Outlander

Rating:
Summary: Outlander/Cross Stitch - a revelation
Review: I purchased the paperback Outlander (named Cross Stitch in the UK) as a last resort of a bad choice of books as WH Smith at Heathrow Airport to while away the flight to Chicago where I was going to visit my sister in May 1995 - the book store in the airport didn't seem to have anything that appealed to me but as a former student of archaeology the historical background suggested that this book might at least pass away a boring 8 hours.From the first line I was completely hooked and the hours literally flew past. I ignored my 9 year old daughter who was accompanying me and could barely tear myself away for drinks and meals (well okay meals, maybe - I did indulge in several drinks!) I have avidly awaited the publication of each book since. I have the paperback of Cross Stitch, Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager and the hardback of Drums of Autumn (couldn't wait for the paperback of this one to be published in the UK) and have read all 4 at least 3 times. I am madly in love with Jamie Fraser who transports me from my mundane life as a bored Welsh housewife and cannot wait for The Fiery Cross, and Farewell, King to be published so that I can escape once more into the world of the 18th century and a time when men really loved their women and didn't just expect them to hoover the house and look after their kids and have their dinner on the table each evening.

Rating:
Summary: We need such beauty in our lives.
Review: Only a book of such exceptional intensity could have necessitated my writing a review for the first time online. It is not unusual for me to laugh at fine humor or to cry for heartbreak in fiction; it is quite unusual for me to find myself incapable of putting any book down. As others have said, I became so absorbed that my world suddenly became Scotland during the clan uprisings. My husband was also spellbound, though perhaps a bit embarrassed to be seen reading a book on the commuter train that he discovered was marketed by the local bookstore as "Romance". And at a wedding during which the bride and groom danced their first dance to the wedding theme from "Braveheart" and then the rest of us joined in the dance, as my husband took me in his arms he became Jamie for me, and I Claire, and I wept. We need such beauty in our lives.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: I bought this book at our local pharmacy, thinking it would be a book to leave in the car to read while waiting for the kids at their various activities....Boy, was I wrong! Although it started off a little slow, once Claire passes through the stones and meets Jamie, I could not put the book down. I enjoyed it more than many of the books I have read in a long time....and believe me, I read alot!!. I gave it to a friend to read, who told another friend, who told another, and another, and another......As a result, Ms. Galbaldon is now a favorite of ours. We have read all four books in the series, but this is the one that is continuously read and re-read over and over again. I enjoy her discriptive style, and the information about Scotland thrown in for good measure. Perhaps some will say the whole concept is a little far-fetched--time travel, the numerous dangerous situations Claire and Jamie find themselves in, etc. But do not let this sway you from reading this book...you will not regret your decision.

Rating:
Summary: More Than A Romance Novel
Review: I read the Drums Of Autumn and decided to start at the beginning with The Outlander. I'm not a big fan of romance novels, but this book is much more than just romance. Ms. Gabaldon is a very talented story teller. Reading her books, I feel like I've been dropped into another world. There is much of interest in this novel. The way of life in Scotland in the 1700's, and especially, the medical practices and use of healing herbs. Bits and pieces of actual history lend a realistic touch. A very long book, but difficult to put down.

Rating:
Summary: Mesmerizing
Review: I received Outlander for my birthday 3 years ago. I read it in 3 days, never putting it down. I have since read it 4 more times, as well as the rest of the series, and am about to start on Drums of Autumn for the second time. Never in my life have I felt so connected to characters. When I first read Drums of Autumn, it had been a while since reading any of the other books. And when I picked up the book, it felt like I was visiting old friends that I hadn't seen for a long time. I've had the pleasure of visiting Scotland before I started reading the books. And I would love to go back and find all of Jamie and Claire's special places. The detail, history, and amazing characters of this book make it, and the rest of the series, absolutly unforgettable. Thank you Diana Gabaldon for writing these amazing books, and please keep them coming.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic escape into a time passed and a love that lives on
Review: This is the best book I have ever read. I have since read all 4 books and am dreading the wait until the summer of '99 for the 5th. The characters will stay with you as will the country and the times they lived in. A definate must read.

Rating:
Summary: I loved Outlander
Review: I am rereading The Outlander series all over again. I read this book a couple of years ago and immediately became captivated by the story the hero and heroine and everything between the pages of this book. I enjoyed them so much that I actually purchased the whole series in hardback, something I never do, I'm too cheap. But I had to be able to read them over and over and share them with friends. I can hardly wait until Diana Galbadoon writes another, no matter whether its the same series or a brand new one. Her writing style is delicious and my hats off to her.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best!
Review: The others being the rest of the series. My only question is when is the next in the series due to be released? I just cannot wait much longer to find out what new twists and turns are waiting for us - and the Frasers.

Rating:
Summary: Ranks right up there with "Gone with the Wind"!!
Review: Quite possibly one of the best books I've read (and I've read thousands). I too, fell in love with Jamie Frasier and found myself wishing that I was Claire. I can't WAIT for her next book!!

Rating:
Summary: my favorite historical romance of all time!
Review: The "Voyager" series by Diana Gabaldon is a truly wonderful mixture of history and romance! Never before have I become so completely enthralled with characters from a book. I read all four books in the series in a 2-month time span and am now "holding my breath" for the next one to be published. The way in which Mrs. Gabaldon allows Claire to be placed into another time and find her true soul mate is enchanting. I lived in Scotland for 3 years while growing up and have visited 3 more times. The last time I visited was last summer. I am not someone who enjoys re-reading books (once is usually enough for me!), but I have read the first book in this series 3 times. I bought the paperback last summer (it was published as "Cross Stitch" in Britain) and reread it while touring across Scotland with my family and my parents. Several of the places we visited (The Battlefield of Culloden, Loch Ness, etc.) became even more special to me because of the book. I do not read romance novels specifically (I would much rather read a good mystery or historical fiction), but a friend encouraged me to try this series, and now I'm so grateful! I give it the highest possible rating. Hurry up, Mrs. Gabaldon - I can hardly wait for the fifth book! :)