Gabaldon, Diana ; Outlander ; Informal Buddy Read ; Start Date November 17,2014

[Rebecca]

In regards to Frank, I don't think it's necessarily "set up" so we don't really like him...that being said I DONT really like him at all!! Maybe that's just because of his particular personality. Also, I just didn't really see there relationship being that strong (but in the short time we see him, its hard to tell). I'm just a little surprised that being apart for almost 8 whole years, Frank is more excited about learning about his ancestors than spending time with Claire.

[Greta]

RebeccaS wrote: "@Renne - [spoilers removed]

Also, since she has time traveled, I wonder if [spoilers removed]"

@Rebecca- (view spoiler)[I have also wondered if her being in the past will change historical events!! (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

Shannon wrote: "Beginning of Part 3

I loved this section.

At this point, you've been completely immersed into this timeline, the characters have all come to life, and the story has completely sucked you in.
..."

@Shannon- (view spoiler)[I agree, the way their romance progresses really does feel natural to me. It doesn't feel rushed like it does in many of the romance books I read. (hide spoiler)]

[Debbie (Doc)]

I finished part II. Is anyone else having a problem with the dialogue? It is taking me longer to read because of it.

[Rosina]

Couple of things that have jumped out to me.
(view spoiler)[ In Chapter 1 when Claire goes to the vicarage and Claire sits with Mrs Graham, she goes back into the study and on the board is the genealogical chart of Roger (the Vicars adopted son/nephew). Roger is a descendant of the MacKenzie clan. Wonder who he is exactly descended from? (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ Does anyone else think that people we met in the first chapter are descendants of people that Claire is meeting back in time? Is Mrs Graham a descendant of Mrs Fitz? (hide spoiler)]

I am really fascinated by all the detail Diana has put into this novel. I wonder how much research she did before she started to write. Love the Davie Beatons Closet chapter. interesting that a nurse in 1940s has more skill than the doctor of the day. How times have advanced. I cant imagine living in those times without the knowledge of medicine that we have today. No wonder middle age was in the mid twenties.

Regarding the romance (view spoiler)[ I do feel that maturity wise Dougal is a much better match for Claire and in some way wish that Claires love was not Jaime. At this point I am not really liking Jaime. To me he isn't sigh worthy. At times he seems a bit weak as a character. I am listening to the book also and when Claire talks with Jaime she always seems to be mothering him or chastising him. I just cant see how Jaime would appeal to her. Claire is married to a scholar and perhaps she is tired of Frank and his ways. Maybe she thinks she made a mistake with Frank and that is how she will justify her relationship with Jaime. (hide spoiler)]


I am quite enjoying this book. Makes me want to read more about the history of the times. Jacobite uprising, the Stewarts, the uprising at the border.

Will be starting chapter 12.

[Rosina]

Debbie wrote: "I finished part II. Is anyone else having a problem with the dialogue? It is taking me longer to read because of it."

I am listening to it as well as reading it and I think that helps but yes I am tending to read this slower than normally.

[Rebecca]

Just finished part 3

(view spoiler)[ Well I guess now we know where Claire and Jamie's relationship is going. I really thought maybe it would develop slowly throughout the book, but not they've basically been pushed together. I can't imagine still feeling married and yet being forced to marry someone else in a life or death situation. However, I think she is lucky it's Jamie because they are at least friends and getting to know each other. Hopefully this works out well for them both. (hide spoiler)]

[Shannon]

Rosina wrote: "Couple of things that have jumped out to me.
[spoilers removed][spoilers removed]

I am really fascinated by all the detail Diana has put into this novel. I wonder how much research she did before..."

I hadn't really thought about that. Great catch. Now I'm going to have to go back and look at that scene. I totally missed it. You're right though it could definitely be a great plot twist.

[Shannon]

Chapters 17 - 21

Let's just skip to the part where (view spoiler)[Claire tries to leave (hide spoiler)], cause that's really all I want to talk about. Lol!

(view spoiler)[I have so many issues with this I'm not sure where to start.

