Rereading Outlander is one of the great surprises and blessings of my avid reading habit. Nor am I alone. Here are a few reasons why this popular book series resonates each and every time.
I am a reading fiend. I have read just about every day of my life since I first realized Spot and Jane could run. “See Spot run! See Jane run! Run, Spot, run!” Reading is my most consistent form of self-care.
But with the exception of the years when I was a high school English teacher and needed to reread books in order to teach them well, I never read books twice for fun — until Outlander. I lasted exactly three weeks after closing the book on the last lines of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood before cracking open Outlander again. And at least two of those weeks were spent telling myself it was crazy to want to reread eight books that were each hundreds of pages long when I had just finished them and the piles of unread books by my nightstand (note I did not say on my nightstand because my reading piles go way beyond nightstand status) were multiplying like the dust bunnies under my desk (which may or may not be related to my reading habit).
And then I said, screw it and began again. That was only four years ago and I have since read the entire series twice, listened to the whole series on audiobooks once, and reread/listened to the first four books four times (I lead read-alongs in our Facebook book group so we’re reading Drums of Autumn now). More telling, I expect to continue to reread Outlander the rest of my life.
It’s been a bit of a mystery to me, this mid-life turn of reading events. What the hell is going on here?
And then I heard a professor say something that stopped me cold while listening to a show on NPR about the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s amazing book, Frankenstein. (Please read it if you haven’t. It’s so much more than any movie version.) She said we reread novels because they still have something to say to us. And I realized that’s exactly it: I reread Outlander because it still speaks to me.
Like a tête-à-tête with a good friend, sometimes the conversation rehashes a familiar, shared tale, the kind you dredge up over coffee or maybe a drink. Other times, Outlander leans in like my best friend and allows me to see something in a totally new light or helps me rethink an issue in a different way.
The story of Jamie and Claire is one example. In my first read, it was all about their developing love, the amazing sex and intimacy, and watching their love unfold and evolve — all while anxiously skimming certain sections because I needed to know they would make it through whatever harrowing moment they were currently experiencing. While I suspected they would make it to book eight (and for those of you who read these books as they came out, I don’t know how you survived the five year waits in between!), I wasn’t sure exactly what their relationship would be like when they did.
In subsequent reads, though, I could relax. I knew all would eventually be well. As a result, I’ve been able to think more about their relationship — what makes it tick, why it’s so unusual, how they work to make their love last. While it would be easy to romanticize Jamie and Claire’s love and say it’s the stuff of fiction, instead, it’s made me think about love in real life. I’ve been married to the same man for 36 years, and I love him as much today as I did the first time we kissed. Our love has changed, of course, but it is steady and sure. It’s work, however, for that to be the case, and in some ways Jamie and Claire offer me a primer on ways to think about lasting love and how what happens in a book could transfer to real life. (Which is why when my husband comes to bed and sees me reading one of the Outlander books again, and asks, “Anything new?” — thinking he’s being funny — the answer, in fact is, “Yes.”)
The scene in Outlander where Jamie apologizes to Claire for spanking her is just one example. It would be easy to simply dismiss Jamie’s behavior as idealized fiction. Of course Jamie apologizes! He’s the perfect man. That can’t happen in real life! But when I step back away from that, something you can only really do in subsequent reads, I can take the time to parse that scene and think about what I could do in real life situations to actually rethink my behaviors and then, when appropriate, take action. Saying sorry is not easy for me. (I could segue into a long family history here, but this isn’t a therapy session so I won’t.) I’m not proud of this general tendency and it’s something I’ve done a fair amount of work on over the years. This scene in Outlander has offered me more insights in this. It spoke to me. It speaks to me every time I read it, reminding me that saying you’re sorry isn’t necessarily about loss, about capitulation; instead it can be about opening up and actually, potentially, result in greater understanding and a deeper relationship.
That kind of moment occurs repeatedly every time I reread one of the books in the Outlander series. Sometimes it’s the same moment, but I come away from it with yet more insight. Other times it’s a moment I missed the first time around. And in between all these moments, I simply relish in the delight of revisiting my familiar friend. As a writer, I linger over images and reread scenes (yes, I reread within the rereading!) just for the sheer joy of watching a great writer at work — and then I imagine how I might incorporate Diana Gabaldon’s expertise in my own writing.
I suspected that learning to read was a big deal, that nothing would ever be the same, that day in first grade when I excitedly banged on our back door, held up my Dick and Jane primer, and told my mother, “I can read!” And so it has been. What I never expected was how books would teach me how to live.
Do you reread Outlander? Do you ever think you’ll stop rereading? What is this book series still saying to you?
I got Outlander the week it hit the bookstore, thanks to a friend who thought I would enjoy it. Little did she know she started my love affair with a series. Every time a new book came out I would go back & reread all of them. I have literally had to replace several books a couple of times when they became too ragged to stay in one piece. I love the TV show but the books are so very much more. ????????
I totally agree Jeni on the books–they’re better than the show and I adore the show. But the books have so much nuance and depth…..
I’m on round 8 or 9 of the series (currently reading Voyager), and find that I agree with a lot of what you’ve said about the books…but the only part that I’ve had to skip because even though I know how it comes out, it’s really upsetting to read: where Roger comes to the Ridge and Jamie and Ian go all Highlander on his ass.
I’m hoping that we get Book 9 sometime next year…I want to know how Bree, Roger and the kids (as well as Ian and Rachel) make out.
Should I have posted a spoiler alert with this post? Hope not.
