Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon

In college a friend of mine gave me great advise. Don't discount romance until you've read it. She then made sure I read a good romance so that I could get truly hooked on the genre. Outlander was the book she recommended I start with, and she made a good choice. I've been hooked ever since.

Outlander tells the tale of a woman named Claire on her second honeymoon in Scotland after World War II who ends up transported back in time 200 years in Scotland's past. The story tells of Claire's struggle to survive and make a place for herself in this violent and rugged time. Gabaldon writes a compelling story and did some fantastic historical research for this book. The plot contains action, suspense, drama, and, yes, romance throughout the book. I could not put Outlander down. This story captivated both me and all of the friends I've recommended it to since. My book club loved it.

This book is the first in a (so far) seven book series. The seventh book is coming out soon, and the publisher is giving away free copies of this first book to some lucky winners in a drawing. If you want to enter, go to Diana Gabaldon's website at http://www.dianagabaldon.com/, scroll down to the entry for 24 July, 2009, and click on the link marked entry form under the picture of the alternative cover they are printing for the new release. I've added the new book cover at the end of this blog so you have the visual (plus I love the apt description on it of what the book entails).
Click here to read an excerpt.

Fun Summer Reads

Here are two books I'm currently enjoying this summer:

Sharp Teeth
by Tony Barlow

This is an truly creative and addictive read. The book is a paranormal fiction about werewolves that is written in blank verse. That's right, the entire story is written in poetic form. The plot is interesting and the writing is amazing. Definitely unique. By the time I finished chapter 2 in the bookstore, I knew I had to buy it.

Click here to read the first few chapters.




The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted
by Elizabeth Berg

I'm eating up these short stories in small greedy bites. Each story is unique and fantastic so far. The stories range from breaking out of Weight Watchers and going on an eating binge, to speaking frankly with a group of girls about men, to finding meaning in life in your mature years. Each story I've read so far has made me laugh, think, and/or tear up. I'm looking forward to discussing this one with both my mom and my book club.

Click here to read an excerpt.