Outlander: Week One

Outlander Read-a-long

Week one: Chapters 1-7

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.

So far, this book is everything that I had hoped it would be. I am enjoying the fact that it isn’t jumping right into a dalliance between Jamie and Claire and I really like the strength and independence Claire shows from the beginning. I am anticipating continuing on with the story and I foresee having a hard time keeping myself from reading ahead in the challenge! 

1. Outlander is a well-known book. Before you cracked it open, what were your expectations or assumptions about this story? Or did you jump into it with a blank slate? 

I have to say that I had VERY high expectations when starting this book. This is a series that has been pushed on me for YEARS AND YEARS by my family because they are CONVINCED that I will just love them. I have to say that though my expectations are extremely high, I have not been disappointed. You know how sometimes you build something up so high that it ends up falling short? Sorry, Hunger Games fans they were not as good as I expected – this has thankfully, not been the case with Outlander! I know we are only 7 chapters in but I am pretty enthralled at this point and I am DEFINITELY invested in the relationships currently growing.

2. Claire’s husband, Frank, is fascinated with learning more and more facts about his family tree, which extends back pretty far. Do you or anyone in your family keep a family tree? How many years/generations back does it go? If not, have you ever considered or attempted to create one?

I have actually recently started taking advantage of the ancestry software available at my public library. I recently got stuck a few generations back on a woman named “Sarah” on my dad’s side. From what I understand, I have Native American roots and Sarah was a common name given to women who carried somewhat “different” names and backgrounds. I am so intrigued now to find out who this “Sarah” is in my family and am currently waiting for some records to be sent to me from Pennsylvania so I can continue on with my search!

3. How did you find Claire’s initial conclusion as to her surroundings after waking up from going through the stones? Did you think that was a reasonable conclusion?

I honestly don’t think it is something that would have crossed my mind. She seemed a little flustered and then was like “Well they suddenly started to film a movie at the exact spot where I am standing!” I can appreciate her trying to rationalize and thought her to be very intelligent but it is definitely not something that I would have thought up!

4. How about her composed, rational way of dealing with the fact she’s traveled back in time. Did you find it believable? Do you think you would have acted the same way?

As I was finishing up the chapters from this week I was thinking that I would like to think that if I was thrown into the same situation I would handle it with the same grace and intelligence that Claire is using. However, I don’t know if that is how things would really go, as I have to assume there would be a slight freak out sesh commencing upon seeing kilted men barreling toward me. I am a pretty tough gal and I know I would be a tad distracted by the red-haired, accented, kilted man but I also know that I would need a few moments to rock/cry in the corner.

5. At this point in the story, what are your feelings or expectations on Claire and Jamie? Is Frank still a factor for you?

Honestly I might be a terrible person but Frank really isn’t a factor for me at this point. He definitely seems like he isn’t enough for Claire in many ways and though I know my friends don’t always enjoy listening to my prattle about different literature/Shakespearean plays, they at least try to listen. It seems like when Frank speaks Claire is all “oh he is being an intellectual again, how tedious,” and then she just stops listening. She needs someone who excites her and I just don’t think he is the guy. I have HIGH expectations for her and Jamie though!

Bonus Question: Frank encounters a man outside of the inn where he and Claire are staying. He is afraid it might have been a ghost. What do you believe it was? Do you have any predictions or suspicions on what that was about?

This one is a toughie and I find it fascinating. Could it be Jamie, traveling to the future? The rogue, Jonathan Randall? Or perhaps someone from Claire’s time who knows a bit about what is to come. I am very excited to find out!

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!

Recommend A...

"Recommend A..." is a weekly meme, posted every Monday, hosted over on Chick Loves Lit. It's a quick, fun and unique way to recommend a book that you love!

Recommend A...Book That Made You Emotional!!

My choice for this week is A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

This book made me feel feelings. I had a few moments of ugly crying but it was also so refreshing that I was left feeling both empty and so filled with emotions that it's hard to even describe. I reviewed it on the blog a few months back and it comes highly recommended!

Recommend A...

"Recommend A..." is a weekly meme, posted every Monday, hosted over on Chick Loves Lit. It's a quick, fun and unique way to recommend a book that you love!

Recommend A...Trilogy!

I won't lie, I almost went with The Sevenwaters trilogy by Juliet Marillier but technically she continued the series with another trilogy so then it got a little confusing. Instead, I am going to go with...

The Wintercraft Trilogy by Jenna Burtenshaw

I picked up book one, Wintercraft: Shadowcry on a whim about a month ago and I absolutely adored it. I quickly devoured both Wintercraft: Blackwatch and Wintercraft: Legacy immediately after and although this particular series has ended, Jenna Burtenshaw completed the last book in a way that alludes that there may be more stories involving Kate, Silas and Edgar and let me tell you, I will be at the front of the line if that is the case! If you enjoy fantasy, I suggest you give these books a chance! 