Yes I just reread that part in DOA with our Facebook book club. I want to reach into the page and grab them both! It’s testosterone gone awry for sure…..I pray for Diana Gabaldon’s good health all the time. 🙂 She needs to finish this series so we ALL can rest easy knowing the ending. She sounds as if she’s trying to get Bees out this year. Fingers crossed.
I hated that part the first time around, and it has stalled me when I reread it. I’m giving myself permission to skip it now. Thanks!
I get upset with Bree for not telling Jamie she and Roger were handfast. Would have saved a lot of trouble from the get go.
Oh I’m with you on that point. I am screaming in my head every time I read that section. So much heartbreak could have been prevented.
Oh Janet, I love you and all your wonderful cohorts at Outlandercast for making me feel that I have a world of wonderful friends who are just like me. Before Outlander, I had NEVER, EVER, reread a book or watched a movie where I had already read the book (or vice versa.) I am on my fourth reread through the entire series. Just finished book 6. Along the way I have reread the first books many more times. And that doesn’t include all the rewatches of the amazing TV series. It is an obsession I too have wondered about but now just accept for the joy it brings me.
I come at this from a different angle, though. I was married (to the wrong man) for 22 years, and have been divorced for 25 years. I never met “Mr. Right,” but have to add that I am happily single. I have two wonderful children and two beautiful grandsons. Although I absolutely adore the J & C relationship (and bookmarked many of their wonderful moments together for extra rereads), I say this only to point out that what I “get” from the story is a bit different. I think that is what makes this story so appealing.
This story has so changed the way I look at the people in my life. For sure, I have learned to accept them for who they are, but most of all, that they are more important than things. This is the central theme to so many of the Jamie and Claire adventures. Not sure if I would be that brave, though.
I am now 70 and thankfully healthy. I hope I live long enough to read the end of this story, but meanwhile I have my eight wonderful books to reread and remind me how my life has been enriched by a masterful writer named Diana Gabaldon.
Linda
I think you raise a good point about how the books are about more than just Jamie and Claire’s relationship. The themes of loyalty and family and honor are just a few others that come to mind–lessons I’m always interested in rethinking and pondering.
Please see my reply below!!
I, too have never been so enamored of a series of books as I have with Outlander. I have only read two books more than twice in my lifetime: Gone With the Wind and East of Eden. But I am now starting my second reading of Outlander and enjoying it probably more than the first reading.
I came to Outlander late. I had seen a promotion for the show and thought it looked interesting, but never watched it until Season Two was nearly at an end. After binging the first two seasons, it was natural that I would read the books. Since none of my friends would even look at the series or the books, I have joined several Facebook groups where there are others who love these books also.
Although I do love the enduring love story of Claire and Jamie, I love Diana Gabaldon’s writing and her attention to historical details even more. When I started reading Drums of Autumn, I thought I knew a lot about American History and the Indian Tribes of the Revolutionary period. American history was my minor in college. But there was so much in the books I did not know. When you study American history in New England, you do not learn much about what was going on the southern states. I fact checked several incidents and descriptions in the novel, and, when I discovered that everything was impeccably researched, I stopped checking, and continued reading for the pure enjoyment of Diana’s genius.
Debbie–I’m a history fan as well and always learn something new each time I read the books. Drums, which I just finished again, has made me want to travel in the US and look at some of the areas she writes about there.
Everything that you all have so beautifully expressed so much more articulately than I ever could has been my exact experience with these books. I love the show as ardently as well. The book is the book and the show is an adaptation of the books. I have no complaints about either.
I watch and rewatch and read and reread.
I am so grateful for all that is Outlander. This world has brought me so much joy and experiences I would never had had without having discovered this beautiful series of books and shows.
Joanne
Thanks for your kind words. We are all so lucky to have found these books and the show and each other!
I had been really hesitating since the moment I finished reading the eighth book a couple of weeks ago, and began to realize that I would have to wait… what, so long?! for book 9… Should I reread the whole series and disregard the piles of books the height of Greek temples’ columns by my nightstand? Well then. Yes, I will! I definitely will! “Bleak House” will have to wait, sorry about that, Mr Dickens!
I discovered the show last summer by chance (here in France it’s not well known) and immediately wanted to read the books, to which I have been hooked from the first pages on… To be honest, although I have been a compulsive book reader since childhood, there are very few books that have had on me (and my life too, I suspect) the effect that the Outlander series had. I cannot really explain why, I’m just blissfully enjoying D. Gabaldon’s superb writing (of course I read them in English) and wonderful ability to tell a story. I’m glad to read that so many readers are experiencing the same thing, since I cannot share much about my Outlander obsession with friends or relatives here (they haven’t read the books or watched the show). I’m a great fan of the show, for sure, but an even greater fan of the books. Many thanks to you, Mrs. Gabaldon.
Emmanuelle–well you know my vote! Go ahead and start rereading! 🙂 And my pile could likely give your pile a run for its money…..at this point I read more than one book at a time, in part so that I always have some Outlander book going while I read something new…
Peg
I also have read and reread the books and watched and rewatched the show. The books have given me such comfort as they came to me shortly after I lost my husband. My parents were born in Scotland and there was so many phrases, food items and situations that reminded me of them and my childhood. I totally agree with Janet each time you reread something else speaks. There are so many life lessons to learn from these books.
Whenever I can’t sleep I “listen” to the first episode. I know it all by heart so, very quickly I drift off to sleep.
I am obsessed I know. Oh well so I am off to reread “Virgins”. One of her best bulges. Love you Dianna, stay well !
Peg
I’m sorry to hear about your husband and will only add that Outlander came to me at a very tough time in my family’s life as well, and was definitely a lifesaver in that sense too. Have you read Seven Stones too?
