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

[jingles]

Shannon wrote: "Anybody interested in doing a BR for Book 2?"

Yes Shannon, I would love to do a buddy read for book #2!

[Rosina]

I ll keep reading the series too. Didnt read any for outlander today. Had other books to catch up on. Back on it tomorrow but im behind.

[Shannon]

I mentioned we'd like to start a new BR in the request thread.

I've already started it, but I can stop & wait.

[B'burg Linda]

@Shannon Anybody interested in doing a BR for Book 2?

I'm interested in continuing. I've already asked my daughter to bring me Book 2 when she comes for Thanksgiving.

I've finished Part IV. Chapter 25 made me cry (view spoiler)[ when Claire and Jamie were saying goodbye at the stones. I'm so glad she chose to stay with him, and wonder how he will use the information she gave him about the uprising. The scene where Geilie confesses and helps Claire escape was sad, too, especially when Claire realized that Geilie was also from the future. (hide spoiler)]

[Shan ~A~]

I tried this series before and couldn't get into it, but this time for whatever reason it has me b the throat. I am only now in Chapter 13, but I do know that I want to continue the series and have enjoyed having somewhere to share my thoughts.

I do have some more things to say from where I have read thus far. I will put them all under spoiler, because I never gauge correctly if I am sharing too much. Take into account that I am listening to this on audio, much more than I am actually reading the book.

(view spoiler)[Claire sometimes comes off as a nag. I know that she is not in her time, but she is married to a historian so it seems that she would know that these men were warriors. They take a lot more risk than the men in her time do. They believe in using brute force to make a point, so they fight. I do understand that she is not used to this type of behavior happening when there is an alternative, but that just their way.

I was going to harp on about this idea that Hamish was Jamie's instead of Colum's son, but then I got to the wedding and realized that Jamie is a virgin. I loved this idea, because it is not often that the male is less experience than the female. Usually the have had years to sow their wild oats,so at least I know that Jamie is not the father. There is still a question of rather the child is Colum's though considering the disease he has could cause impotence.
Jonathon Randall right now for me is Mr.Evil, especially after he struck Claire when she was brought to him and for whatever he was thinking about doing to her later. I know this is a time of unrest, but I thought it was sh*tty of him to punch the woman in the abdomen.
I said earlier that I thought that Clarie and Dougal could pass as an item. When he kissed her after the oath taking it was kinda hot, so I was a bit surprised when he didn't suggest that Claire marry him to become a Scot instead of Jamie. Yes, I like Jamie and this journey the author seems to be taking to make his and Claire's relationship real instead of rushed, but I honestly thought that he(Dougal) would have suggested a marriage between himself and Claire. Now I am left wondering why he didn't.
Last, but not least, isn't it poetic that Claire married both her husbands in the same place. (hide spoiler)]
I have to say this author is going way beyond my expectations.

[Anita Reads]

I'm pretty far behind too, but I think I'd like to continue the series, but I don't know if I'm ready to start it right away after finishing this one.

[Debbie (Doc)]

When do you plan on starting book 2? I am about half way with book 1.

[Anita Reads]

I'm about half way too, I was thinking of starting book 2 mid-late december as the earliest?

[Greta]

Anita that is probably best for me too!

[Ginger]

Shan wrote: "I tried this series before and couldn't get into it, but this time for whatever reason it has me b the throat. I am only now in Chapter 13, but I do know that I want to continue the series and have..."

(view spoiler)[ I had the exact same thoughts as you on the Clair/Dougal issue. I knew she was going to end up with Jamie (think everyone knows at this point) but I would have liked her to be with Dougal. Many of the reasons come out later. I believe it was already pointed out (when Clair met Colmn's wife etc.) that Dougal had a child as well (maybe I am remembering incorrectly) and I wondered where Dougal's wife was.
I am not particularly enjoying the book as a whole but I must say that I give the author mad props for a very indepth story. She is doing an excellent job building their relationship as well as the world around them. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I am super far behind in the reading lol I have so many other buddy reads, but here are my first thoughts... (view spoiler)[

I am pretty surprised at the amount of freedom Claire has when she goes back. Do you think it's particularly historically accurate? Everyone seems to be so casual to her, and even though there are some misogynistic tendencies, I would think they would be much worse back then. I guess I just don't know if I buy how well they treat her. But even though I might not buy it, I am loving this book. The writing is so great. The descriptions are perfect: not too wordy, but beautiful. I never realized how great of a writer Gabaldon is. I think it's interesting that it's taken a TV show to make people interested in these books. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Kristin wrote: "So this book was 2.99 on Amazon yesterday so I bought it. I may slowly start reading it but I have so many other books to read and this one is so long it's probably going to take me a while!"

No worries! Because I will still be around to chat about it lol I am sad that it's taking me so long, because I really love the book, but it's just gotten so crazy. I bit off way more than I could chew for November. And probably December and January too.