Book Expo America Recap

I have struggled for a few days now on how to begin this post because there are so many thoughts jumbled into my head that I can barely keep them straight! Let me start by saying that Book Expo America was an overall amazing experience and I am thrilled that I was able to attend this year.


So here it is, BEA for me, in a nutshell:

Now we are REAL LIFE FRIENDS!

The Bloggers: I was aware that this was a type of networking event and being that I am still an extremely new blogger I was excited to take the opportunity to meet as many blog friends as I could. Looking back now it seems so silly that I was more anxious to meet my fellow bloggers than I was to meet some of my favorite authors! I met some absolutely LOVELY ladies whose reviews & opinions I really value and I came home feeling better knowing I can put a face to some names. I do have to fangirl for a quick sec and just mention that on day 3 I was lucky enough to meet both Ana and Thea from The Book Smugglers. Their blog is one of the only blogs I read before I started blogging, they were part of the reason I got into blogging in the first place and I may have fangirled over Ana a tiny bit – sorry lady, you’re both just as awesome in person as I had hoped! Finally, I might get a bit sappy here and say that one of the major highlights of my entire trip was meeting Heidi at Bunbury in the Stacks. Heidi and I had multiple classes together while in graduate school but as it was all online we had never met in person! We knew we were book soulmates for a while but once we met it was like we had known each other for years and I am grateful to call her a real life dear friend of mine at last!

Erin Morgenstern!

The Authors: I’ll be honest; I was extremely overwhelmed when I thought about how I would be meeting authors who I have loved for years. I was so surprised and elated to see how genuine and thrilled they seemed to meet me too! We stood in line for Daniel Handler, who I have loved for many years now and he chatted with me for a few minutes and told me he married a girl from CT and that he might have to stop by my library to see the new expansion! I DIED! I love you Lemony! We waited in line to meet Melissa Marr and to obtain a signed copy of her new book, Carnival of Souls and as people walked by they were appalled at how long the line was but you know what? It was so worth it. Melissa Marr was so gracious SHE thanked US for waiting AND then SHE HUGGED ME! It was so nice it nearly killed me. The third author highlight for me was definitely Erin Morgenstern. Erin was giving away and signing paperback copies of her 2011 debut novel, The Night Circus. Those of you who follow my blog know how much I adore this novel AND Erin so it was no question that I would be standing in line to meet her. She was courteous enough to get a picture with me and I tried not to pass out. There were of course many other great authors that we met. Jackson Pearce kept apologizing for making us wait in her line and I had to reassure her that it was my pleasure and I really couldn’t wait to read her book! Even Sarah Maas was apologetic and so kind that she told me how overwhelming it was to be there and she kept assuming no one would show up. Let me tell you something, Sarah, after leaving your line I had QUITE a few people eyeing my book and insisting I tell them WHERE I obtained it. Needless to say this was one I kept in the backpack lest some biting blogger steal it from my suitcase downstairs.


The Books: Ahh, the books. How can I try to explain just how amazing BEA was without focusing on the books? The books fall into a few categories. Some that I set out to obtain knowing that I would love them, and some that I had never heard of but now am elated to read because oh my god they sound awesome.


Obviously my signed copies are a majority of those I set out to obtain:

Signed copies!

Then there are some I had never heard of but sound extremely amazing, to name a few:

Seed by Ania Ahlborn

Summer and Bird by Katherine Catmull

Iron Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill

Overall the “book” part of the BEA was a HUGE success and really I’m not disappointed at all. Okay, I have to mention this because I obsessed over it during BEA and I am pretty sure Heidi will call me out if I don’t, I WAS disappointed I didn’t obtain a copy of In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz. So, if you are reading this and you obtained a copy I would love you forever if you let me borrow and read it once you’re finished (I’m lookin’ at YOU, Amy!) That being said if any of you see something I managed to grab that you want to read just let me know!


BEA was a complete success for me, it was everything I had hoped it would be. The 4am wake up, train rides, bus rides, and extremely scary taxi rides were all part of the NYC charm. Next year my aunt (who I thought I had dragged along but really ended up more excited and with more books than I did) and I decided we might do one day next year and include one of the author breakfasts. I heard Stephen Colbert was hilarious as always and Lois Lowry made people cry. Additionally, I want to add in some of the lectures next year because I think they would be beneficial, this year I had too much fangirling going on to make any of the lectures so that is one thing I have to make time for!

My final book pile and some very nosy cats!

Farewell, BEA, until next year!

Recommend A...

"Recommend A..." is a weekly meme, posted every Monday, hosted over on Chick Loves Lit. It's a quick, fun and unique way to recommend a book that you love!

Recommend A...Book With a Bad Boy!!