Yes Janet I have read Seven Stones. I have everything she has written. I am not as into the Lord John books, I have read them but not reread them. I am presently treading and paying particular attention to details as I am trying to guess the answers to some questions that have not been answered and trying to figure out the ending. Like I said Obcessed but loving it
Janet, I love your article and all of the comments that followed. My reading experience is similar to most of you – have always loved books, never reread, never watched a show first… And all of the emotional responses and connections.
The one thing I would add is that the series may be a primer on a way of life lost to many of us in the industrialized west. Many of don’t live together in extended families, or with don’t live with others, we may not have tight knit communities, or remember what community interdependence was like. We may not visit in person. For many, even speaking on the phone is losing its place to email. As is writing letters – long letters with lots of details, which we know will be relished – emailed letters often go the way of a more interesting click. Story telling, for many, is a lost art. In most industrialized communities, at least someone has a television, the internet, video games. People wonder how Jamie can memorize whole books, my grandmother probably could have, maybe not the length of Pamela, but memorizing was also an important skill at one point.
So was talking. I don’t romanticize frontier life or life without a single amenity I’m used to, but one of the things that seems so delicious to me is time to talk. Having enough to eat without electricity makes it normal. At the very least, reading the books makes me want to go camping (preferably with someone who wouldn’t mind sharing a small sleeping bag, I can hear Claire adding.) In truth, having only 4 channels of television, and no DVR, increased the likelihood of conversation significantly. Since we would lose Outlander without any guarantee that someone would talk to us, I’m not suggesting it – but my better self misses those recent days very much.
Like Roger watching Jamie and Claire to see how marriage is done – how beautiful was that scene, where Jamie was bending down to listen and Roger could see Claire’s hands floating in the air while she talked – anyway, like Roger watching to see how marriage is done, I think one of the reasons we read is to remember, relearn, enjoy a certain way of relating to each other and the world around us.
Note that I only said one part of the books, I haven’t missed the hatred, war, pestilence, rape, murder, starvation, torture, enslavement and general mayhem, par
ts of human interactions.
Diane I love this idea about losing the time and focus to talk as society “improves.” That’s so insightful….and now I’m going to be reading with that idea in mind. Thank you!
Linda Hide…reading your reply left me stunned as our lives have taken the same path…married 22 years, divorced 25+ years, 2 children but 4 beautiful grandchildren for me. DG has created for me a world where people matter the most and all struggle to do the best they can with what they have at the time. This reflects my own world view and because of the vividness with which DG describes the settings allows me to dwell within her world. Sometimes it seems to me that the Outlander world is more real to me than my daily life so I will continue to reread these 8 books (and more) and pray I may still be alive when the last 2 are finished and published!!!
Elizabeth, how wonderful to read your words. My children and grandchildren live close, and they are my world. I may not have had what Jamie and Claire have in my marriage, but the example they set regarding love and loyalty have inspired me to teach my children and grandchildren what love is. Also, I moved into a retirement community three years ago and have met many new friends from all walks of life. People certainly do matter, and I strive to be the best friend that I can be. I think we can do no less in our lives.
I’m not the only one! I am a very avid reader, and a very picky reader, or maybe I’m a really snobby reader. I drop books 2 or 3 chapters in with zero guilt (why waste my time on poor or formalized best seller writing?) But this series? Hello old friends, I’ve missed you. How are the kids? The house? Work? Lets have a drink and catch up, all while we rehash the memories.
Erica
I also drop books after a couple of chapters for exactly the same reason! So many books, so little time! I love your description here of old friends and asking about the kids etc 🙂
Janet, thank you for your insight. I am validated knowing that there are people who feel the way I do about Outlander. Very often, I wonder if I am in my right mind when I spend so much time reading and rereading DG’s books. Learning how you feel about it and how you approach them helps me understand why I, myself do it. I just feel so drawn to anything and everything Outlander!
Warm Regards,
Eugenia
Eugenia
Thanks for reading the post. I’m glad what I wrote resonated with you. I’ve been thinking about why I have been so drawn to these books for a while so it was fun to get my thoughts down on paper (or the internet version anyway). Here’s to many more years of happy reading for us all!
Thanks Janet! As always you have given me more insight into my insight! I love and have been obsessed with these books (and the show) for almost 4 years when I first picked up the books too! I’ve often argued and bargained with myself, I can reread if I…(insert various bargains). But your right, I too get something new each time, not just in the story but in my own life, the answers my subconscious is looking for. I will try to read new books in between reads (as hard as that can be), but I go back because I miss my friends, I want to visit with Jamie and Claire. Thanks for helping me justify my obsession a little more! Amd thanks doe the read-a-long! Will miss that after next week!
Connie
I basically have an Outlander book going at all times that I read in between other new books. That plan feeds my Outlander obsession but also keeps me whittling away at the pile(s) by my nightstand since I’m incapable of entering a bookstore without buying a book it seems. Since I know the basic story, I can read bits at a time and still be enjoying new books.
I’ve been loving the read-along too….finished DOA last night and loved the ending more this time around than other reads for some reason….which I will now ponder 🙂
It is so validating to read all of your comments and see that I am not alone! I came to Outlander after stumbling upon Season 1. Wanting to see what happened next, I read Dragonfly in Amber, and then through Book 8 within a year or so while working full time. The first read was quick– all about plot with its unpredictable twists. In my retirement, I have read all the books twice more with Davina Porter (usually read while listening so I don’t miss anything…). I have asked myself many times why the books mean so much to me. It may be that Jamie and Claire feel like friends because I have experienced so many stages of their lives with them. I have become spoiled by Diana’s artistry in painting scenes with words. I love Jamie and Claire’s discussions of death, immortality, courage to do what is needed, conscience, and faith. Each time I re-read a book, a different passage touches me. I notice the humor, imagery, and foreshadowing anew. I too read other books, but return to the Outlander books when I want escape and a visit with friends!