[Shannon]

I'm not sure I can hold out until mid-Dec (having already started it ;) ), so I'll probably go ahead & then pop back in to discuss it with y'all.

[Shannon]

Taryn wrote: "I am super far behind in the reading lol I have so many other buddy reads, but here are my first thoughts...

I am pretty surprised at the amount of freedom Claire has when she goes back. Do you t..."

I had the same issues reading it as well, but then I kept imagining it in a more medieval time frame rather than occurring just a short time before the American Revolution. Guess it's all that fantasy I read. Lol!

[jingles]

I just finished up Chapter 25....and wow!

Claire (view spoiler)[ gets put on trial for being a witched, is flogged, and finally tells Jamie the truth about her time travel through the standing stones.

Also she had the chance to return to 1945 and didn't do it. I was surprised, yet not so much really.

We also now know that Geillis Duncan is connected to 1945 because of the mark of the small pox vaccine. That is very interesting. Any ideas as to who exactly she might be connected to?

And so now, Jamie is taking Claire back to Lallybroch. (hide spoiler)]

Very, very interesting!

[Greta]

I just finished...trying to process everything that happened in the last part!! It might take me a while!

[Rebecca]

Just finished chapter 33.

I love Lallybroch! (view spoiler)[ It seems like such a beautiful, Scottish place that I would love to visit.

Also, it seems like Claire is going to alter history, at least slightly. For example, when she tells Jenny about the famine coming and to prepare. I wonder what else will alter because she is there. (hide spoiler)]

[Imke]

Part III Chapters 20-23 and Part IV Chapters 24-25

So much happened in this part, Jingles has summed it up nicely.
(view spoiler)[The part of the trial and Jamie's rescue of Clair had me on the edge of my seat. And Claire's decision not to go back to 1945 wow! (hide spoiler)]

I can't wait for part V, where we are going to see Lallybroch, I'm so curious.

[James]

Anita wrote: "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..."

Thank you for the help Anita on teaching me how to do spoilers on Goodreads and I am almost done with Part III and then I will give you guys my thoughts as soon as I am done with it.

[Ange]

Finished part 2

@ Rebecca - (view spoiler)[I too thought how events would change with her being there. Im eagar to find out whether she will jump back and forth between times or stay there. I have this feeling she will eventually get pregnant in the past and either jump back to the future with the baby and claim its franks or have the baby there which would change historical events (anyone else thinking the kid adopted by the vicar earlier in the book is her distant grandchild). (hide spoiler)]

@Shan - I think the man in the street was Jaimie he may have followed her back through the stones at some point.

Im liking the book its so easy to read, Im not sure what to make of Dougal he seems like he has a good heart but then he forced that kiss on her which was a bit brutish, still I didnt hear Claire complaining about it that much! I like Jaimie and agree with the other comments that he does seem a bit soft hearted for a warrior.

[James]

Chapter 11- 16 thoughts

I am really happy that Jamie told Claire more of his past and I find it so interesting that he is a major softie when it comes to people he loves, while still trying to a tough Scottish warrior.

Now, I will get into spoiler territory when it came to the things that made me very excited in the book like (view spoiler)[ Claire and Jamie being married together. Also, their sex scenes were really fun to read about since I wanted them to have a bigger chemistry besides being attracted to each other. (hide spoiler)]

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

The discussion for Dragonfly in Amber is here.

[Shannon]

Moderators of NBRC wrote: "The discussion for Dragonfly in Amber is here."

Thank you!!

[jingles]

Give me a hammer and a couple of nails and (view spoiler)[lock me in a room with Jonathan Randall so I can nail his balls to the wall (hide spoiler)].

[Greta]

jingles wrote: "Give me a hammer and a couple of nails and [spoilers removed]."

Exactly, Jingles!! (view spoiler)[I don't think I've ever read a book that is so in depth about that kind of abuse...it was very difficult to read for me! (hide spoiler)]

[Shannon]

Greta wrote: "jingles wrote: "Give me a hammer and a couple of nails and [spoilers removed]."

Exactly, Jingles!! [spoilers removed]"

I'll admit I skimmed a lot of it because (view spoiler)[it made me so uncomfortable. It was somehow worse to read, for me at least, than the rape scene in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Just horrible! (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

Shannon- I think I have blocked out the (view spoiler)[ Girl with the Dragon Tattoo rape scene...totally forgot about that. To go from all those great love scenes between Claire and Jamie to these was very disturbing. I guess that's why I said I'd have to process the last part of this book... (hide spoiler)]

[Shannon]

Greta wrote: "Shannon- I think I have blocked out the [spoilers removed]"

I think maybe it was worse because (view spoiler)[Jamie was reliving it telling Claire. You got his reliving of it & her reaction. (hide spoiler)]

It was too much for me.

