Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is not for the faint of heart, it takes you on a wild journey through the Highlands of Scotland following the two main characters Jamie and Claire. It focuses on Claire Randall, a World War II combat nurse who was sent back to the Eighteenth Century while on her second honeymoon. Disoriented and frightened she finds herself in the midst of a fight between the red-coated English and kilt-clad Highlanders. Rescued by the Scotsman, she is taken to Castle Leoch under suspicion of espionage for the French.

Among the Scots who saved her, is young Jamie MacTavish, a man shrouded in mystery. After a short battle with the English Claire saves his life, and his arm, he promises she doesn’t need to fear anyone while he is around. Already married she shows nothing but friendship towards the red-haired stable hand, until a series of events leads to a betrayal of her vows; yet, she continues the struggle to return back to her own time, showing resilience and fierce intelligence throughout the adventure.

The author of this tremendous series is Diana Gabaldon, holder of three scientific degrees. Gabaldon knew nothing of Eighteenth Century Scotland when she started her journey in 1991, and instead used her background in research and love of libraries to gather the knowledge needed for such an intricate plot. For many years, people in Hollywood have come to Gabaldon, wanting to make Outlander into a movie; looking back she says, that that would be impossible. However, when Ron D. Moore, creator of Battlestar Galactica, read the book he knew that it would make a great show.

“[Ron D. Moore’s] was the first script I saw that didn’t make me turn white or burst into flames,” said Gabaldon.

The beginning of our relationship with this book series began with Julia’s mother, Dolly. Wagner happened to see that the 20 year old series was being adapted into a TV show on Starz; Julia, not wanting to watch the show without reading the novel, dove head-first into the enthralling story. Wanting someone to share the emotional turmoil, she turned to her best friend, Kirsten, knowing that she would love the plot and the rich, historical tapestry woven within the text.

Both completely taken with the book and in love with Jamie, we began to watch the show. At first we were a little hesitant to watch, afraid that the show would not accurately portray the novel we are so dedicated to. We were both pleasantly surprised with how closely the writers stuck to the story, and how well casted it was.

“I read an article about good reads when it’s cold outside, [and it mentioned Outlander]” said Social Studies teacher Terese Trebilcock. “I also knew a lot of people who read it.”

It’s the perfect medium of action, romance, and heartbreak, making it great for both lads and lasses. Though the content calls for a more mature audience (seriously, don’t read this to young children), the age range can vary from seventeen to ninety; proven by us and Kirsten’s ninety year old grandmother, who also reads the books.

We highly suggest reading the book due to the intense dedication you will feel towards the characters. The reader is completely immersed in the Highland culture and on more than one occasion you will catch yourself trying to imitate the Gaelic dialects. Women will develop a love and longing to have a Jamie of their own, while the men will admire the brute strength that is within the Highlanders’ hearts.