After the attack by the bandits, Claire is afraid to even leave the campsite; but when realizing she's only about 7 miles from the stones, she takes off on her on to head that way. 7 miles isn't that far, it's true, but it would still take her several hours to get there on her own, with no supplies, the possibility of more bandits, the English, etc etc.

Then there is her fleeting thought about Jamie. She decides to leave the horse so Jamie won't think she left him on purpose but quickly thinks "he'll just get on his with his life and marry someone else."

Everything about this scene had me thinking "Um, hell no!" It seemed like just a plot point to get Claire & Jamie to another place, give us one more scene depicting how horrible Randall is, etc. it didn't ring true for me at all.
(hide spoiler)]
I'm going to stop my rant now or I'm likely to just keep going indefinitely....

But I reserve the right to come back and bitch some more. ;)

[Ginger]

I love how Clair and Jamie did not start off as a 'couple'.
Jamie was playing kissy face with Laoghaire and Claire just shrugged and teased him about it later.
So often a romance will have either the H or the h feeling ownership right away and playing jelous games.
I am enjoying this aspect of the book.

[Ginger]

Rosina wrote: "Couple of things that have jumped out to me.
[spoilers removed][spoilers removed]

I am really fascinated by all the detail Diana has put into this novel. I wonder how much research she did before..."

I am very intirested to see where everyone falls in the family tree as well :)

[Shan ~A~]

RebeccaS wrote: "In regards to Frank, I don't think it's necessarily "set up" so we don't really like him...that being said I DONT really like him at all!! Maybe that's just because of his particular personality. ..."

I agree. They were virtually strangers again trying to get to know one another. (view spoiler)[I think that it was a bit premature for them to be trying for a baby when they really needed to be taking the time to get to know one another (hide spoiler)]

I wonder if we took a poll how many people would actually be in Frank's corner.

[Imke]

Most of Part III - Chapter 11-19

(view spoiler)[Ohhhh Jamie and Claire are married, that relationship sped up suddenly. Here is their wedding portrait


I really liked getting to know Jaimie better. (hide spoiler)]

[James]

Chapter 6- 10 Part II thoughts

Since I am going to start reading Part III tonight, I thought I would summarize my thoughts on the chapter I have read that don't involve major spoilers. First, I love the time traveling chapters more than the present chapters. Second, Diana detail when it comes to history is really good and it causes me to learn something new from it each time I read it. Finally, I am so glad that this book is a bit out of comfort zone a bit since it involves historical fiction, which is a genre I don't read that often.

[Renee]

Ginger wrote: "Rosina wrote: "Couple of things that have jumped out to me.
[spoilers removed][spoilers removed]

I am really fascinated by all the detail Diana has put into this novel. I wonder how much research..."

Me too

[Renee]

Just finished Part 2.

I like Claire and I'm liking Jamie more and more. He is quite cheeky and kind hearted.

At the end of part 2 (view spoiler)[ Jamie and Claire are about to travel together, so I assume romance may pick up soon (hide spoiler)]

I wonder if she will get back to her present or if the whole book is set in Jamie's time.

I keep typing Jaime instead of Jamie - all those Game of Thrones discussions at the start of the year.

[Rosina]

Does anyone know is a tartan the same as a plaid?

Heres a thought (view spoiler)[I am reading at the part of where Jaime and Claire are about to get married and there is the description of what Jaime was wearing and made it sounded familiar to the part in Chapter 1 where Frank is describing the man who he saw looking up at Claires window (hide spoiler)]

About when Claire meets the Fort Garrison commander (Jack Randall) (view spoiler)[ I was so upset when he punched her in the stomach, I know brutality to women was the norm but still I found it shocking. (hide spoiler)]

When Dougal and Claire go to St Ninnians pool (view spoiler)[ that was a whole different layer to Jaime's personality and character that made me like Jaime a bit more. Referring to Dougal recounting the whipping of Jaime. Frightful times in deed and that Captain Jack is a bad bad man. I think he gets off on violence! (hide spoiler)]

[Shannon]

Part IV

So much ... So much ... So much ...

(view spoiler)[Ok then. A lot happens in this section. Dougal had gotten Geilie pregnant! Geilie kills her husband! Colum sets up Geilie as a witch & Claire gets caught in the snare. Colum left her to the village witch judges.