Pat
Yes, Outlander is our escape and visit with friends. I love that description. My husband still thinks there’s something a little strange about this obsession but so it goes….I’m okay with that 🙂
Love what you wrote, echoes me a lot. Read all the time, always have a book, or 2 going all over the house. Have been with the Outlander series since 91. Never thought there would be another, almost screamed out loud when I saw Dragonfly in a book store-THERE’S ANOTHER Book!!! Have lived through the agony of waiting for another and another. Have never never re-read books, why bother. But these are so different. First read, tore through each one to see what was going on with Claire and Jamie. Next reads reveal little details that suddenly made something that happened in later books make so much more sense. Those aha moments when you get the connections in family and secrets that come to light. One my 4th or 5th read of Drums at the moment, can savor each page in so much more detail now as I know Claire and Jamie are okay. Plus of course Bri and Roger and all. Impatiently awaiting the next book.
Anita
I can totally picture you realizing there was another book and being so happy. I had a friend who was a big fan but did not know book 8 existed. She literally got her phone out and ordered to while we were talking 🙂
Everything you wrote is how I feel about the Outlander books! I am on my third re-reading and currently on A Breath of Snow and Ashes. I discovered the books through a friend in 2015. But I too had many unread books so I watched the first half of Season One of the show. I was hooked and immediately bought the first book. I also feel I will re-read these books for the rest of my life. Diana is such a brilliant woman and so generous and caring with her readers.
I read the first book just as the series started. I like to read the book beforehand so that I understand what is going on in that characters head. I took four days to read Outlander, and the next four weeks to read the next four books. I stopped because I was getting confused as the series was only on episode 5. I read the next three books during the hiatus in Season one. As soon as S1 was done, I began reading again. Then read all the subsequent side stories and of course bought the audiobooks. I’m on my third listen and just began MOBY. I have never read a book so thoroughly researched, so well written, and that teaches me something every time I have read or listened. I think the root of the story is simply love. Of course we all know that love is not simple. Love for one another, whether it be spouse, children, friends, family, country, and everything else important in our lives, is what binds us. Thank you DG for these books. Now I need to get the LJG series on audiobook.
Gisele
I’ve read the LJG books and enjoyed them more than I was expecting to. It made me appreciate that storyline in Outlander more too. Learning the backstory to some of these characters adds nuance to the books overall. I think you’ll enjoy that!
I have been reading and rereading “The outlander” series since they first came out and have alway enjoyed and found something new each time. Several years ago my vision was compromised and I could not read for some time, so I got the series on audiotape so I could continue to stay in touch. They have traveled with me along with my portable CD player many times. Books have always been a great love for me and my children. Thanks to all of the authors I have read and reread over the years, you have given me hours of enjoyment.
Sandra
Davina Porter’s rendition of Outlander is beyond amazing. It’s the first audiobook I ever listened to (I love holding real books in my hands) and I was mesmerized. I hope she gets to do the last two books. I was lucky enough to interview her. If you haven’t read that blog post, type in Davina Porter in our search and it should come up. She’s a lovely woman and I really enjoyed writing that one.
I thought I was the only one to be so consumed by this series. I read it for the first time in 2014 and when I finished book 8 couldn’t resist starting a second read-through immediately. I have watched the televised version but found it didn’t do Jamie justice. I think you have all stated beautifully what makes these books so special.
Betty
I agree that the show has made Jamie a bit less of a man/character than the books overall. They seemed to come back a bit in season 3 with that wonderful opening episode. We’ll see how season 4 goes. But in the meantime, I try to simply appreciate seeing the characters come to life on screen—and then go back to the books for my real Outlander fix. 🙂
I’ve read the books once, and listen to them twice, I love the narrator “Davina Porter” is amazing. Yes Sandra I agree each time I read or listen to the book I found something new and more interesting each time. I absolutely love this series. I love Jamie and Claire, but there are so many characters that really shine. I always feel the books are better because you have more detailed information and insight to a character. But I will say the Ron Moore and the rest of the crew are doing a fabulous job with the show. It’s difficult to translate everything from the book to the screen. As a book lover I wish for more, but for those that have not read the books I feel they are getting a good idea of what it’s all about. I decide after the show started I would re-read the books prior to each new season. So I’m gear up to start again in a few months.
Christe
I try to keep the books and show separate–they’re two very different mediums so of course they have to handle things differently. When the show takes a turn I don’t really like, I just turn back to the books and all is well. I still love the show but they have to make different choices. I find listening to the podcast that Matt and Toni and Maril do after each episode helpful because it helps explain a bit about why they made the choices they made.
I read the first 4 of the series in the 1990’s and LOVED them but then b/c of the wait between books -that’s all the further I got!! Then the movie series came out & I was hooked again!! So I re-read first 3 & I am currently reading #4 while I wait for the 4th season on TV! OMG – I love these books even more the second time reading them!! Diana Gabaldon is a literary genius! ??
Patricia
I’m a little envious in that you have four more books you can read while we all anxiously await the arrival of book nine—hopefully later this year…We need DG to stay focused and get this series finished so we all know what happens with that kilted ghost in book one!
