Outlander Series discussion
How did you find the Outlander Series?
message 401:
by
Diane
(new)
Jun 30, 2012 06:45PM
Stay safe D I'm glad the fire is starting to be contained finally. I'm in Denver and we can smell you all burning up here.
reply
|
flag
I discovered them on Audible - it was well rated and I was looking for historical fiction. It started out slowly, but then the wedding night happened and I was hooked. Have both listened and read the whole series over a period of about 6 months.
Just finished a breath of snow and ashes. Ending a book in this series make me sad because I'm one step closer to the end.thanks for your concern Diane and Gertt as pf today the fire is about 80% contained most of our smoke is gone thanks to all the firefighters. Think I might read the Lord John Gray books to put off an echo in the bone because I'll miss reading Jamie and Claire's story
D wrote: "Just finished a breath of snow and ashes. Ending a book in this series make me sad because I'm one step closer to the end.thanks for your concern Diane and Gertt as pf today the fire is about 80% c..."That is exactly what did. I was glad that I read all the Lord John Grey before I read Echo. It made a big difference for me.
Way back in the early nineties, my husband told me about an author he had heard being interviewed on public radio. She was a phD scientist (this appealed to the engineer in me) who wrote a historical novel that wasn't a romance (so she said and that appealed to me as well). I read them in order as they were published, rereading the ones before as a new one was released. I just finished a full reread of all the books (LJG books included), but this time on audio. It was such an experience to listen to every word at a slower pace than I typically read. I highly recommend the unabridged audio versions even if you ave read the series multiple times.
Karla wrote: "Way back in the early nineties, my husband told me about an author he had heard being interviewed on public radio. She was a phD scientist (this appealed to the engineer in me) who wrote a histori..."Davina is one of the best narrators ... I love listening to the series it is my all time favorite books.
Davina Porter is such a good narrator that I ONLY hear Jaime in her voice. So, the narrator on Diana's recent release, The Scottish Prisoner, grates on my nerves when he reads as Jaime. It's my habit to pick-up the audiobook after reading the ebook to enhance mu enjoyment. But, it didn't work that way this time.
I read someplace that when Diane Gabaldon hears Claire speak it is Davina's voice. And yes I love her 'Jamie' voice.
Jeff Woodman is the narrator for the Lord John Grey series, including The Scottish Prisoner. I had such a hard time listening to him after Davina Porter. Once I became "acclimated" to his voice, I think I prefer his version of Lord John Grey.
I'm still reading the series ( my 1st time), at the begining of next month i'm starting book #6, once i finish the books i want to get the audios, i have no experience at all with audio books so i was lost between a male or a female narrator, thinking who would do Jamie justice i so want to her those Galic phrases in a male's voice :D but you all seem to agree that Davina Porter is the best.
I can't believe I didn't discover the series until two years ago. Thank goodness I have a Kindle, because I can't believe how much bookshelf space I would have needed for all of the paperbacks.Does anyone else have the experience that you notice new twists and ideas when you read the books the second and third times?
Take care,
CL
Layali wrote: "I'm still reading the series ( my 1st time), at the begining of next month i'm starting book #6, once i finish the books i want to get the audios, i have no experience at all with audio books so i ..."The only version you should buy is the unabridged version and there is only one person that narrates and that is Davina Porter.
CL wrote: "I can't believe I didn't discover the series until two years ago. Thank goodness I have a Kindle, because I can't believe how much bookshelf space I would have needed for all of the paperbacks.D..."
Cl....That's the magic of Diana Gabaldon's writing, she pulls you into the story so quickly. But with so much detail and characters that are so life like (I forget at times that I'm reading a TIME TRAVEL storyline! lol) I've re-read the first 5 books 2-3 times each and always find something I missed the first time or have forgotten :D
Yep me too! I have found so many things that I missed the first time around. I read/listen plus discussing them here and on another Outlander Book Club and learn even more from seeing other peoples perspective. Also I have to say that I have learned a lot of History too. I think Diana Gabaldon is an amazing writer!
IMO, her books will be considered classics in years to come, much like Charles Dickens or Mark Twain.