Jamie to the rescue ...

Claire finally confesses then chooses to stay with Jamie.

Almost forgot that bit about Geilie having been from the future as well.

Huh! It's a lot to take in.

I really hope this isn't going to become a consistent theme .. Claire finds herself in some crazy predicament & Jamie has to rush in to save her. How many predicaments is it this far? It's really starting to be a bit much.

Ok then. Jamie knows she's from the future & believes her. She's told him historical events prior to almost leaving, so we'll have to see what happens because of that.
(hide spoiler)]

I'm not quite sure how I'm feeling about everything that just took place. I'm really hoping that the above doesn't stsy a running theme, but we will have to see.

[Rebecca]

@Rosina - (view spoiler)[ Wow I didn't even catch that about Jamie's wedding outfit! Now I'm extra curious who that person could be. I wonder if it was him and both he and Claire are keeping the secret that they have time traveled. Wouldn't that be a twist! (hide spoiler)]

[Shannon]

I finished. But I'm going to wait until more people catch up to discuss further.

***patiently waiting***

[Renee]

End of Chapter 13
(view spoiler)[ I loved Claire's excuses as to why she shouldn't get married and Jamie's responses.

Reckon one of us should know what they're doing. (hide spoiler)]

[Rosina]

Ch 14 (view spoiler)[ THe blood oath that is done is quite interesting. What struck me is that two of the later books have some of those words in the titles. Bone and blood, coincidence? (hide spoiler)]

Oh and (view spoiler)[ Did anyone else catch that she married Jaime in the same church she married Frank? Wonder if Frank in searching records while she is gone will come across her name either in reference to Jaime or His relative? (hide spoiler)]

Jaime (view spoiler)[ Ok maybe I am slowly going over to the side of liking him. He just seems so young for her. (hide spoiler)]

[jingles]

Okay, well, I got a little behind on my reading. I finished up chapter 16 last night.

@Rosina - (view spoiler)[I saw that about the genealogical chart with Roger and wonder just how he fits into all this as well. And I do think that some of the people from 1945 will be connected to those in 1745, and I'm wondering how these two time frames will eventually play out. Will history change? Did this happen to Claire so that history could change? Were there others before her where this happened, and perhaps they were on a mission to change history and failed? (hide spoiler)]

@Shan - a Frank poll would be so interesting to see.

@Renee - (view spoiler)[Yes, that was quite funny I thought. And too, I don't think she's really explained her situation to Jamie (or anyone else) yet, has she? Meaning, she's married to Frank and Frank isn't really dead. (hide spoiler)]

@Rosina - Chapter 14 (view spoiler)[I caught the part about Claire being married in a Catholic church - both to Frank and then to Jamie. Is that what you meant? Or did you mean the same actual church building itself? If so, that I didn't catch. (hide spoiler)]

Poor Shannon, we must be driving you crazy. We are all way behind you. Lol We will catch up though :)

What I found interesting between chapters 11 and 16 (view spoiler)[is just how violent, mean and awful Jonathan Randall is. While I knew he was a bad character, I guess I didn't expect him to be that bad.

The references to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites. It will be interesting to see where all tis leads.

Even though Claire is now married to Jamie, I wonder if she will succeed in her plan to find her way back to the standing stones, and back to Frank. (hide spoiler)]

This is just such an interesting story with lots of twists and turns. I find it very fascinating.

[Shannon]

@jingles -(view spoiler)[ It was the same church. And yet again, Rosina pegged something that hadn't even crossed my mind! I didn't even think about Frank finding her name amongst the records. (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

I'm currently reading Chapter 24. The more and more I read this, the more I hope she doesn't go back to the future! Every time she thinks about it I think "don't do it!"