Yes! Yes! Yes! I have read, re-read, and audiobooks this series countless times since Outlander first came out. They are my friends, simple as that! I miss them after some time without them, and I need to check back in. The show has been amazing, giving me an opportunity to share some of my favorite people with others- my husband even- who are now coming to know and love them like I do. Every time I begin again, or watch the sow, honestly, it’s like spending time with cherished friends who I don’t get to see often enough. They have added so much to my life over the years!
JoAnn
I never expected to become friends with a book series or fictional characters either but that is exactly what has happened with Outlander. And when you think of it like that, well of course you would never abandon them. Who abandons friends?
You explained exactly why I continue to re-listen to the books on Audible over and over. I discovered them last June at a very difficult time in my life. They soothed me. They helped me be (sadly) aware of what I already knew in my heart of heart’s was missing. My parents had a long marriage, but not a particularly great one. I didn’t really know how some aspects of marriage were supposed to work. I learned so much about foregiveness and coping through Outlander, among many other things. How can fictional novels teach you so much? I just never expected that.
I remember when I stumbled across the
fact that Jamie and Claire would be separated for 20 years. I sobbed-several times! It took all I had (and kind friends on an Outlander FB page to reassure me that Diana wouldn’t let me down)-to read on. I finally moved on and wasn’t disappointed.
I’ve loved the TV series (for the most part), have more pics on my phone of Sam- and other cast members-I swear they’re not all of him ?- than I’d care to admit, and frequently go to sleep at night listening to the books. They’ve been my salvation (just behind God and close friends). Thanks for putting MY thoughts into words here, too.
Meggy
I’m so glad this post hit home for you and really appreciate your reading. The continuing life lessons of these books and the enduring relationships are just one of the many wonderful aspects of Outlander.
Thanks Janet for your wonderful article. I thought there was something wrong with me but you validated what
I have been doing. You speak truth in what you say as I am now on my ninth go round of this magical mystery tour. I cannot believe how Dianna G put this altogether in such magnificence
Of telling this story. It captures me as it does you and I still cannot get enough of it.
Jennifer
I remain amazed that these books NEVER get old….DG really has a gift. One woman responded on Twitter that she has read the 23 times and counting. That is now my new #lifegoal 🙂
I’ve been wanting to reread all the books for some time now. Because my TBR list is so long and growing, I keep putting off the reread. However, I think it’s time.
What really struck me about your article was finding someone with the same memories of learning to read. It’s been 65 years since I was in first grade but I still remember the magical feeling when letters became words and I read about Dick, Jane and their dog Spot. I was excited! Reading has been a major part of my life ever since.
Laruebeth
Glad you remember Dick and Jane too. I can picture them so clearly even today…. 🙂
Since I’m rereading, I typically have an Outlander book in the works and read it in between other new books. Since I “know” the basic story, I can pick it up whenever I need a fix. I think you’ll find rereading opens up new appreciation for the books.
I’ve lost track of the times I’ve read DG’s books, but I’ve been a re-reader since “Charlotte’s Web.” We listen to music we’ve heard before, don’t we? 😉
I’ve read all eight books. I love them all, but I have to admit that I love some more than others. I can’t wait for the 9th and 10th books to come out. Any word on when “Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone” comes out? This is the order I’d rank the others in.
#1 “Voyager”
#2 “Written in My Own Heart’s Blood”
#3 “Outlander”
#4 “A Breath of Snow and Ashes”
#5 “The Fiery Cross”
#6 “Drums of Autumn”
#7 “An Echo in the Bone”
#8 “Dragonfly in Amber”
Diana is hoping to finish up writing Bees by the beginning of next year. Then it’s waiting for the publisher to do their thing.
Janet!
So nice to connect here. My only regret is that I didn’t get into Outlander about 4-5 years ago when we were on the ESYO board together! But I DO remember you telling me about it. It must have been a pretty powerful yet gentle intervention because it never got lost in my head. Silly me for having waited so long. I fell in love with the series on TV and have now started reading. I enjoy hearing their voices when I read because I think Jamie has the most incredible voice for so many reasons and Clare of course has that lovely English accent.
There is so much to learn from this – i love historical fiction but also learning about the clans in Scotland and so much more; how important learning different languages had its influence and implications in the lives they lived then. When I think about our moronic society today it makes me want to bury myself so much more into these books!
Lastly I will just say THANK YOU — I really enjoyed your blog. Another positive is that I’ve learned that you’re a fabulous writer (which was a bit harder to tell from the columns I used to read that you wrote here upstate); so now I can look forward to your writing along with DG’s. May you always have the blessing of enjoying your reading and then be able to share it……… Take good care!
I’ve re-read the books at least a dozen times if not more, but I find myself reading for a purpose each time. Research on a particular question that’s been brought up by other Outlander fans (i.e. Claire makes the comment that she and Jamie don’t say I love you very much. Well of course I had to go back and find out.) My books are all color coded with tabs marking different things, Jamie and Claire scenes are blue, Roger and Bree – pink, funny is green, poignant is orange and so on.
While I might read another book too, I’ve found that I sleep a bit better each night after spending a little time with Claire, Jamie and their friends and family. So I don’t anticipate not reading an Outlander book for a good long time.
I have the complete series…………I have read them cover to cover …..twice. I would like to know if there is to be another book, or if Diana Gabaldon has now decided that there will be no more. Strange how you begin to feel that you actually know this fictitious family……….warts and all.
So Diana, if you have another episode of the Frazer family still inside your head, please begin as I am getting on in years and would like to read another.