Peggy Z wrote: "IMO, her books will be considered classics in years to come, much like Charles Dickens or Mark Twain."Agreed!
I am gearing up for the next one! I am so excited...and I hope there are no delays with publishing!
A high school teacher of mine gave me a copy of Outlander when I graduated. I took it to college, sat it on a shelf, and ignored it for three months. Then one weekend I was snowed in my dorm and I picked it up since it was the only reading material I hadn't already exhausted. Ten pages later I was in love. I read all night and the rest of the weekend. Then I realized there were more!
My sister has been reading these since she was 13 and she loves them. I was only 2 when she started so I didn't know about them until 2 years ago when she was re-reading the series for the 10th time (not joking. She doesn't remember anything from books, and she remembers direct quotes from this book.) she told me that I would like these books because they were historical fiction, I was reading The Other Boleyn Girl at the time. I kind of brushed her off and said "Yeah, next time I think about it, I'll get it." Well, I didn't think about it for a whole year, until she reminded me again, since she was re-reading the series AGAIN! I'm starting to think that this is an annual ritual for her. Well, this time, she wasn't as passive with me, and she told me to get Outlander or else she was going to kick me (She always kicks me anyway, so I don't know why I was so worried). So, I gave in, went to the Barnes and Noble and purchased the first 2 books. I was on vacation and I was currently reading a Sookie Stackhouse novel. But after I read that, I decided to give that 860 page monster a try. I was hooked at the first couple pages. I am currently reading the 4th one, and I am so glad that my sis got me into these books. They are amazing. I don't mind all of the tiny details because I have a hard time sometimes picturing a scene, but the way Diana writes, it actually sucks me into the scene. I love these books. And I am SO excited that they are going to turn this into a series on HBO or show time or something.
Jasmin, I think rereading these books is an annual ritual for most of us in here, hahaha. I actually don't mind the detail either. I think it really sets the tone of the novel and the time period to get all those nuances. But than I was the child who loved the sections in Charlottes Web when Wilber would describe every single tiny morsel of scrap in his feed bin, hahahahaha. I would read it outloud and giggle at all the nastiness.
The books were recommended to my by a friend after I finished Fifty Shades and commented that I get really attached to characters and I miss them after reading. She said something like "You should check out the Outlander series then. It's a lot of really big books". I was actually intimidated by the size at first, but quickly fell in love. I'm reading through the series for the second time in less than three months. :)
I remember hearing about Outlander, and more specifically, Jamie, since I was in college. I wasn't a reader (beyond textbooks) then, so it was filed away. When I started reading, I remembered it and hoo doggies! Everything else has been compared since.I've heard such good things about the audio books and I would love to have my next re-read be in that format. I am not that interested in audible.com. I think they are a pay every month like Netflix and I'm not interested in any other audio books really (not that there's anything wrong with that- just love the words on the page).
Is there a way to just get one itunes version or the audio books to date without paying a mint? Sorry if this is a lame question. I'm way out of the loop re: audio books (but heard these are extraordinary).
Searock wrote: "I remember hearing about Outlander, and more specifically, Jamie, since I was in college. I wasn't a reader (beyond textbooks) then, so it was filed away. When I started reading, I remembered it an..."Check to see if your library has them as an audio download checkout. Many libraries(like mine) have a contract with a company called Overdrive to provide audios for download to your player or phone.
I'm already hooked up with my local library and Overdrive, but only used it for digital not audio. Thank you Sue. Great idea :)I feel so duh!
I heard about Outlander in massage school. My instructor was discussing something about her husband and books they like reading together. She gave me and a friend a brief summary said her husband calls it "Scottish Porn". A friend and I decided that we should check it out. Been hooked ever since. :D
Can you believe I stumbled upon a all time favorite romance books list on amazon? I think I have single handedly got abou 15-20 friends to read it since 2008 when I started reading them,
A friend actually recommended the series to me about five years ago, and I'm ashamed to say my first thought was not to bother as I don't tend to read romantic novels..but I thought why not, as she also happened to mention time travel is involved (I have a fascination with stuff like that!). I started reading Outlander the following week and got it finished within three days...needless to say, I went straight out and found the second book, and have been hooked ever since!
