Outlander

This is not a plot synopsis, just an encouragement to treat yourself. I am not sure why this book is in the romance category...for though it does have romance, it is NOT a trashy smut book. It is just a wonderful slice of fiction, maybe more correctly historical fiction. I have recommended this series more times than I can count, and have been profusely thanked every time.
You will fall in love with Jamie and Claire, the clans of Scotland, and the fantastic way Diana makes you feel as though you are actually there witnessing it all. I envy the journey you are about to take. Enjoy!

I love historical fiction, especially anything involving British history (don't even ask how many times I've read Pillars of the Earth). After hearing such exalted reviews about this series from so many friends I finally tucked into Outlander with great expectations. I was curious to discover the author's insights into the challenges Claire might have faced in adapting to a world without the things we consider basic necessities in the 21st century, but this book isn't about that. It's simply a series of outrageous predicaments of the characters' own making that perhaps Gabaldon was hoping would provide that page-turning, addictive reading experience. It would have been so much more satisfying to feel a bit of Claire's and Jamie's humanity along with their heroics. However, where Claire encounters challenges she seems to skip blithely past them, adapting with superhuman flexibility and cheery acceptance of her new circumstances. Her paramour comes across as a bit too perfect a hero, one who can be presumed dead in one moment (so much so that Claire, the nurse, is compelled to take his pulse) then minutes later come to life with a humorous quip about his condition. He is infinitely understanding, gallant and chivalrous, unconditionally loving and forgiving, capable of withstanding horrendous abuse, torture and physical harm only to heal himself into a state more robust than before, Jamie is more like the love interest in a bodice-ripper than a flesh-and-blood man with flaws and issues. Without deeper insight into who these people are and what makes them tick, they just frustrated me. I want to feel like I know the characters in a book, there needs to be something, a spark of familiarity that draws sympathy and compels me to care what happens to them. But I felt like I was reading an elaborately constructed Marvel comic book. I'm really disappointed. I was looking forward to reading the whole series but I think I'll be stopping after book one.

If I was stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one book I would take this one!! It is so well written, and kept me turning the page even when I was dead tired. They're a bit lengthy, especially if you're like me and have read almost the entire series, but so worth it if you have time or read the series over a length of time! Definitely a historical fiction novel and I THOROUGHLY enjoyed reading it; and rereading it too!! I fell in love with the characters especially Jamie and Claire, DUH! Who couldn't?!?!? Also, out of everything I've seen or read, Jack Randall is the only character I have EVER hated with a passion!!!! He can die....you know it's a really good book when you don't like (hate in my case) or really feel a connection with the characters!! I hope everyone who reads this book enjoys it as much as i have! :)