Showing posts with label Outlander. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Outlander. Show all posts

Monday, July 9, 2012

False First Impressions: Musing Mondays

A Musing Mondays prompt from Should be Reading:

Have you ever read a book that, at the time, you didn’t feel a strong connection towards, but as time goes by you find yourself thinking about it a lot?

When I first picked up Diana Gabaldon's Outlander, I was anything but smitten. I didn't get the hype. And I was especially shocked that my mom passed it along, that she found it entertaining and liked it enough to recommend it. My mother is rarely wrong.

Turns out she wasn't.

I read the book when my youngest child was only months old. I read it here and there, taking way longer than normal thanks to sleep-deprived nights and child-filled days (I had three kids five and under at the time).

Years later, I picked up Dragonfly in Amber, book 2 in the Outlander series. I didn't dislike the first book. I was just disappointed that I wasn't more enchanted with it. I needed to give it, and my mother, another chance. I was quickly smitten this time. I read this one plus two more in a few months time. I craved to know more about Claire, Jamie, and Brianna. I still think about them and want to get back around to the series soon.

In the same vein, I've always wanted to go back and read some classics. It's hard to appreciate some of the great works when you are a teenager and being forced to read them by a teacher. I know I'd love so many more of them now.

What initially forgettable book became one of your favorites? Or are your instincts usually right the first time?

Friday, March 2, 2012

Choosing Favorites and Hunger Games Excitement: Day 4 in the 30 Day Book Meme

For some Friday fun, I'm continuing my 30 Day Book Meme.

Day Four: Favorite Book of Your Favorite Series

I listed my favorite series for Day 3:

1. Lord of the Rings
2. Hunger Games
3. Outlander

I would never attempt to pick a favorite in the Lord of the Rings series. First, I read them as a teenager (I really want to read them again!). Second, I loved them all. And I've read the first four (or five. I admit I've lost count) of the Outlander, and they get progressively better.

In Hunger Games, I've only read the first two so far. Mockingjay is beside my bed taunting me, but I haven't been able to pick it up. I loved Hunger Games! As soon as I was done, I rushed into Catching Fire. It was a bit disappointing. I've found I need to take a break between books sometimes, especially if I love the first.

And I'm so excited for the Hunger Games movie!! Have you seen this...



What's your favorite book in a beloved series?

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine's Day and Love Stories

Happy Valentine's Day! A day honoring love makes me want to talk about love stories. I was swamped yesterday and missed my Musing Mondays post. The prompt from Should be Reading:
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What is your favorite romantic book--or book that includes a love story? (an adult romance, young adult, kids' story, anything)

My favorite romantic book in the last few years was Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. My complaint with most romance novels, although even I like a simple romance now and again, is how closely they all follow the same formula... boy meets girl, boy is terrified of commitment, there's an instant attraction, girl follows her heart, a misunderstanding occurs, boy and girl end up together.

Outlander offered so much more. It's realistic, gritty, but still captures your heart. On the young adult side, I really enjoyed the City of Bones trilogy. There's romance, but it's not clear cut and both the male and female characters have strength (same with Outlander).

I don't enjoy seeing a woman who ignores all brain signals to listen to her heart. Sure, I want her heart to rule in the end, but only after running some obvious things through her brain first.

I also noticed Oprah's book club online posted The 8 Greatest Love Stories of All Time. They are:
  1. The Invisible Bridge, Julie Orringer
  2. Important Artifacts and Personal Property from the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris, Including Books, Street Fashion, and Jewelry by Leanne Shapton
  3. The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Victor Hugo
  4. Blankets, Craig Thompson
  5. Brokeback Mountain, Annie Proulx
  6. Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt
  7. One Day, David Nicholls
  8. Love Story, Erich Segal
I haven't read any of these, although One Day is in my to be read pile.

Reader friends: Have you read any of these? Would you recommend any?

And on this Valentine's Day, please share with me the best love story you've ever read.