[Renee]

Just finished part 3
(view spoiler)[ I like how the romance had developed after the wedding. They are at it like rabbits or like newly weds I suppose. ... I like that they can both relax and laugh together. I like that Claire is strong willed and has spunk, not slotting into the expected role of a woman. Jamie is not getting walked over though, enjoying their dynamic. (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

Just finished part 6

(view spoiler)[ I love how devoted Jamie and Claire are to each other. They would do anything to save the other and can be happy in any circumstance. The labor scene with Jennie was so stressful and I'm glad she made it okay. I hope we see more of her, she's a fierce and great character.

Also, sometimes Jamie can be so stubborn it drives me crazy. Like when he was arguing with Jenny as she was trying to explain that she was married and never had a child from Randall. I understand that he was told that happened, but if he would just shut up and listen to her!!

I can only assume Claire will save Jamie and I'm really really hoping she does! (hide spoiler)]

[jingles]

Rebecca, I totally agree with you about Jamie and (view spoiler)[his argument with Jennie. Jamie was just outright ridiculous in that scene. (hide spoiler)]

[jingles]

Greta and Shannon, (view spoiler)[the story most definitely gets very difficult to read regarding the happenings between Jamie and Jonathan Randall.

I've not yet read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but it's been on my list for years. (hide spoiler)]

[jingles]

Reneee, (view spoiler)[they are most definitely at it like rabbits. Lol.

I've come to really like Claire too, and her independent nature - especially during a time when such independence from a woman could mean being an outcast. I think she and Jamie match each other perfectly. (hide spoiler)]

[Ginger]

Up to chapter 24

(view spoiler)[ I love Claire I really do. But, she gets on my nerves sometimes. It seems like she goes againts Jamie just cuz she thinks she can or should. I want to shake her for some of the things she pulls 'Come one girl use your head!'
I had a hard time when Jamie beat Clare. That is what it really was. I guess she kind of acted like a child when she tried to go off on her own, but she is a grown woman and shouldn't be punished like a child (with a spanking). But it is accurate. In some countries it is still legal to beat your wife *shudder* (hide spoiler)]

[Shan ~A~]

Guys, Claire is driving me crazy. I understand that she wants to go back to her time, but my goodness does the woman have no sense. (view spoiler)[After she is rescued from Randall, she has the nerve to say that Jamie is sulking and wonders why he has the nerve to treat her a certain way. You are his wife for goodness sake. In a different time than you are used to. I want to slap her across the face. (hide spoiler)]
I'm on chapter 21 by the way.

[Greta]

jingles wrote: "Reneee, they are most definitely at it like rabbits. Lol.

I've come to really like Claire too, and her independent nature - especially during a time when such independence from a woman could mea..."

Jingles- (view spoiler)[I also like Claire's independence, although I wonder why it hasn't gotten her into MORE trouble in this story!! I know that Jamie is pretty accepting of her, so that is part of it, but really with how she acts I would think other people would think her inappropriate. (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

Ginger wrote: "Up to chapter 24

I love Claire I really do. But, she gets on my nerves sometimes. It seems like she goes againts Jamie just cuz she thinks she can or should. I want to shake her for some of the t..."

Yes, Ginger I had a problem (view spoiler)[ with the punishment from Jamie as well. It just goes totally against what we're used to now. I think he really felt he was doing the right thing and being a responsible husband though. (hide spoiler)]

[Anita Reads]

Only about 10 hours to go!
Anyway, so much has happened since I updated it, but what has struck me most was when (view spoiler)[Claire was trialed for being a witch that was some intense chapters, and then afterwards when Claire told Jamie the truth about where she was from and how he took it all. I'm SOO happy that she chose Jamie over Frank, but I am really curious about how it would have been if she went back to present time. Mostly if any of the things she'd done in the past had changed anything in the future (I've watched waaaay too much Back To The Future to think that everything could have been different had she gone back).

What's just happened is that Jamie and Claire has met Jamie's sister and her son. (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

I just finished!! Ahh

So so so much has happened in this book! I can't even believe Jamie has the strength to (view spoiler)[ still be alive! And even be happy! Luckily for him Claire was there when he had given up all hope. I can't even comprehend what Randall did to him! What an evil evil evil man. He broke him and used Claire against him. I hope they will find some happiness in the future before they are in life threatening danger again. (hide spoiler)]

I can't wait to read the next book, but I also think I need a break before it (other than to wait for the library) because the ending was very intense!

(view spoiler)[And Claire is pregnant?! How is that going to work if they are basically on the run! (hide spoiler)]

[Imke]

Part V, Part VI and Part VII Chapter 35:

Part V Lallybroch was a wonderful read and a nice intermezzo after all the action in Part IV.
(view spoiler)[Meeting Jamie's sister and her family was great. I loved the part where Jamie didn't realise that little Jamie wasn't Randall's son and that his sister was married. The birth of Maggie and all the talk between everyone made me feel that Claire finally found a place where she was accepted and cared for. (hide spoiler)]

After the peace and quiet of Lallybroch it was all action all the time. I loved Claire in this part, a take charge kind of woman. I hope everything is going to turn out ok, and I can't wait to continue tomorrow with the last part.

