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Summary: A Companion Not Needed
Review: Though my first opinion of this book was one of disappointment, I feel compelled to write nonetheless after reading Ms. Gabaldon's response. I have enjoyed immensely the Outlander series and find Ms. Gabaldon an author of rare talent. Her works speak for themselves and are filled with spiritual inspiration that reflect humanity, no matter the time or place in history. I have met the author on two occasions and never once did I have a question on the plot, characters, or vocabulary used. Gabaldon is an articulate author who has mastered the craft of storytelling. Therefore, I am perplexed why she needed to explain her work, or answer questions that any good reader should discern from the text. Perhaps she needed a book to fulfill an obligation to her publisher as the next novel has taken longer than expected. Wouldn't it have been more creative of her to write a group of short shories detailing the daily lives of Jamie and Claire, Brianna and Roger as seen through their farm animals of Fraser's Ridge. Jamie's stallion, Claire's mare, as she makes her medical rounds. Various dogs and cats, maybe the pig who lived in the pantry? The stories could have entertained as well as filled in the blanks of life in the hills of North Carolina. Nevertheless, I look forward to Fiery Cross, but will pass on Outlandish Companion which seems to me, pandering to publisher and reader alike.
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Summary: Not a recap--it's a buffet!
Review: This book isn't the next novel, but I can't believe how much it adds to and enriches the experience of reading the first four novels. The sheer amount of information, to say nothing of out-and-out entertainment, is just amazing.I noticed a couple of people complaining that a lot of the information is available on Ms. G's Web page--but I'm a regular patron of the Web page (a great job in itself!) and I assure you that it's not. What's on the Web is just a couple of brief samples--a note from the Family Tree section, a snippet of the Methadone List--to let people know what kind of stuff is _in_ the book. She does the same thing for her novels, and I haven't heard anybody complaining about the posting of excerpts from them! Believe me, there's tons of stuff in this book that I don't think anybody could ever find _anywhere_ else! A real feast!
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Summary: Come on. The books were good, but this is going too far.
Review: Can you say, "money making scheme"??? That's all this is. Seriously folks, no one should really care this much about a fictional world. I really enjoyed reading the books, and someone gave this to me as a gift. And it lowers my respect for the whole series. Just enjoy the books for what they are - fictional stories - and forget delving into character pasts. Man.
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Summary: Funny and feeds my craving for more 18th century history!
Review: This book is quirky and strange and fun. I have always loved these characters from day one and now I have revisited them all. Diana Gabaldon shows us her behind the scenes secrets - and her great sense of humor. Maps, stories, drawings, and others too numerous to name. I highly recommend this to anyone who is pining for the next episode of Jamie & Claire.
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Summary: A not-to-be-missed summer companion!
Review: What a delightful behind-the-scenes surprise THe Outlandish Companion presents to its readers! Diana Gabaldon "raises the curtain" to generously show her readers her unique approach to writing as well as to her life. Fun to read, it contains a potpourri of information relating to everything from the background behind the Claire/Jamie saga to Diana's unique and comprehensive research methods. Inspiring to aspiring writers, Diana makes her readers feel as if they have the power to step forward through "time" from any career and become writers themselves. And non-would-be writers will enjoy all the trivia and facts she provides about her characters. With her solid scientific research background, Diana shares her list of resources that are extensive and impressive, while validating that much of the historical background that is contained in her series of books is based on facts and not pure whimsey. Check it out! There's something for everyone in this terrific volume.
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Summary: I didn't even know I wanted it, then I knew I had to have it
Review: I happened upon the Companion, doing a hopeful search (here, at Amazon) for Book 5. I didn't even know I wanted the Companion, until I heard of it's existance. Now, I can't imagine how I've been able to stand waiting for Book 5 _without_ the companion. It's a perfect complement to the Outlander series. I'm so glad that she worked the time into her schedule, to expand on the incredible books she has written. The Companion will tide me by, until The Fiery Cross. I can't begin to articulate how meaningful Herself's writing is to me. However, I can say how grateful I am, for the places she has taken my mind, while reading her books. Her writing lets me visualize the scene, and my own imagination colors it in. Thanks to my sweet husband, I have a signed copy, in addition to the one I pre-ordered. She can write a grocery list, and I'll read it.
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Summary: Fun Stuff!
Review: While we wait for the further adventures of Jamie and Claire, this book will help us as we re-read the first four books of the series--even though I've read them all at least five times each, I always find something new. The Companion is just what it's supposed to be: a celebration of the Outlander world that Ms. Gabaldon has created, and an opportunity for her fans to wallow in dearly-beloved details. If you haven't read the first four, you may want to wait to read this until you have.
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Summary: I LOVE ALL THINGS GABALDON!!
Review: My review is more of a comment. There seeems to be several of you that are disappointed in the Companion. It seems this is because you wanted more of the story to continue. We all do, But like Diana herself states... Do you want a great book or a rushed to please book? And for those of you wanting more of the Companion, did you not read the outside cover jacket? It tells you in plain English, what is between the pages. Did you honestly think she would slip a few hundred pages in to suprize us? The book isn't done yet.... back up, reread, Enjoy!
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Summary: Inspiration and advice for writers
Review: I loved all four novels, and look forward eagerly to the next one. In the meantime, I'm trying to write my own book, and found the glimpses of the writing life and the insight into the author's methods more than worth the price of the COMPANION. This may not be a novel, but it's a book I'll read over and over!
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Summary: Companion - Another Stroke of Genius
Review: Any book that makes me laugh out loud so spontaneously that my family looks at me like I am crazy. . . Any book that makes me run around the room whooping and screaming because the content moves me. . . Any book that makes me feel sick to my stomach comptemplating the twisted aspects of human nature. . . Any author who can create a book which evokes such an emotional responce has infinite talent. Diana Gabaldon has written FIVE! The lucky thing for us is that this time we were given the opportunity to have an emotional response the AUTHOR'S personal experiences, dilemmas, triumphs and tribulations. P.S. The stuff about Jamie and Claire, et. al. is pretty good too.
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