Outlander Read-a-long
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!
