Rating: 
Summary: A "romance" book for people who don't read romance
Review: "Outlander" spoiled my vacation. I'd picked up a library copy on a whim -- it sat there on a table, looked sufficiently interesting for the beach, so I lugged it along. What a mistake -- that week, I drove inland TWICE to buy the second, then the third, in Gabaldon's series.When it first came out, the romance community said, "No, not a true romance," the sci-fi community looked askance. Well, people, it's a great novel. Actually, it's great five novels, with Gabaldon working on her sixth. I admire this series so much. Yes, it's stirring and page-turning, romantic and sensual, as other enthusiastic reviewers have noted here. Yes, it will keep you awake. Even more than that, however, it contains elements that display Gabaldon's excellent storyteller skills. Take, for example, Claire's talents as a nurse/healer -- which give her value in 18th century Europe, and also adapt and change as she learns how to use plants, or attempts cures she's only observed or read of. Her struggle to heal those around her is one that most women and all mothers can understand and applaud. Gabaldon has graduate degrees in scientific fields, and it shows. What shows, too, is her insistence on dealing with questions of morals and ethics. Her main characters use their religious faith (many are Catholic) and experience to help them maneuver through moral minefields. There are no actions, no feelings, without consequences. That includes the love Jamie and Claire have for each other. People do love in these books. They also get hurt. There is suffering, there is intense, shocking pain. Jealousy, envy, lust . . . the pain of lost love, of love unrequited, of love transformed to contempt. But there is also redemption. Claire, Jamie, those surrounding them, search for ways to connect and ways to resolve conflicts within themselves. How to make amends, how to apologize, how to heal. While many reviewers have commented on Claire and Jamie's sexual avidity, they've failed to note that passion itself can heal. That Gabaldon knows enough of life, of men and women, to be able to write of physical love's healing power is enormously welcome. I can hardly wait for Diana Gabaldon's next book.
Rating:
Summary: Brings the era alive!
Review: I started reading this book and just fell in love with it. It swept me away. I've always found period pieces about this era lacking in detail, but this was fabulous. Not only is it a heart-wrenching love story (a little cheesy at times, but great), but it tells you about customs, clothing, speech, and life in 18th century Scotland. I read all of them in about 2 weeks and this one and #3 were my favorites. Don't start it unless you have the time to read it through because you won't be able to put it down.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible writing - wonderful story!
Review: I don't know that I've ever been drawn into a story so much as I have the Outlander series. I am quickly nearing the end of the 3rd book (Voyager) and can't wait to read the next 2. I only wish there were more. Diana Gabaldon's writing is just wonderful. I love the interaction between characters. I can picture the characters and even their facial expressions. She does wonderful with the dialects and the words. I can't put it into words any better, but I highly recommend this whole series. EXCELLENT!!!
Rating:
Summary: ENGROSSING
Review: The first title in Diana Gabaldon's "Outlandish" series. The story of Jamie and Clare in Jacobite Scotland is completely engrossing. 20th Century Clare falls through the standing stones to be taken in with a group of marauders in 18th century Scotland. Their adventures are compelling and thrilling. The character studies are vivid, the writing flawless. This book (along with Dragonfly in Amber) invokes all kinds of emotions and left me breathless. It made me want to go to Scotland to fall through the standing stones. Be prepared to spend a week of sleepless nights - you won't be able to put this one down.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting idea, dull execution
Review: I am always looking for interesting historical fiction as well as science fiction/fantasy novels, so when I spotted the Outlander series at the library, it seemed like a natural pick for me. I almost gave up on it entirely several times, but I was just curious enough about where the story was going to continue to the end (though, admittedly, I did quite a bit of skimming). I was truly hoping for an interesting book about the struggle of being a twentieth-century woman forced to live in the seventeenth century. The book did start off pretty well, even if the prose was a bit hackneyed at times. Unfortunately as soon as circumstances force the heroine to marry a seventeenth-century man, both the hero and the heroine become so obsessed with bedding one another that the more intriguing plot elements must take a backseat to their "great passion." Their great, boring passion. The book did get somewhat better when the couple were separated from each other--there was something besides their great "love" to read about. The interplay between sex and violence was also somewhat disturbing. I am not automatically offended by that theme in literature (I'm a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, after all); however, something about its execution here was unsettling--and not in a good way. Those who are looking for exciting, detailed historical fiction with interesting, albeit not always likable, characters would do much better with Dorothy Dunnett. Thorfinn and Groa in her novel King Hereafter are my idea of a great love. Those who are interested in fantasy stories would do better with Susan Cooper's classic children's series The Dark is Rising. The tension of living in different worlds is a primary story element here. Though the books are for kids, I encountered them for the first time at age 28 and loved every bit of them.
Rating: 
Summary: Romance
Review: This book was a terrific combination of time travel and romance. It was a delightful Scottish romance which kept the reader interested almost all the time. I enjoyed it enough to be looking forward to the next book Dragon in Amber. Jamie and Claire are terrific characters that you really end up caring about.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK!
Review: This book was great! If you want to escape into another world...this book is a great way to do it. I HAD to have the next book before I finished the one before. I have read all five and enjoyed them all. I am anxiously awaiting Diana's number 6.
Rating:
Summary: I would give this book infinite stars if I could.....
Review: This is absolutely the most moving book I have ever had the pleasure to read!!! I have read a ton of books..and I've sighed, and I've laughed...but NEVER has a book had me in tears.
Outlander wrapped me up so tightly in it's characters and rich plot....and it left me beaming by the time I was through...this book is so wonderfully descriptive and emotional, it left me breathless. Don't get me wrong..I love a good fluffy romance as much as anyone...but wow...what a refreshing change from the masses of other romances I've read...Jamie and Claire's relationship was so intense.....This , I have decided, is my favorite book!
Rating:
Summary: Great read
Review: I love these books! I have read all 5 plus the companion book. Diana Gabladon's writing transports you to a different time and makes you feel as if you know the characters personally. I would like to say that I never read romance, and don't consider these books to be straight romance. In fact, I have a very hard time classifying these books. They are jam packed with action, adventure, romance, a little paranormal in the form of time travel and a ghost or 2, and mystery. Give them a try!
Rating:
Summary: This novel puts other romance novels to shame!
Review: I'll start by saying that I'm a very picky reader.
I'm always amazed at how a talented author can pull the reader so deep into their story. Gabaldon's writing is both creative and insightful and is no exception to this. I actually felt as though I was traveling through the scottish highlands and fell in love with a red haired, blue eyed, sexy scot. The beginning starts out a little slow, but DON'T let that stop you....you'll regret it. Once the momentum starts, it's virtually impossible to put down and that is NOT AN EXAGGERATION.
I felt compelled to run out and buy the next book as soon as I read the last sentence. Read it, and you won't be disappointed.
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