Ooohh boy was I so excited for this one!!! Here's a secret, bad boys are only my most FAVORITE male lead! Especially the brooding, "I'm no good for you" kind! Oh yes! I could really go on and on with this list* but I am going to stick to just one and I really can't wait to read about the bad boys everyone else is choosing!


My choice is...Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and more specifically, Mr. Darcy from P&P. Classic, I KNOW.


Now, some of you may be wondering why I chose Mr. Darcy when the world has been introduced to Akiva, Silas Dane and a revamped Romeo Montague recently. It's simple, really. He's classy and he won my heart from a brooding Mr. Heathcliff back in sophomore year of high school. Sorry, Heath, it's the moors, I am far to sickly to be chasing you around those. ANYwho, what's not to love? He's brooding, arrogant and kinda cocky for a gentleman. Yet he is also smart, and so emotionally detached that it just makes me want to laugh and then kiss his face to make him finally relax a little! Overall, totes swoonworthy and he doesn't even have to drag me to Hell or turn me into a victim of stockholm syndrome.


Now, dear readers, I leave you with this:

*No seriously I sat here for a ridiculous amount of time trying to decide on just one and I changed my mind probably four times before finally posting.

On The Day I Died

Salute Your Shorts is a meme featured over at Bunbury in the Stacks highlighting and reviewing short stories and novellas.

On The Day I Died

Candace Fleming

July 10, 2012

The phenomenally versatile, award-winning author, Candace Fleming, gives teen and older tween readers ten ghost stories sure to send chills up their spines. Set in White Cemetery, an actual graveyard outside Chicago, each story takes place during a different time period from the 1860's to the present, and ends with the narrator's death. Some teens die heroically, others ironically, but all due to supernatural causes. Readers will meet walking corpses and witness demonic posession, all against the backdrop of Chicago's rich history—the Great Depression, the World's Fair, Al Capone and his fellow gangsters.

I am not a huge fan of short stories but I am definitely a huge fan of GHOST STORIES! I was so excited to receive this advance copy from Netgalley because it looked and sounded extremely creepy and I was not disappointed!

The story opens with a boy named Mike who is racing to get home by curfew. As he is coming to the bridge he sees a mysterious looking girl standing in the middle of the road (sound familiar, anyone?) he becomes intrigued and decides to give her a ride home. Suddenly, she disappears, leaving nothing behind but her shoes. Being that she has just told him exactly where she lives he decides to drive her shoes home to make sure she got in okay. An old woman opens the girl’s front door and explains to Mike that her daughter has been dead for almost fifty years and every year on the anniversary of her death she obtains a ride from someone driving over the bridge and requests that her shoes be placed on her grave in White Cemetary, a cemetery dedicated solely to teens who have died before their time. Mike ventures to the cemetery and finds the girl, along with many others who wish to tell their tale. Each story is intriguing and many are oozing with supernatural elements that really raise the hair on the back of your neck.

At the end of the book, the author provides some background evidence for each story and the real life inspirations for the characters and their untimely deaths. Though this book was showcased as a middle grade novel and I can’t say that I was ever actually scared while reading it, I was definitely freaked out in the best possible way. The author caters to different needs for the reader. For example, some readers will appreciate the “back from the dead” stereotype where I ADORED Scott’s story. His story was set in a mental hospital and I am slightly obsessed with anything supernatural relating to mental asylums. For some reason it just creeps me out in this magnificent way that has me craving more. Another fun story was based on the legendary “Monkey’s Paw.” There are few people who haven’t heard one version of this fable (or who haven’t seen The Simpsons Halloween Special) and Candace Fleming provided a really interesting new twist. When explaining where she obtained her inspiration she stated that she always wondered what happened to the monkey’s paw at the end of the story and she always imagined it ended up in a garage sale somewhere, which is exactly where her story picks up.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, the stories were just the right amount of creepy to keep me wanting more and I think that any lover of ghost stories will appreciate the different worlds that Candace Fleming creates.

Recommend A...

"Recommend A..." is a weekly meme, posted every Monday, hosted over on Chick Loves Lit. It's a quick, fun and unique way to recommend a book that you love!

Recommend A..book with a green cover!

Hearts Blood

By Juliet Marillier

Whistling Tor is a place of secrets, a mysterious, wooded hill housing the crumbling fortress of a chieftain whose name is spoken throughout the district in tones of revulsion and bitterness. A curse lies over Anluan's family and his people; those woods hold a perilous force whose every whisper threatens doom.

For young scribe Caitrin it is a safe haven. This place where nobody else is prepared to go seems exactly what she needs, for Caitrin is fleeing her own demons. As Caitlin comes to know Anluan and his home in more depth she realizes that it is only through her love and determination that the curse can be broken and Anluan and his people set free.

Love, love LOVE Juliet Marillier and as I was perusing through Goodreads I realized that I really haven't read that many books with a green cover and this was one of the few so obviously I jumped right on it! If you haven't read Marillier, go read something by her now. You're welcome.