I found it thankfully by recommendations on here from some ladies in one of my other groups!! I cant believe I've never read it before & depraved myself of this amazing series! Im starting Dragonfly in Amber now!
Chez wrote: "A friend actually recommended the series to me about five years ago, and I'm ashamed to say my first thought was not to bother as I don't tend to read romantic novels..but I thought why not, as she..."I am the same way, I am not a big romance book reader, except for Nora Roberts. The Outlander series was recommended in another goodreads book club and I was so worried I was gonna be the only one who didn't like it for that reason. I was so happy to find out that it was so much more than just a romance novel. And the romance itself is written so well that you really can believe it, like really really. I mean, some romance books are written where the characters/romance *is* believe but this was on a whole new level to me.
I found it here!! I had just finished A Discovery of Witches & asked for similar reads. Several recommendations but I started with Outlander and I AM HOOKED!!! DG has me enthralled and counting seconds until #8 comes out. I just finished Echo in the Bone. It left me satisfied but full of questions and anticipation!! I tell everyone about the series. I will read the Lord John series before rereading all the books.
Alicia wrote: "Davina Porter is such a good narrator that I ONLY hear Jaime in her voice. So, the narrator on Diana's recent release, The Scottish Prisoner, grates on my nerves when he reads as Jaime. It's my hab..."I was disappointed, too, that Davina Porter did not read The Scottish Prisoner. I have been able to tolerate the LJ books in another voice - though I wish she read them, too. I guess the publishers consider Scottish Prisoner part of the LJ series but I want the real Jamie's voice.
My mother's next-door-neighbor knew that I was an avid reader and gave me a copy of Outlander many years ago. I sometimes read just a small portion of any book just so I can get my fix.
I was searching through the $2 no exchange basket at our local book exchange and found a batch of 4 books I liked the look of. I didn't have $2 on me so took off for the shops. When I came back my chosen selection had been nabbed by someone else and for want of nothing else much left to choose from I bought the 4 by Diana Gabaldon. I didn't think much of the synopsis but always having an eye for a bargain I bought them anyway. One of the reasons they were in the bargain basket was that they were ready to explode but fortunately for me, none of the pages are missing. Well, what a revelation, I was instantly hooked and am well through book 3 of this series. Apart from some small details which don't ring true from the 60s they can't be faulted for the meticulous research that has obviously gone into them.
I found this series two years ago. Talking at Christmas Dinner with family - Aunt Diane mentioned she was reading this fantastic book, "Outlander". It seemed right up my alley. I started the book after New Years and have been hooked ever since. I think I read a book a month and now am anxiously waiting for her "last" book...I think I will re-read soon!
I started Outlander a few years ago after going with a friend of mine to the local highland games. I went to games because I always go, she went to here DG speak. DG is a very lovely public speaker, passionate about her work and a lot like my Aunt, a product of the American Southwest and the 60s, which was probably what got me to start reading the books myself. My upcoming wedding at the time and then subsequent early married years had me put the books down. I just started them again and am happy that I have.
I was perusing an issue of Time magazine in the early 90's and saw a blub about how Diana had come to write Outlander thanks to a writers' forum on Compuserve. I found it interesting in that I had just secured a forum for our company on Compuserve [at that time they were the only game in town, other than BBS, and it was a coup for a small company to have its own forum]. I was drawn to read the book because she had written for EE Times [a hi-tech trade pub that I followed as the marketing director for a small software firm]. I found it in paperback at a used bookstore. I never would have considered it if I had know that it was considered "romance" at the time [I read mostly classic sci-fi and non-fiction]. It blew me away. The writing was soooo good, but the story even better. For those of you who haven't listened to the audio books, I highly recommend them as they provide a new experience of the tales.
I'm about to start my fourth reading of the series in anticipation of the new book. I'm very excited about the new focus on Bree and William.
This series has gotten me to reading historical romance [although most writers in this genre are a disappointment after Diana] and historical fiction in general, expanding my existing interest in history. Historical fiction appeals because of the insight provided into the every-day lives of people. Most of this information is presented in very dry academic-style when you can find it. Or you have to slog through contemporary documents in language I can barely understand. Thank you for all your research, Diana.
