Book Review: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (a re-read)

Title: Outlander (Outlander #1)

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Hardcover edition, 627 pages

Published: June 1, 1991 by Delacorte Press

Setting: Scotland 1743

Literary Awards: RITA Award by Romance Writers of America for Best Romance (1992), Puddly Award for Romance (2001), BBC Big Read for Best Loved Novel (2003)

from Goodreads:

Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another...

In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon—when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an "outlander"—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord...1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire's destiny in soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidden Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life ...and shatter her heart. For here, James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire...and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives. 

Alleluialu's Review

I read this series when it was first published and decided to re-read it since the television series was beginning. I am glad I did. There were things I didn't remember and things I did remember and loved reading again. I read a comment that there was too much graphic sex and I did notice that. I usually object to that kind of thing. As I was reading along, I decided that I didn't want to watch the TV series with my family - that would be embarrassing. They actually included more than was written in the first episode. All that considered, I did really enjoy reading this book again and I am going to continue with the series because my perspective is different than when I originally read it and I don't need to wait for the next volume to be written! 

Considering time travel historical romance is one of my favorite genres, I had to give this novel 5 stars - A Symphony: This book is excellent. I didn't want it to end. I had originally purchased the book in 1991, eventually donated it to my local library, and borrowed it again to read it this time. You can borrow it from your library or purchase the Kindle edition from Amazon here, the paperback edition from Barnes & Noble here, and the paperback edition from Books-a-Million here. 

Book Review: Six Strings by Jen Sanya Williamson

Title: Six Strings (Volume 1)

Author: Jen Sanya Williamson

Paperback: 204 pages

Published: June 2014 by Booktrope

from Goodreads: 

Riley Witt is running out of time.

Battling Alzheimer’s disease, Riley’s grandmother Mary suffers from memory loss, mood swings, and a tendency to wander off.

As senior year approaches, Riley has to face the reality that the one person she depends on most is slowly fading. Making matters worse, when Mary does remember the past, she tells tales of time travel and visions. As Mary’s version of the past gets more confused, Riley knows they are running out of time together.

But when Riley discovers a guitar belonging to a famous rock star at Mary’s house, the truth behind the crazy tales finally comes out.

SIX STRINGS tells the story of Riley’s journey back to 1973 where she enters a world of music, long-lost family, and first love. Her adventure is all about discovering her past, understanding her present, and figuring out how to step into her future.

Alleluialu's Review: 

I actually finished this book a couple of days ago, but had no Internet connection to write a review. First of all, I am a big fan of time travel. I have read many time travel romance novels and a few time travel novels that we're not romances. This novel is in the latter category. Riley is on a quest to use the gift she inherited to discover things about herself and the people closest to her. It gives her a chance to experience her grandmother when she was not under the influence of Altzheimer's disease. Since my own mother had Altzheimer's, I can appreciate the gift that that is. I think this is going to be a wonderful series. I love that there is music involved and that Riley is finding out just how much of a musician she is and where THAT gift came from. The story keeps moving. It doesn't drag at all. The characters are believable even though time travel may not be to some. It's a great story - I didn't want to put it down. I read it in just a few days. Excellent start to the series. When will the next one be finished?

I gave this book 5 Notes! - A Symphony! - This book is excellent! I didn't want it to end. 

How appropriate for a book about musicians!

Anyway, I received my e-book from the author, but you can get a Kindle edition OR a paperback from Amazon.com here; a paperback or Nook edition from Barnes & Noble here; or a paperback edition from Books-a-Million here! 

Enjoy it! I can't wait for Volume 2!