[B'burg Linda]

Rosina said, Heres a thought (view spoiler)

I hope that the 'ghost' (view spoiler)[ was Jamie because I've been wondering why Claire just doesn't tell Jaime the truth about the time travel and get him to take her back to the circle. He seems like he would be willing to suspend disbelief (since he and she have vowed to tell only the truth to each other)and let her prove that she is a time traveler. But, I've only finished Part III, so maybe she does just that somewhere in future chapters. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22: (view spoiler)[ Anyone have any reaction to the 'beating'? I found my reaction to this puzzling. To me, this didn't seem like true spousal abuse, but more like a parental punishment. Maybe because it was controlled in that Jamie was not hitting Claire in anger, or with lack of control, no fists, etc. But I also didn't like his assuming a parental role. Definitely, it seems to harken back to women's role as a possession, but I didn't have the abhorrence that I normally do when faced with a victim of spousal abuse (I am a former social worker). I also feel like Claire was definitely in the wrong about not staying put. As someone said above, her heading off on her own just didn't feel 'real.' (hide spoiler)]

[Ginger]

I am on chapter 12. I have gotten a bit behind so I sure a spoiler is not necessary but I will anwyay.

(view spoiler)[ I am struggling with Jamie and Claire. I much preferr Dougal. Yes he is rough and I don't much appreciate how he is using Jamie but he has treated Claire well. I see her staying where she is at, mending the sick and earning Dougal's trust. She would be an excellent addition to their leadership team. *sigh* I know it is not ment to be though. (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

Just read through chapter 24th (a long one).

(view spoiler)[ Dun dun dun. Looks like something has happened to Claire while Jamie is away! Can't put this down, because I need to know what will happen to her. (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

Ahhh Chapter 25!!!

(view spoiler)[ So Gilly is from the future! She must be if she has a smallpox vaccine scar! Now I'm even more convinced that Jamie might be too. This must be why Gilly tried to hypnotize Claire and find out where she's from. (hide spoiler)]

[Rosina]

So heres great news
my boss has read the whole series and I told her I was reading it she said take off an extra hour early and go read ...woohoo get an extra of reading in....

@jingles
(view spoiler)[ Were there others before her where this happened, and perhaps they were on a mission to change history and failed? .....that's good point never even considered that.... (hide spoiler)]

@jingles (view spoiler)[ did you mean the same actual church building itself? If so, that I didn't catch. ....yep same building... (hide spoiler)]

@ Ginger I feel exactly the same way (view spoiler)[ regarding Claire and Dougal relationship...but there must be a reason why its Jaime (hide spoiler)]

[Rosina]

Ch 16 (view spoiler)[ Just read that Jaimes sister Jenny had a child that was fathered by Randall....What if Frank is a descendant of that child? In the beginning Frank says that Jonathon Randal is his great x 6 grandfather....so then Claire would already be related to Jaime by marriage....Jaime would be Franks Greatx6 uncle.... (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

Lucky Rosina! I'd be so happy if I got to leave early to read.

I just finished Part 5.

(view spoiler)[ Phew! So many things happened! I couldn't stop listening to this part. I can't believe that Gilly was pregnant with Dougal's child and his brother was going to have her burned as a witch! Also I am dying to learn more about her because it's been revealed she is probably from the future. I hope we get to see her again.

Also, the scene where Jamie takes Claire back to the stones so she can return to her time! Ah I felt so bad for Jamie and felt this must have been so hard. I was so touched by his love and hopefully now that he knows the truth, I am so interested to see how their relationship goes. (hide spoiler)]

[Anita Reads]

Hey.

Sorry I have been very inactive in here, but it's because I hadn't really been able to fit in some listening time. Now I've listened to about 25 % and I've really started to like the story. It's really interesting how Claire fairs with being so far in the past and how everyone think she's a spy.

I like Claire's character too she has some wit that I really like.

Jamie is really charming, and I definitely like him a lot more than Frank.

And I really love the narrator. She's amazing.

[Anita Reads]

Greta wrote: "RebeccaS wrote: "@Renne - [spoilers removed]

Also, since she has time traveled, I wonder if [spoilers removed]"

@Rebecca- [spoilers removed]"

I thought about this too

[[deleted user]]

I am super super behind on this book. Hoping to catch up today so that I can be part of the discussion tomorrow!

[jingles]

Lucky you Rosina, having that extra hour to read. Yay!!

I just finished up through Chapter 21.

