“Adventure Is Out There!”

With eight novels (so far) making up the series, there is no denying the fact that Outlander is a true epic. But I think you already know this. In fact, I know that you do. I know, because I was just like you. I was one of the many who had no idea the series had even existed until I had fallen for the entrancing charms of its fantastic television adaptation. I was one of the many whose heart was set aflutter even before the infamous Wedding. Now, like you, I am fully enlightened. I only had to read one line of signature Jamie Fraser dialogue to fall head over heels. I only had to read the first novel in the series to be entirely hooked.

Honestly, I haven’t felt this much adoration for a book in a long, long time. It’s like I’m a giddy, young lassie again, who has just read Twilight for the first time. Trust me, that’s a big deal.

Unfortunately, there are still some people (I won’t say who, but you know who you are) in the audience who have yet to experience this fictional triumph, which is just not right, at all. Seriously, it isn’t. So, newbies, this is for you. Here are ten reasons why YOU should be reading Outlander.

10. Visualization: Not only will you fall in love with Outlander: The Novel, but as previously mentioned, you can now obsess over its visual companion, as well.

It has kilts. Hot men in kilts. Hot men with accents in kilts.

Okay. Fine. There’s more to the recently aired and immensely popular televised adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s acclaimed novel than that, but all you need to know is that as far as adaptations go, this is one of the best.

9. It’s a FanGirl Thing: It’s one of those books that make you an absolute annoyance to your friends.

Have you read Outlander?

Why haven’t you read Outlander?

You should read Outlander.

I love Outlander.

It’s the kind of book that is so good, mere minutes after finishing it, you’re ordering the next volume in the series…or the next three (I might be speaking from experience). It’s the kind of book that you won’t soon forget; the kind of book that will make you a total fangirl.

8. Once Upon a Time: In a land far, far away – a land called Scotland – Claire Beauchamp mysteriously finds her life thoroughly uprooted and unknowingly entangled with the enigmatic and handsome Jamie Fraser. The catch? Claire is from 1945. Jamie, from the 1700’s. This is a tale that is fraught with action, adventure, romance, and cast of strong, mysterious characters.

While the basic premise of Outlander isn’t profoundly original, the novel’s comprehensive plotline is something utterly unique. No, I’m not going to tell you more. Why? Because, Sweetie, spoilers.

7. Master of Disguise: Sure, it may seem like just another period drama. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll see the story cleverly and subtlety combines several different genres until your unsure of what you’re actually reading. At one point, you’re convinced it’s historical fiction. It seems like there is just no way around it. Yet, you can not deny the presence of an epic romance; such an intense and unforgettable romance is hard to miss when it’s embedded in every page. Still, there is a significant time-travel element to the story; and nerds everywhere agree, time-travel can only be classified as science fiction. Outlander can not and will not fall into one specific category.

6. Next Stop, 18th Century Scotland!: With such an involved plot and with so many genres floating around it is expected, albeit stereotypically inevitable, that the reader be separated from the novel, prevented from immersing themselves completely into the story. Gabaldon obliterates this notion swiftly and efficiently. From the first page to the last, despite the hefty time jump and with the help of the first person narrative, she insures you are utterly transported into the world she has so meticulously created. How Gabaldon achieves this so effortlessly is a mystery we’d all like to solve.

5. Side Effects: Avid readers know that there is a strict set of consequences after reading a beloved book, especially if they’re a fan of late night marathon reading. Whether it be vivid, plot-driven dreams or the regrettable creation of a particular Tumblr account, it’s rather difficult sometimes to abandon the fictional world you’ve just spent days exploring. More often than not, you don’t even want to leave. In fact, you think of the side effects as a welcomed delight. The morning after devouring a few chapters of Outlander you’ll inevitably find yourself attempting to talk in a charming Scottish brogue; eagerly incorporating words like ‘ye’ and ‘ken’ into everyday conversations. After a few more chapters, you might experience the sudden urge to invite a group of friends over for high tea. When you reach the point at which you’re planing a last-minute trip to Scotland and have dyed your hair red, you have successfully passed the point of no return. You’ve secured your status as a fan for life. Let me be the first to welcome you to the club. We have t-shirts!

4. Sassenach: Claire Beauchamp, our fearless leader and narrator on this astounding journey. Superbly clever, Claire handles her unwelcome upheaval with the foremost composure. Yet, her feisty nature and reckless choices often lead her to an absurd amount of dangerous situations. She’s one of those characters that are genuinely winsome, but sometimes need a good talking to. She may not be the strongest female voice we’ve ever read, but she is decidedly captivating.

3. Nail-Biter: Despite being a 800+ page novel, Outlander is a quick read. The cadence in which Gabaldon writes, the way she is always progressing the story, ensures your eagerness to turn the next page and find out what happens next. Much to the chagrin of Gabaldon’s characters, unexpected plot twists are her forte. Don’t ask for details, but I guarantee you will be left on the edge of your seat.

2. Jamie Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser: He is the ultimate scene stealer and the quintessential knight in shining armor. Fans will adamantly admit Jamie Fraser is the fundamental selling point to this tale. Charming, sweet, and inclined to blush, this lovable ginger is promised to be next in line as your new fictional boyfriend. Not to mention, his lack of filter (which generates the best lines of the book) is downright adorable. Although Claire’s narrative is the core focus of the novel, Jamie is, without a doubt, the heart and soul of the overall story. Unfortunately, like any good author is prone to do, Gabaldon has decided it would be fun to cast untold misery upon her favorite characters. Jamie is especially susceptible to her villainous plotting. Lucky for us, though, he rises above and thrives exponentially. Take that, Gabaldon!

1. Gimme More! Gimme More!: When you find a book that you like, you usually put it on the bookshelf and forget about it for a year. When you find a book that you love, suddenly you’re looking at the world in a different way. It feels as if your entire being has been altered, even if it is for a short amount of time. When you turn that final page, it feels as if you can conquer the world. Outlander delivers on all accounts. It exceeds all expectations. You’ll close the book – having read the subtlety stated cliffhanger – feeling fully satiated, but with a keen craving for more. You wont want it to end. Ever.

Book Rating: A

Have you read Outlander? What did you think of the book? Which character was your favorite? Do you have a favorite scene or line of dialogue? Have you watched the television series? Tell me in the comments?

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