A Cup of Coffee and A Really Good Book

As the cold weather starts coming, there is one thing that I know I will look forward to beyond cute new boots, Pumpkin Spice everything and the approaching holiday season; curling up with a good book, a cup of coffee and blanket and getting lost in the story.  Now, that sounds totally dreamy.  But if you want the real picture: Colin’s favorite V-Tech cars are all chattering in unison while he crashes them, I’m in ratty jammies, my hair in what my husband refers to as “sumo” style, my blanket is speckled with dog hair, my mug has a manufacture date of 1980 (and is by far my favorite Christmas mug of all time), the coffee is NOT Starbucks :), and my “book” is on my Kindle Fire.  Nonetheless, BLISS.  There is just something special about the escape you get within the pages, without having to leave what is real.

From a very young age, my parents nurtured our love of reading.  We had quite a collection in each of our rooms, as well as in the playroom. I was definitely the girl, even through high school, that stayed up WAY too late reading. 

So I knew when I was expecting Colin that I wanted books to be an important part of his childhood.  Even as my mother and sisters planned my baby shower, I requested that books be made a part of it.  As is becoming more and more common, the invitations suggested that the guests arrive with a children’s book in lieu of a card.  Seems like such a little thing, but we ended up with a great start to his amazing collection (as well as sweet personalized book plates to label each one). 

I started reading to him when he was teeny and we have developed a routine each evening that includes at least three stories.  He certainly has his favorites, but what’s unbelievable to me is I can see him learning each time, despite the fact that he doesn’t read them himself.  Words, letters, pictures; he can identify them all.  And he truly enjoys it.  When we changed my home office into his playroom (as need required after back-to-back first birthday and Christmas), I had to find a bin large enough to house the books that he wanted to look at regularly.  Love that my boy enjoys books as much as I do!

“Your face is my heart Sassenach, and the love of you is my soul.”
― Diana Gabaldon, Drums of Autumn

And now that you know my love for books in general, please allow me to acquaint you with the best series of books that I’ve ever read.  Hands down.  {Let me interject here that I loved the Harry Potter series, read the Hunger Games, Sookie Stackhouse, Twilight and Divergent series and NONE of them compare.}  In 2006, my family gathered at a cabin in Blue Ridge, Georgia to celebrate our second Christmas.  Upon hearing reviews of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon from a co-worker, my mom thought it sounded like something I might be interested in and gifted it to me.  Now, I’ve always been an avid reader and am a completely hopeless romantic, but this book exceeded my every expectation.  That said, when I read the back cover, the theme seemed a bit far-fetched, even to me.  I started reading between board games and karaoke and on the second day found myself having trouble stopping.  The entire rest of our trip was spent stealing moments and getting yelled at to “put the book away, Kate!”  I was irrevocably hooked and finished the entire book that weekend. 

The story begins in 1945 and centers on the resilient female hero and Army nurse, Claire Randall.  As the war ends, she and her new husband are in Scotland on a repeat honeymoon, as the war has kept them apart since their wedding.  Around 65 pages in, Claire is accidentally transported through time.  COME BACK!!  See, this is the point where lots of people lose interest.  Seriously, I have recommended this series to numerous friends and family members.  Some have become equally addicted, but the select few that have not, seem to get stuck at this point (I’m talking to you Annie Dorsey and Virginia Davidson!).  I urge you, read on, you will not regret it.

So, the story continues in the Scottish highlands circa 1743.  The story follows Claire as she tries to figure out how exactly she arrived where and when she is.  She is taken in by the McKenzie clan and learns to live in this time, all the while plotting to get back to her husband in 1945.  Because she can’t explain how or where she came from, even her hosts are suspicious of her and therefore hold her there.  She does, however, find an ally in the McKenzie’s groom, Jamie.   Diana gifted the world when she wrote Jamie Fraser.  He is the ultimate male specimen; young, strong and prepossessing, educated, kilted, accented and passionate.  He may call her a derogatory term (Sassenach or Outlander), but I assure you; he does not mean it so.  It is meant as a fully endearing pet name.  One can hardly blame Claire for falling for him, especially given what they endure together.

Now, I am not a proponent for adultery, in fact quite the opposite.  But, I’m sure my brief synopsis leaves you wondering about Claire’s lovelorn husband in 1945.  Well, let me say, you will leave him by the wayside too, once you meet Jamie.  I say “meet” because this is one of those types of stories that draws you so far in, that you feel like you know the characters and can relate to them, fictional character or no.  But what is so beautiful about the series is the romance between Jamie and Claire (fair warning - in the bedroom and out).   I have yet to come across a love story such as theirs that has captivated me so entirely.  I mean “your face is my heart...?”  REALLY???? Not Edward and Bella, not Romeo and Juliet and certainly not the loathsome Ana and Christian.  Without giving the story away, they go through plenty of ups and downs, but manage to come through it all together.  The book flies though and keeps you involved to the end.  In fact, you will find yourself fumbling for the next in the series immediately.  There are eight in all (plus two companions with fun facts, as well as side stories about smaller characters), but there is talk of a ninth in the making!

If you find yourself with a book hangover:

Take comfort in the following few options:  There is now a television series based on the books and produced by Diana herself.  It does not keep exactly to every storyline, but is quite impressive.  Starz is well worth the extra money for the season, especially thanks to Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie.  It’s rather graphic in several ways, but enthralling!
There will be another book in the series.  And, if you search the internet, you will find PLENTY of Outlander-related merchandise that will make the time less painful.  I have accumulated a few items through the years and am not afraid to admit it.  You can, in fact purchase a replica of Claire’s wedding band (with the same engraving that Jamie had done).  Another gift on a cabin visit for me and one of my favorites!  My sisters know me well and have given me both personalized, signed book plates, as well as a shirt that labels me “Lady” of Jamie’s family’s estate.   You’re jealous!

Claire's ring

Lady Lallybroch

Or, if you’re extreme, these items are a small sampling of what else is out there!

All I can say is that if you enjoy reading and you are in need of a great book to lose yourself in, start with Outlander.  Read past the first hundred pages, and keep going!  You will thank me, I promise.  Every time my husband sees me with my Kindle, he asks if I’m reading about Jamie again.  Nearly every time, the answer is yes.  I would guess I’ve read all eight books at least three times.   I’m currently on book 3 and am just as lost in it as every other time.  It is gripping, whether you’ve read it before or not.  Do yourself a favor and grab a cozy blanket, a Starbucks and book 1.  You’re welcome.

Special thanks to Dawn and Mom for bringing Jamie into my world.  Thanks to Diana for every part of the series, especially Jamie.  And thanks to someecards.com for the hilarious and true reading anecdotes.