Rosina and Shannon, very interesting about (view spoiler)[being married in the same church building both times. Also interesting is the point you made Rosina, about possibly finding Claire's name among the genealogical papers and such. I'm wondering now too if that will happen. (hide spoiler)]

So now we see Claire (view spoiler)[has finally made her move to escape - only to come up against the horrible Jonathan Randall, once again.

Interesting too that everyone thinks she's a spy, which really, I guess is the only thing they could think at this point. Jonathan Randall thinks she's a spy. Jamie's men all think she's a spy. And really, what can she safely tell them. I think were she to tell them about the time travel, the would accuse her of witchcraft or something, and think she was crazy. I'm wondering at what point she's going to tell Jamie the truth though.(view spoiler)[

It gets more and more interesting the further along we go.

Anita, I'm so glad you are enjoying the audio book. (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Anita Reads]

Ok. The last time I noticed a chapter change was 14, so here's what's happened.

(view spoiler)[Claire and Jamie got married and I really enjoy how their relationship is developing, and I loved how Jamie had gotten so all that advice from the guys, and how shy he was around the whole ordeal. (hide spoiler)]

I think I'll stop listening for the day, but will resume with it tomorrow where I plan to get a few more hours 'read'.

[James]

I am so behind in the book. I am still on Chapter 11, but I will give you guys an update on what I thought on Part 3 as soon as I can finish it. Also, can you guys teach how to do the view spoiler part of the story, so I won't spoil anything to anyone who is even more behind than me?

[Melike]

I have been listening to this book on audio for a while now. It took me a long time to get into it and halfway through I started really enjoying it.

[Greta]

Rosina wrote: "Ch 14 [spoilers removed]

Oh and [spoilers removed]

Jaime [spoilers removed]"

Yes, Rosina! I didn't even think of this before. Since (view spoiler)[they were married in the same church they should be able to look in the records and see her name...wow, I wonder if that happens! (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

RebeccaS wrote: "Lucky Rosina! I'd be so happy if I got to leave early to read.

I just finished Part 5.

Phew! So many things happened! I couldn't stop listening to this part. I can't believe that Gilly was pre..."

Rebecca- (view spoiler)[I also was so touched by the part when Claire has the chance to return through the stones and how difficult a decision it must have been for both her and Jamie. I found myself being so glad that she chose not to go through!! (hide spoiler)]

[Anita Reads]

James wrote: "I am so behind in the book. I am still on Chapter 11, but I will give you guys an update on what I thought on Part 3 as soon as I can finish it. Also, can you guys teach how to do the view spoiler ..."


Hey James to make a spoiler tag you write < spoiler > your text inside the spoiler text < / spoiler> but of course without the spaces.

[Anita Reads]

Ok. so I finished part 3

(view spoiler)[It's not much further than where I was yesterday. I keep thinking, what if Jame and Claire eventually have kids, what will happen to the future. I know she's not pregnant yet, but she could become eventually. (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

Ok, getting going with this again and finished Part 6.

(view spoiler)[What impressed me most about this part is Jenny leaving home with a newborn and being so tough about it! Maybe it's because I'm about to give birth myself and know it takes me a while to recover, without throwing riding horses and attacking men into the picture!! She is one tough lady!

I'm glad they figured out where Jamie is, but since it's in such a large prison I'm curious to see how they manage to get him out! (hide spoiler)]

[Melike]

Greta wrote: "Ok, getting going with this again and finished Part 6.

(view spoiler)[ same with me. I am not sure that I could have left my newborn behind. Jenny's such a tough cookie and her love for her brother is so strong. I love her character. (hide spoiler)]

[Shannon]

Anybody interested in doing a BR for Book 2?

[Rebecca]

Yes! I'm only halfway through and I know I want to continue this series.

[Melike]

I am interested!!!!

[Greta]

Yes, definitely!! I have books 2 and 3 already!

[Ginger]

Anita I keep thinking the same thing
(view spoiler)[ What if Claire gets prego?! Guess we will probably find out by the end huh (hide spoiler)]

I am having a super hard time with this book. It just isn't catching me.
I have to admire how each day morning/evening/night is accounted for (for the most part). That takes serious dedication. But I find it dragging. I must say that the parts that I do like I like very much. Sadly, I am not sure it is enough to keep me going with the rest of the series.