Pamela
Diana has said the series will be 10 books. She has been working on book nine for a few years now and many of us have our fingers crossed it will come out at the end of 2018…..That would mean another five years until book 10 and the conclusion where we finally get to know about that ghost in book one…And I’m with you. DG is 65 and I’m 63 so get going lady. Focus, focus, focus! 🙂
First of all, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all my fellow Outlander lovers posts above. How wonderful to know there’s so many of us out there and like you, I cannot wait for book nine to come out. My friend (another Outlander tragic ?) kept saying I should read the books and how great they were. Each time we were chatting on the telephone she kept asking, “well, have you read the first book yet ?” So I eventually purchased the first book and that was it, I was hooked ! I could not put it down. I bought the rest of the books and flew through them. I bought the DVD’s and urged my husband, who is not a reader, to watch them with me, thinking he would not be interested at all. Well how wrong was I ? We watched the first episode together and I asked him what he thought. His reply was, “yes, it wasn’t too bad”. ????? Men !!!! Then after watching the second episode, I was about to close down the DVD, when this masculine voice, quite sheepishly asked me,”are we going to watch the next one ?” Yep, he was was hooked, just as I thought he would be ? I am about to begin re-reading the books and I am sure, as my friend told me, I will come across something that I had forgotten. Like my friend, I can see the characters faces in the stories after watching the series on screen and I cannot remember reading anything that comes remotely close to making the reader so totally engrossed in the storyline and the lives of the individual characters. Diana Gabaldon is a truly gifted author and I wonder how she feels knowing she is all under her Outlander ‘spell’ ???
Dianne
My husband has watched the series with me too. Initially he gave me some grief but then he got hooked by the general quality and acting…and ultimately the storyline. I think he also wanted to understand more about who this Jamie was his wife was so obsessed with. 🙂
Apologies- auto correct !!! ?Last sentence- “has us all under her Outlander ‘spell’.
I’ve known for years that I have a problem – hi, my name is Claire and I’m an Outlanderoholic! And I knew it was because of the enduring love these two had for each other. But being older, I wouldn’t go back to the very beginning – it’s after A. Malcolm, Printer that I go back to. That’s most likely due to their more mature love which is where I am in my life. At this point in my life, I look for purpose and leaving a legacy that is worthwhile and hopefully inspiring….so Chapters like “A Man of Worth” or passages like, “He’s a man and that’s no small thing,” or dialogues of why he’s fighting in the American Revolution (after the fact that he knows the British will lose), are so inspiringly meaningful to me, that I can’t read them enough.
This goes back to the stories of heroes and of tales of great deeds. These always appeal to humans for they tell us that we can be more than we think we can be. And frankly don’t we all want to be told that there is a chance, albeit very tiny, that we can be even a very small bit better than we think we are or can be? There’s a wonderful passage in the Two Towers from the Lord of the Rings series, and J. R. R. Tolkien admits freely that he wrote LOTR as a hero’s tale because he felt we didn’t have any that were relative to today’s world. The last ones were from antiquity, and the world needed a series of books/stories/tales that could be more relatable to today’s history. Same is true of the Star Wars series, which the first one was most definitely a hero tale and matches the hero tale prototype almost step by step!
Here’s that passage from the Two Towers and I dare you to 1.) watch only part of it and 2.) not to be compelled and touched by the words and 3.) admire the superb acting!
Claire
I love tying this to Lord of the Rings and will check out that passage. I also like the notion of simply going back to certain passages and storylines at different points in our lives. That’s another value of re-reading–since you know the stories you can do that and focus on one thought. I’m going to take your idea and do more of that….
Oops! I forgot the link in that last comment to the clip from the Two Towers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6C8SX0mWP0&t=0s&index=73&list=FLITw2kDc3EnWrkWRAaOAclQ
Spot on observation and I did the same! (our stats match up!) Yes, it is remarkable how much I enjoy them every time I read each one. I’ve read Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice as many times, but those are just “standalones” 🙂
I’m a re-reader of those books as well Madeline but nothing like Outlander….
I’ve read and reread and reread and referenced and highlighted and marked and remarked. At least four times. Each time I find treasure, whether its nature, natural medicines, naturistic observations, conatural events, unnatural consequences, beauty, beasts, heartbreak, nightmares, dreams.
You sound a lot like me. I may have to get another round of the books because I use them so much! 🙂
Thank you Janet for your article, and to everyone else who has commented…
I have always had a tendency to reread my favourite books (To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, etc. and even some crime series – Ian Rankin/Rebus, Louise Penny/Gamache) but this is my first experience of wanting to start again from the beginning as soon as I got to the end…
I wasn’t sure why, and I wasn’t sure if I should be worried about this new obsession of mine… I feel as though I have disappeared down a wee rabbit hole called Outlander and don’t really want to come back out, so I thank you all for making me feel a little better 🙂
I live in Brisbane (Australia) and my habit over many years has been to read books/watch TV programs set in cold places over the Christmas break – I try to imagine myself cool as we swelter through long, disgustingly hot summers. This generally means reading something set in Scotland (and latterly Canada, after discovering Louise Penny and other Canadian writers). For Christmas 2017, I wanted to do some sewing as well, and as I can’t read and sew at the same time, I opted to watch something instead and my choice was Outlander. As you might imagine, I became so absorbed in the story that I didn’t get very far with my sewing…
When I returned to work after New Years Day, I had watched the first two series twice and decided to read the books. Bought the first book in early January 2018, then books 2 – 4 a week later, and then bought them two by two… I finished reading book 8, just over a week ago.
