Monday, June 25, 2012

Swoons Galore! Outlander: Week Two


Outlander Read-a-long
Week one: Chapters 8-14


Not sure what this is all about? Here’s the deal…

The read-a-long is going to go from June 11th to July 23rd on Mondays and more information can be found here.

Last week I mentioned that I was thrilled that Outlander was living up to my expectations and that I was happy at how engaged I was while reading the story. After this week’s reading I have to say that I am LOVING this book and I want to hug those lovely bloggers who started this read along. I actually had to stop myself from reading ahead this week (I might have cheated a little) and I cannot wait to see what happens next. The characters being introduced are becoming fleshed out and interesting and I actually felt real rage upon Claire and Randall’s second meeting. I LOVE WHEN BOOKS MAKE ME FEEL FEELINGS!!
1.  Claire has been given the task of healer at the castle. She must adapt her nursing skills for the time and learn what herbs and etc will cure each particular ailment that is presented to her. Do you have any home remedies that were passed down to you (cure for a cold, bee sting or what have you)?
My family comes from Germany, I am nearly 100% German – except for that little blip on my family tree I talked about last week- so we have some very interesting cures for ailments. I’m not going to get into details but my gram used herbs for hot flashes, and beer, liquor, garlic and honey to cure everything else. There have been some stories about urine being healthy for you, I have heard both on wounds and also by ingesting it. My gram is a tad facetious at times so I take this one with a grain of salt! (see what I did there? :P)
2. What do you think would be the biggest challenge of living in the past? (Clothing, hygiene, food, etiquette or etc.)
Most DEFINITELY hygiene. They say that Henry VIII only bathed when he was born and when his attendants got him ready for his funeral. Uhhh WHAT?! Knowing his “escapades” throughout his life I am appalled that the guy didn’t bathe obsessively. How did he gain so many wives/mistresses? I get that he’s the king but c’mon ladies, have some standards! But I digress…back to the main point, I would need to bathe. My hair would need to be washed on AT LEAST a weekly basis over here and I would have to be smelling nice. I think I would love the clothing, the food wouldn’t bother me and I like to think I am a quick learner so with the exception of being the “lesser sex” I could adapt to the etiquette as well.
3. Do you have a favorite character, scene or quote so far? If so, share it with us.
I am liking Claire significantly more and more as each chapter progresses. I was appalled at the second meeting between Claire and Randall and when she was all "your wig is crooked." I about died but I also wanted to reach through the book and slap him around a bit! RAGE! I also really like Dougal, but let’s be serious, Jamie is obviously my favorite character. One of the parts that had me melted into a puddle is when they are actually getting married and both Claire and Jamie are acting as a sort of support for the other. "Bear up, lass, It's not long now. Say the words after me." I was all "awwwww" and such. I loved the whole wedding scene, DG definitely painted a nice picture of Jamie all dolled up and when he gave Claire the pearls that belonged to his mother I swooned a little. I also have some favorite lines from chapter 15 (Don’t you judge me for reading ahead!) but I won’t post them here because that is for next week!
4. What did you think about the addition of the blood bond in the wedding ceremony? Is this something you would do with the one you love?
I liked it in relation to the story and I think that it will definitely heighten their “bond” throughout the series but it is not something I would enjoy doing. I can’t help but think of the germs but maybe I’m just not romantic enough!
5. Are you reading along closely with the scheduled chapters or are you ahead or behind?
I am being such a good little reader and staying close to our schedule! I do have to admit though, I saw some read along friends who were all talking about “kilt dangling” in chapter 15 and I immediately picked up my book and read chapters 8-15 and OH. EM. GEE. I am so glad that I did. The good stuff? IT’S ALL THERE! We will talk about that next week so I won’t get into it here but it was totally everything I had hoped it would be.

It’s not too late to sign up for the Outlander read-along! Check out my post to find out what its all about and to learn more about the upcoming schedule!

10 comments:

  1. I think we all cheated a little bit when it came to Chapter 15. I mean, come on - Chapter 14 is the WORST. PLACE. EVER to make us stop!

    I'm loving the little one-liners too as they begin to show up :) So much fun!

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  2. Jamie always knows the right thing to say. Love him.

    What the crap with the crapweezle Randall?!?!

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  3. I totally agree with Anne, stopping at Chapter 14 was just NOT an option!

    I think most everybody is in agreement with the hygiene question! And I don't even want to think about what my hair would look like after a week of no washing, yuck!

    And aw, I love Jamie and his sweet words to Claire during the wedding. But then I love his words to Claire during the wedding night even more:)

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  4. I'm hoping I will start liking Claire a bit more but she frustrates me a little. Not gonna lie. Hygiene is a big MUST. I think we all agree on that one. :-)

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  5. Ick, that description of Henry VIII is just gross! I can't even imagine... If I lived back then I'd cut my hair short just for the sake of hygiene...except of course that's not appropriate for women. Grr!

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  6. Your Gram's cures sound veeeery interesting! I do enjoy garlic (and according to Outlander, there's something to that one) and beer!

    Hahaha...we both brought up the 'weaker sex' argument and the "You're wig is crooked" comment! Like we needed further proof that we're essentially the same person. :P

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  7. I think many people cheated this week :)

    Henry...ummmmm gross?!

    I'm happy you cheated!

    I'm also happy you're enjoying Outlander :)

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  8. I love that part where he gives her the pearls!! "Aye, and now they're my wive's." SWOON!!

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  9. Urine is totally sanitizing! I saw one of those Bear Grylls survivor shows and he turned it into water - after letting it sit in the sun. And I've heard it helps to pee on Jellyfish stings. LOVED the wedding! And Randall is really making me mad too. I'm sure there's even more nastiness coming from him though.

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  10. "They say that Henry VIII only bathed when he was born and when his attendants got him ready for his funeral." --> OH MY GOODNESS GROSS.

    I can't stand Randall. RAGE is RIGHT.

    DUDE CHAPTER 15 GOOD STUFF GOOD STUFF GOOD STUFF. I'm gonna read it again.

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