[Shannon]

Imke wrote: "Part V, Part VI and Part VII Chapter 35:

Part V Lallybroch was a wonderful read and a nice intermezzo after all the action in Part IV.
[spoilers removed]

After the peace and quiet of Lallybroch i..."

Really loved Lallynroch section too. Loved Jenny & wished we could have had more of her.

[B'burg Linda]

Had the time yesterday, so went ahead and finished. the story certainly became very dark and anguished. I am still thinking about it all, but one of the things that has struck me overall about the book is the role reversals. (view spoiler)[Jamie being a virgin was one, but that he was the victim of rape instead of Claire was really unusual. The descriptions of the rape/torture were so hard to read. I thought Claire's idea of re-enacting the rape and allowing him to have more control in defending himself was a total shock and I would think really dangerous. The last part of the book was so intense!!! (hide spoiler)]

I really liked this book and gave it 5 stars, though I am surprised I liked it so much. I didn't realize it was a romance (which is not my favorite genre), and had expected more jumping around in time, but the character development, plot, and quality of writing really impressed me. I'm ready to proceed with Book 2.

[jingles]

@ Greta - (view spoiler)[I so agree with you about Claire's independence, and that it would seem that given the time she is currently in, it seems it should be more of an issue. Those areas of the story do not always flow smoothly for me. (hide spoiler)]

@ Anita - (view spoiler)[I think that is the point that I really fell into Jamie's camp, 100% - when he believed Claire about the time travel thing. (hide spoiler)]

@B'burg Linda - I haven't started book #2 yet, but I hope to before long. I've got the audio, but want to get the Kindle version as well.

[Imke]

Finished today. I liked the book, but that was mainly due to the narration which was great. I sometimes felt it could be a little shorter and a little less misery would also have been welcome. It sometimes felt like walking from one crises to another with the only relief of the Lallybroch section. I will continue with the second book but not yet. I think I'll wait a week or two before starting that.

[[deleted user]]

All your comments are making want to finish faster than ever! I'm about halfway through now, thanks to a good solid bit of reading yesterday (I basically started yesterday lol). I think I'm going to need a break between this one and the next also. My eyes were just too big when it came to picking out challenges and buddy reads. Some of my challenge books have fallen by the wayside, but they are time dependent so....gotta get on that.

So far though:

(view spoiler)[ I think Claire has become more of a believable character in my eyes. In fact, I kind of relate to her. Saying things out of pride before actually considering what is right lol Then taking your punishment as an injustice before the truth finally sinks in that you were wrong. Stubborn, many people call it ;)

I also love the explanations of the family trees. I wish Gabaldon would go a little more into the history behind Jamie and Colum and Dougal, or maybe talk about their childhoods a little more. I have a feeling, though, we might get some of that in later books. (hide spoiler)]

So...since everyone is saying up here how crazy the ending was (I haven't looked at the spoilers), I'm going to guess what that might be. Don't tell me if I'm right! I just want to see if I am when I get finished.

(view spoiler)[ I think that Claire in some way directly helps Jamie kill Randall, but because Randall is an ancestor to Frank, killing Randall means Frank was never born. So she gets back to her own time, and no ones there to greet her. (hide spoiler)]

So we'll see.

[Rosina]

Hi everybody had to take a break from reading outlander had many other books like Rachel to get done for challenges I should be back to it on the weekend and get it finished and then get ready for buddy read number two

[Renee]

Imke wrote: "Finished today. I liked the book, but that was mainly due to the narration which was great. I sometimes felt it could be a little shorter and a little less misery would also have been welcome. It s..."

I finished today too, and I agree with everything you said Imke. The audio was fantastic. I was expecting more time jumping, but then I did just read The Time Traveler's Wife.

(view spoiler)[ I wonder how Frank's family tree has changed and who his father is now that his ancestor was killed before marrying.

I enjoyed the deep conversations between Claire and the monk about time travel, murder and marriage. (hide spoiler)]

[James]

Rosina wrote: "Hi everybody had to take a break from reading outlander had many other books like Rachel to get done for challenges I should be back to it on the weekend and get it finished and then get ready for ..."

I defiantly understand why you take a break from this Rosina and I hope we can talk about the book together.

[Rosina]

I ll be back to reading it tonight. On chapter 17.

[[deleted user]]

Well just finished. Didn't guess right, but the ending was just kind of drawn out in my opinion. Could have been more succinct. Otherwise, I like the series so far. I have a feeling that the rest of the books will be even better.