Janet, I didn’t even last a week before starting back at the beginning…
My biggest worry about this obsession is that it is distracting me from my study, so I’m hoping that I’ll be able to pace my second reading to better fit with my study schedule. I returned to university last year to study teaching, having decided that I would like to become a Teacher-Librarian. I am a qualified librarian, have both BA and MPhil in history, and an MEd and decided that I would like to combine all my interests for my pre-retirement career (I turn 50 this year). My grandparents were both born in Scotland, I have visited a number of times, and my husband and I were married there in 2000 (we are both technically Australian, but it is something that I always wanted to do).
Interestingly, my husband and I spent nearly a month in Scotland in 2015. I had registered to attend a week-long felting course in a little place called Cannich, in the highlands… From my mapping of places, etc. it seems that Cannich is smack in the middle of the traditional Fraser/MacKenzie clan lands so the images that came to mind when reading of Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber were incredibly vivid.
Thanks again.
I am very late to this party. My SIL was very into Outlander and I thought well, I’ll watch one episode (this was just before Season 2 aired) and maybe we can have a shared experience. Yeah, well – I watched Season 1 in 3 days. She also encouraged me to read the books. I told her no way, I’m a huge reader and sometimes am reading 3 books at once, but I am NOT going to read the books. You can predict what happened. I started reading Outlander about 5 months ago and now am anxiously awaiting DG’s newest release. And of course now I’m re-reading the series. I find them endlessly interesting and well-written. It brings me much joy and now my SIL and I have a lot more to discuss. And I’m still reading multiple books at once.
Rereading these books is the gift that keeps on giving I think Joli! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
After a high school reunion and that contact made some years via a social media, women our age 54 years do share information. What books to read etc… What seemed to be a thread was not only what we read at school together but other authors.
The first television series, Outlander, was about to start in months to come. Several friends had originally read Diana Gabaldon’s 1991 first book and could tell us the series of books was addictive. My friends knew I loved Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell and classic novels Jane Eyre etc and yes period dramas in series or films. My go to list of re-reading books would be Little Women and Persuasion and all of Jane Austen’s novels and years ago I would re-read anything I had enjoyed.
Familiar Friends I call them. So I finished reading for the sixth time Drums of Autumn, whilst on our trip around Tasmania, and then read Kate Morton, The Forgotten Garden. I finished Morton’s at home after sorting out our camper trailer and catching up with family & friends. I would read to relax before bed.
Diana has a gift at story telling. So much detail and information helps you feel like you are there. Her craft is amazing. I bought all the paper back books originally and then searched for some time to get all the hard backs as if I re-read, I love to collect. A dear friend got me onto the e-books for the Lord John Grey series and other books too which I loved! So searching for the hard covered novels, I went so far to try to buy locally Queensland, Australia then online. Eventually my husband who also has read all the books, yet once – he ordered and paid for all 8 originals and the two Companions and the Graphic novel from Scottsdale USA Diana’s local bookstore. It is not owned by Diana but she does personally sign all the books. So that was my combined birthday, anniversary and Christmas gifts from my Darling. So I am currently rested after 7 weeks away traveling around our most southern isle state but over our last summer we renovated from October to early February so not a lot of reading done. I would have to say our autumn weather here suggests you curl up with a good book. I have read two chapters of The Fiery Cross and was interrupted and had to put it down…Reading is how we relax and we try to do it daily.
I concur with everyone’s comments and agree. We love history and so it was just an incredible different story that gave you life lessons. Thank you.
Did you hear the news? The 9th book should be published in the Spring of next year. Season Four should premiere in November, not September this year. And (drumroll please) “Outlander” has been officially renewed for Seasons Five and Six!
I discovered the series 3ish years ago and have read and reread them 7 times. I also listen to them on Audio in my car in the way to work. Like the author I have taken a couple short breaks but keep coming back again and again. Great characters, story, and writing will do that. Thank you Diana, for everything.
I’ve only listened to the books once but absolutely will do so again. I was so surprised how different the experience was listening rather than reading! I had read the books three times before listening and then it was all new again!
I’ve re-read the books at least a dozen times now. Each time it’s for a different purpose – all the humorous scenes, all the non-sex sex scenes, etc. Currently it’s finding all of Claire’s use of herbs and natural healing remedies. There’s always something new to pick up on subsequent re-read. Lot’s of colored tabs in my Outlander books. lol
I love the idea of colored tabs. I’ll have to try that next time around. 🙂
I came to Outlander late, I discovered the show in April 2016 and started the books in September 2016. I have since read each of the 8 book 8 times!! Also have them on audio and have watched the show too many times to count! Obsessed? I think that’s a given, but I am still finding new snippets each time I read so here I go on read through number 9. Thank you Diana Gabaldon for my little piece of heaven
You’re ahead of me in re-reads and listens but I’m with you–I’ll be re-reading for the rest of my life. So many wonderful moments and new discoveries each time I crack the cover.
Yes! Thanks for acknowledging the crazy in us all. I will try to read other books, and I do, but I head right back to the series. I gateway in by just rereading a favorite scene….then the whole series.
I got Oulander as a Christmas gift from my husband in the distant past and read and reread the books as they were published. Found the series when it came out, discovered that my daughter was watching it and asked if she’d read the books. She said there’s books?! And now I just have the double copies to reread. I must say I was disappointed in Sam as the older Jamie, he just does not look mature enough, and maybe as large a man as the one in my head.
I found the first book Outlander while in the library. Hadn’t really the time to read as I worked full time, had three children who were 12, 9 and 2 at the time….1996 was the year. I took out that book and planned to read it during my lunch hour at work.
