. Historical fiction makes sense.

[Diane]

Thelma,It took me a while to actually "get into" Outlander. I put it down and read other things that grabbed me quicker. Once I started to get into it though I became a addict real quick and blew through books 1-7 in just a couple of months! Now I am totally spoiled and cannot stand the wait for book 8. Good luck with that one you will be like the rest of us in anticipation.

[Deshay]

My introduction to this series was with the original paperback version of Outlander. I just looked at my tattered copy and it is from July 1992. Found it while browsing at Waldenbooks. Knew nothing about it; picked it up; thought it looked interesting. I remember really liking the story but not realizing at the time how it was going to change me. What I really remember is getting Dragonfly in Amber right before a vacation to Cozumel. I started it on the plane flight and hardly put the book down the entire trip. To this day I remember sitting on the beach, in the warm sun, but my heart and mind were in Scotland. I'm sure I wasn't the best company on that trip! From that moment on I became addicted and joined the legions who wait impatiently for the next book. Love them all but the first 2 books will always be my favorites!

[Ladyhawk]

One which you will not understand the depth of without reading the entire series
So true Marietta! Or at least pretty far into the series.
Deshay, nice story.

[Carol L]

I found the Outlander series by accident shortly after O was published in paperback. It looked good per the back of the paperback and it was BIG! I forgot about it until 1994 when I was laid-up with an injury for several months and managed to hobble to the library. I stumbled across Dragonfly. As I read I had this.....I've read something like this before. I sent my poor husband (an excellent care give) to the attic and viola! There was Outlander. Hooked from there, including attending a Scottish Festival in Syracuse, NY in August, joining clan Macpherson association (my husband's family, I am adopted so who knows) and 2 trips to Scotland so far. Outlander is the only obsession I've had since the cute guy Terry in my neighborhood when I was in Jr High. (That's 40+ years ago). I almost feel embarrassed by how much I love it. I just finished re-reading them all...that makes at LEAST 12 times for O, only 2 for Echo. My husband sees me pull out O and laughs lovingly and says something like, "like that, is it?" He's read the first 4 or so and when I say this is NOT his type of thing, it is an understatement. So excited to find this group!

[Carolyn F.]

Great story Carol!

[Diane]

Carol wrote: "I found the Outlander series by accident shortly after O was published in paperback. It looked good per the back of the paperback and it was BIG! I forgot about it until 1994 when I was laid-up wi..."

Love your story thanks for sharing

[Renee]

I found the series this summer when a teacher at the school I work at suggested I try the Outlander because we were talking about how great historical fiction stories are. Borrowed all the books from the public library over the summer, read them and fell in love with the entire Jaime and Claire story. So I went on to read the Lord John books, have pre-ordered The Scottish Prisoner and am so excited that I can't stand the wait. I ended up buying the entire set (paperback) from eBay a few weeks ago because the stories are so wonderful I wanted to read them over and over again. When I get my Nook for Christmas the first series I buy will be The Outlander Series. I guess I could list the books (I just bought) back on eBay...lol

[Clara]

A fellow teacher introduced me to the Outlander series and I read the first five as well as the first Lord John book almost back to back. It has been quite a few years, and I have not tried to reread them yet.

[Catherine]

I found this series completely by accident...as with many of the books I have bought in bookshops! I had never heard of Diana Gabaldon, nor her books...and had no idea of the order of the series...


however, I figured it out, and have been hooked ever since! I simply fell in love with Jamie! he is so manly, and charmong in his own way..one can't help but fall in love with him!

I am kind of taking my time with An Echo in the Bone...and I can't wait for the next one! will this truly be the last? I can't believe it!

[Mishelle]

Diana Gabaldon has stated that she 'doubts' this will be the last book.. but she wont know for sure until she is finished writing it...

[Leea, Escape Artist]

Well then hurry the heck up DG... You're killin' me women. :)

[Carolyn F.]

You should do a re-read by audiobook. Davina Porter is a wonderful narrator and it felt like there were parts that I didn't remember reading before.

[Regina]

I found the series by accident. I was looking for something to read on my then new kindle (fall '09) and I saw some reviews on Amazon when I was looking at the Sookie Stackhouse books. One reviewer said that the book would completely take over my life, so I decided to take a chance. I had no idea it would be a romance and no idea that Jamie was going to be a love interest -- I feel like it took me by as much surprise as it did Claire! But I loved it from the beginning. I am so glad I found this series.

[Leea, Escape Artist]

Carolyn, that's a great idea. I do want to someday listen to the series and I do have the Outlander Audio book.

[Diane]

I found the series in '09 also.. I flew threw them, and have read them repeatedly. (The person recommending them conveniently forgot about telling me how long between books! I have recommended a number of times, but make sure I mention that little fact). I have also heard some of them on audio. Davina Porter does a fantastic job. Eventually, I will have all the audio as part of my Outlander library.

[Deshay]

Wanted to share what happened to me at Christmas. We were with my husband's family and in the town we lived in 35 years ago. My husband's brother is divorced and I was trying to get to know the new girlfriend. I only see all of them once or twice a year. You know the routine. In the midst of all the Christmas Eve chaos, the new girlfriend suddenly says to me, "I'm reading a series that you might like." People know I read so I hear this a lot; usually I listen and then ignore it. She says that it is hard to explain what it is about. It's kind of a history, in Scotland, but the main character isn't from there. All of a sudden, I start grinning at her and I say "The Outlander Series?" She says, "Yes, do you know it?" Next thing we're hugging each other and high-fiving each other. The rest of the family looked at us like we had lost our minds. It made my evening!

[Alicia]

Until two years ago, the only audiobooks I purchased were self-improvement manuals, like "The E-Myth." I didn't want my reading experience influencd by the narrator. Then, a bookstore salesperson recommended Outlander to me. It took me a while to get into the first book, but I ended up loving it. Part of the difficulty was the size of font in the book...it just wasn't enjoyable reading that small type. On a whim, I downloaded DFA from iTunes and was floored at how much I enjoyed Davina Porter's portrayal of the characters. She is wonderful. I now own all of the books in the ebook and audio formats. (The library has all of the audiobooks and it's easy to rip and transfer to iTunes.) And personally, I cannot read one these novels in print media...the ebooks are just so much easier, not to mention that ebooks don't collect dust on the shelf and you can take them with you anywhere!