Outlander

Rating:
Summary: You won't forget it.
Review: It's been several years since I read this book, but I wanted to add my positive review to the others because it just can't be praised enough. I also picked up this book just by browsing in the romance section of a bookstore. It's magic when you pick one up almost by accident and it starts you on an incredible journey. This story about a woman who goes back in time to a dangerous period in Scotland and not only falls in love but has her own adventure - it was so absorbing and so well-written, with characters who felt so absolutely real, it made me feel like I was there. I didn't want to put the book down. I found myself going out at night to a bookstore open late so I could pick up the sequel. I ended up missing an appointment reading, because I couldn't put the books down. I do have to say I thought the series started to run out of steam by the fourth book, but that doesn't take away the magic of the first. Read it. You won't be disappointed. It'll be one of the few books in life that you'll retain almost scene by scene.

Rating:
Summary: All Time Favorite Story
Review: I have searched for another book like this one. There is nothing like it. Gabaldon weaves a wonderful world of words which you can not resist being swept away in. The characters are rich and the story is original and wonderful. Words can not express what an amazing story this is. After the 5th read of the entire series I keep coming back for more. The story is simply unparalleled. I know the last book in the series is coming out this winter and I really don't want the story to end. I have never met anyone who did not love this book, READ IT

Rating:
Summary: A romance novel, an historic novel lover can love
Review: I am not a romance novel lover, so I'd prefer to call this an historic novel. It's quite entertaining for those of you who like those thick novels with lots of history, atmosphere, and background.

It's a well-told story of a nurse after WWII, who falls through a magical collection of standing stones into the 18th century. There she meets the rather sinister ancestor of her 20th century husband and meets, marries and falls in love with (yes, the order is correct) an outlawed Scotsman. We have the intrigues of 18th century Scottish politics, a romance, some wonderful characters (one of my favorites turns out to be another time traveler that ends up being burned as a witch), and just a wholly enjoyable book.

One thing in the novel never really rang clear to me. If Claire was trained as a nurse during WWII, then how does she know so much about 18th century herbal medicine?

Rating:
Summary: I really didn't WANT to like this book.....
Review: I am a mystery reader. Let's get that out of the way now. Scottoline, Cornwell, Woods, Patterson, Evanovich, Grafton....those authors are more my speed. I, however, had a friend that kept saying "You really need to read the Gabaldon series." Yeah, yeah. She's a fantasy reader, so what does she know? I was inclined to dismiss her recommendations. So...she gives me the first one (Outlander) anyway, determined that I'm going to start this tome and like it. I'm on the plane from Vegas....I just finished the Tami Hoag I have with me. I'm forced to open this missal or just drool on the guy next to me....and that's when I fell in love.

She got me. Diana Gabaldon has me. I am in love with Jamie Fraser. I feel for Claire Randall and her torn life between the Highlands and "life with Frank." I am thrilled with the history of the books - and I normally hate the way that Anne Rice overloads you with history, but this one is different. You are there. You are walking the moors. You feel the passion between them. You feel the despair when she's trapped.....the fear when she's in peril. Most importantly you feel the love they share.

So...I'm hooked. I'm on Voyager now. There's no turning back. If you are looking for a fabulous "carry you away" type read, this is it. The characters are human and wonderful. They are frail and faulty. You can see yourself in each one of the decisions they must make. Its not the "rending of the loincloth" type romance, either, and I'm so happy its not.

And yes, I told my friend she was right. She was very smug.

Rating:
Summary: fantasy is reality
Review: I really enjoyed the fantasy aspect of this novel. Once the author established the fantasy background the character was free to begin the adventure. That's the beauty of being an author; you're only bound by your ability to write. The daily grist for the mill, bound by the parameters of reality, is what we tune into the news for. This is pure escapism; a tale with endless possibilities that are fully realized. It's fantasy that becomes reality, because you're reading it.

Rating:
Summary: AMAZING!
Review: This book is stunning!! Diana Gabaldon is an amazing story-teller. The characters and story completly take you to another time... its like you become apart of the story, like you know the character personally!! Its just amazing, the WHOLE SERIES is amazing. A DEFINITE MUST READ for fans of history, fiction, and romance books. I just can't say enough about it, I'll re-read the series over and over.. These books have set the bar for my future readings, and I don't think anything will match up! READ IT!! YOU'LL LOVE IT!!

Rating:
Summary: Love it!!!
Review: I can't believe I haven't reviewed this book yet. I first read it about 6 years ago when a good friend gave me a copy Since then I've read the whole series several times and I've been slowly upgrading my paperbacks to hardback. This book has everything - adventure, romance, war, history, time travel, etc. Even though it was categorized as a romance, my husband has also read all of them and enjoyed them as much as me. I recommend this book often!

Rating:
Summary: Outlander series
Review: I was hooked on this series right from the get go. Diana Gabaldon has all but ruined me for other authors. She has an amazing ability to keep me mesmerized throughout the book(s). I wish I knew how she did that! I hope she never stops writing.

Rating:
Summary: Simply The Best!
Review: Savor this one, Outlander is simply the best romance book around. Although it's long, the characters jump out off the page and leave you panting for more.

Rating:
Summary: The only book I have read more than once!
Review: I was first introduced to this book while living in Europe. One of my friends had picked it up in Scotland. The book had the title "Cross Stitch". When I finished the book, I called my mom and told her that I had just finished my favorite book to date. I told her I would bring it back for her to read. She also told me that she had a great book she wanted me to read. Three months later, I returned to the States, book in hand to give to my mom. She was shocked to see that the author was Dianna Gabeldon. Indeed, the book she had been ranting about was also written by Gabeldon. As she read the back of the book, we realized we had been talking about the same book, just with a different title in Europe!

Since then, I have read all of Gabeldon's books in this series. I have given The Outlander as a gift to many friends. Each person I give it to, I give them only one piece of advice. "Make certain, when you start this book, you have no other pressing tasks at hand. You will not want to put this book down." Inevitably, everyone comes back to me telling me they stayed up until 2 or 3 am reading and didn't get anything done that week. Also, by the time I talk with them again, they are usually into the second or third book already!