Great Reads

Looking for some high quality escapism? Try a proven favorite!

When I posted this in 2007 I thought it was the end of the series but OH,JOY a new book arrives in November. My girlfriend in Maryland and I use to joke that the Jamie and Claire books were like chocolate. Once you start on them you can't quit and then there you are with two years in between and no way to get your Jamie-fix. Here's your Summer Jamie Fix.


(I know, these were taken from a movie where he dies after making love... get into the spirit here!)

After I'd read the Outlander books (the second time) I discovered the Recorded Books versions, all unabridged, and began listening to them in my car, the kitchen, the bathroom, frankly, anywhere I was awake. (If you've read this series, you know what I'm talking about.)

I'll list them in case you are among the few living off planet that aren't familiar with them - Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, Drums of Autumn, Fiery Cross, and Breathe of Snow and Ashes.

Recorded Books has wonderfully talented narrators who bring something special to the books. Davina Porter is without a doubt the Best. Here is a link to listen to a reading of hers from Fiery Cross. http://www.recordedbooks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=rb.show_narr&narr_id=2364 This may just take you to the Recorded Books site, then click on narrator listing, her name and choose Fiery Cross.

In Dragonfly in Amber - in one scene alone - she reads the part of a Scottish man, a young French man, an English woman, a Scottish girl, a rowdy Scot and an old Scottish man with few teeth. And she pulls it off brilliantly.

I began listening to the sixth book, Breath of Snow and Ashes a month or so ago since I know the seventh book is coming out soon. These books are timeless, each one hooking you into the next. Caution: Don't begin this series unless you're prepared to get hooked. The books are huge, but you'll wish they were longer when you're close to the end of each one. Then you'll scramble to find the next one.

Recorded Books also has an unlimited monthly book rental sorta like Netflix, so there's no excuse for not having read the series. Most larger libraries carry the unabridged version as well.

Please do not waste your time on the unabridged. That's like sitting through the Reader's Digest version of Gone with the Wind. Pullleeeeze.