I read 2 chapters and was blown away by the imagery and the amazing storyline. Difficult as it was, I made a promise that I would read 2 chapters only during work hour lunches….very hard to do for me if it’s a great read……but oh my did I get hooked on this remarkable story….I love things that it could be probable to happen…..who’s to say for sure that this could happen for real….the mysteries unknown and the magic to go with it…..
I was a supervisor of a clerical unit in our agency and that week as I read this book questions from my staff were comical….like, that must be some book you’re reading…..because you hardly ate your lunch!! Or….what’s that book about????
One of the girls who worked alongside me said what is this book about….because I never saw you read much at work….
Before I finished that book, I wondered if more were written for a series…..I was able to borrow book 2 luckily….
Yes, I was so pleased to finally read a book that had so much interest and I actually could happily learn something. Reading this series has enriched my life immensely.
My firstborn child, my daughter Jamie….she is an avid reader like myself….yes I recall Dick and Jane books…that got me reading…then it was Beatrix Potter and Carolyn Keene that got me totallyinto reading…..I’ve read my whole life….my mom read to me….I read to all three of my kids too.
Back to this wonderful author though, Diana, I’m so grateful to her for making this her career.
My daughter, Jamie moved to Arizona in 2016. I visited her last June and again in December. She turned 34 on December 10th and she was 12 when I first read Outlander….she has read the series as well.
In Arizona, on her birthday, we went to see Diana as she was introducing a newer Author….Cassandra Claire at the Arts Center in Phoenix.
We loved that we could meet and greet her on Jamie’s special birthday….such a wonderful moment in time for my daughter and I as both of us share the love of reading. This series gave a shared connection like none other ever….
And now Jamie’s reading Cassandra’s books…I haven’t yet….but she’s loving these books because Diana introduced this new author!!!
So yes, thank you Diana for your dedication and extraordinary talent. I’m so thankful you shared this with our world.
And yes….I have reread these wonderful books…..and love them more!!!
Dick, Jane, and Spot also introduced me to a life-long love of reading. And for me, Outlander has been the epitome of that love since 2008. I’ve read through the series six times and listened through at least four times. I, too, get so much more after each reading than I thought there was to be gotten! Your article is spot on–thanks for posting!
I loved exploring with you the reasons details of why I have fallen in love with the Outlander story Diana s descriptive words, getting into the heart of things and people, her lovely take on Jamie and my first impression of Claire after reading book 1, she is my heroine . I do feel however, that you have forgotten a most basic part of Jamie s character and why and what supports who he is and that is his spirituality. He is not alone and has depended on his beliefs in his catholic teachings which are more celtic than traditional to give him strength, direction and comfort. He does not expect this same thinking from Claire, but it is so basically important to him. Thanks for the explanations through your eyes ..one often wonders what it is all about.
Hi,
My husband (!) convinced me to start watching Outlander very recently, and I can admit to having quickly become an addict. I’m only on the second book, ma’am, but I enjoyed reading about how your own experience of the novels has grown over time. Thanks for a great piece.
I love this article! Cudos to Diana for highlighting it. I have reread many times for the same reason that I pick up different lessons every time. There are certain sentences I enjoy seeing again..it’s like an old friend. As I’ve aged, I do see situations differently and that has helped me with life decisions at time. Thanks to Diana and this lovely article
Thank you for your kind comments. I just finished re-reading The Fiery Cross for the Outlander Facebook Book Club we have and it really was a new experience, in part because I am around the age of this “mature” Claire and Jamie. Another reason is because I have been a bit frustrated with the TV show in recent seasons and the book reminded me again that Book Roger and Book Brianna are actually people I like. 🙂
It’s like you were telling my story, weeks after finishing the series, I started back at it. Said the same thing, it was crazy to start it again, and then the heck with it call me crazy. I read them so fast the first time through, all the time needing to know how things happened for my friends Jamie and Claire, and have slowed for next time(s) through. Catching and enjoying the subtleties, appreciating the story telling and relationships. I can’t wait for Bee’s!
I can’t wait for Bees either….and then we have to wrap Diana in bubble wrap and tie her to her desk to finish book 10 and the series. She’s not getting any younger and neither am I! 🙂
I can’t remember which book it is, but there is a part with Malva Christie getting switched on the backside and Claire inadvertently witnessing it. She goes to Jaime and is very upset about it and the memory of him beating her when they were first married comes up. She says to Jamie that he apologized and he says that he didn’t. So, naturally, I had to go back to Outlander and find that part. And you know what? He never did apologize! He never said sorry, even after he knew where Claire was from. He did promise not to hit her again though and that’s the closest to an apology that he got. I’ve read the first book several times and the subsequent books 3 or so. Now I’m listening to them for the first time and it’s very different than reading for me. I think I like reading them more than listening though. I like the voices that my mind gives the characters and their inflections.
Every time a new book comes out I read the whole series.
Thank You!!!
Someone has finally put into words how I feel about the Outlander Books. I’ve been reading them since 1992, I bought Drangonfly first and realized there was a book before it. I went back the next day to buy it. I literally have read the books each year and have agonized as I waited for each new one!
Every time I have read them I find new things. I’m half way thru Fiery Cross in prep for the new season and I found a new deeper meaning one of Jamie’s conversation with Clair. Let me repeat every time I read each book, something new strikes me. A new insight, or a deeper meaning, the TV series has helped with some of them, but there is always something new.
I remember Dick & Jane. I also still to this day read every sign on the side of the road or on the front of a building. I love to read. I read uncountable books each year, but always the Outlander at least once. ( I’m a widow with lots of time ;)They are friends and even family to me and I am happy when I start and sad when I finish. But the beauty they waiting for my next visit So thank you Janet for putting into words for me of my love for