Any recommendations for things that provide entertaining insights on life in ages passed would be appreciated.
Happy reading.
L
One of my friends recommended it. I was actually hesitant to buy it because of the price of the book and afterwards said I would have paid three times that amount if I knew how much I'd get out of it. It is a BEAUTIFUL, beautiful story. I just loved the first one. I'm only 14% into Dragonfly but so far, I am loving it!!! Jamie and Claire are just such a wonderful couple.
I was in the hospital following a miscarriage waiting for the dreaded procedure. I brought a book with me (as I always do) and my nurse started asking me about it. She told me about the Outlander series and how much she loved it. Since then I have read the series completely at least 4 times (more I think) and have listened to it on Audible twice. (The audio book narrator is amazing!! She really makes the books come to life.)I wish I could remember the nurse's name, because not only did she help take my mind off of a terrible time, she gave me a great gift that I have enjoyed for over 10 years now.
I kept seeing people read it, and the first book was included in a sale on Audible (probably a 3-for-2 sale), so I decided to check it out. And got hooked.
I just happened to stumble by it in the library. Am I every lucky and happy that I did!
Have you seen the announcement that Starz has signed on to carry the Outlander series? No dates mentioned.
A lady I worked w was reading it in the lunchroom. This was back many years ago. I had only read the first one at that time. Then about 10-15 years later another co worker mentioned the books. At that time I read the whole series.
For a long time, I searched for a book that would captivate me as much as The Bronze Horseman. And although every single sentence in Outlander isn't nearly as heartbreaking as TBH (Dragonfly in Amber sure did a number on me though) I read on someone review of TBH that Outlander was often compared. So I picked it up. And fell in love.
My two daughters kept telling me I should read it. I tried, but was put off at first because of Claire taking another husband. Eventually I tried again and was certainly hooked my favourite book ever.
Jay, the series changes dramatically after Voyager, so try to keep giving it a shot! My favorite part starts after that book. :)
I had read a lot of commentary about Outlander but I didn't think I'd like the series if it was too historical, but a friend of mine finally persuaded me to give it a try. Gone with the Wind had been my favorite book since high school...I read that monster fourteen times over the years. Outlander kicked it out of the way in one swoop. Jay, don't stop with just Voyager. I felt the same way after reading Dragonfly in Amber. The one thing I have realized with these books is that NOTHING (and I do mean NOTHING) is what it seems.
I discovered the series about 6 years ago. I would aimlessly wander around my local B&N looking for something new when I met a B&N employee and we got to chatting about my reading slump. We discovered that we had very similiar reading taste, thus my introduction to the Outlander series and number others.
I heard about the series just before EITB was released. My mother-in-law mentioned how she was just dying for this book to come out, and then told me how awesome a writer DG is and how she had fallen in love with Jamie and Claire. I listened to her gush about Outlander for a good half hour, and by the end I was intrigued enough to order the first book. Then of course I had the luxury of burning through the series, one after the other, never having to wait on a release until now!Sadly, to date I have been unable to persuade anyone else to read it! I've gushed about it to a few friends/family members, even gifted Outlander to one of my good friends, and no one is interested! My friend said she couldn't get out of chapter 2! With others it's like they see the size of the books (I have all the hardcovers, displayed prominently in the living room. lol), and their eyes glaze over just thinking about reading such a long book. I need more reading friends. Sigh.
I personally have grown to love how long DG's books are. I like to savor them slowly and absorb all the details. It's a lot of reading, but the payoff is one of the greatest stories ever and worth every minute!
I had a high school friend back in the '90's recommend Outlander but remember thinking that it sounded boring. The same friend then suggested in late 2010 that I try them. I decided I was ready for some epic drama; thus my journey through time with Jamie and Claire. I began the series in January 2011 and blew through them all. Eagerly awaiting the newest....
My sister commanded me to read Outlander.... She's the best bossy sister ever!!!
Outlander Series
Books mentioned in this topic
The Bronze Horseman (other topics)Into the Wilderness: The Long Hunters (other topics)
Dragonfly in Amber (other topics)
Gone with the Wind (other topics)
Dragonfly in Amber (other topics)
More...
