Tuesday, December 23, 2008

2009 Outlander Reading Challenge



Being a relatively new blogger, this is another first for me...a reading challenge! I know they are going on everywhere, but have restrained myself simply because of the volume of books on my shelf that I want to read. However, I stumbled across this one and the premise of the book series intrigued me. The rules of the challenge (see them here) allow audio tape, so that gives me a half a chance to accomplish my goal!

The challenge revolves around the Outlander Series, written by Diana Gabaldon. The specific books are:
  • Outlander
  • Dragonfly in Amber
  • Voyager
  • Drums of Autumn
  • The Fiery Cross
  • A Breath of Snow and Ashes

There is a seventh book in the series coming out in the fall of 2009, which prompted the challenge to re-read and prepare for its launch. Based on what I have read, the premise of the books is this: A WWII combat nurse vacations in Scotland with her husband and accidently launches herself back to the 1700's. Circumstances throw her in the path of a gallant young soldier, Jamie (quite the dude I'm told), and their love affair becomes the centerpiece of the series, which delves into Scottish history (where my ancestors are from). I expect I will learn something, as one does from historical novels. I also expect to be entertained by love, tragedy, scandal and the fantasy of time travel.

However, here is the kicker, friends. I checked my library to see if they carry the series on audio tape, and they do. I also did a little math, and in sum, there are 228 discs in the series. Gulp. And I was intimidated by "World Without End" that had 36 discs? Holy moly. Good thing I have six or seven months to accomplish this one...

9 comments:

Kathie Smith said...

Okay, I'm pretty sure it is safe to say that your reading obsession is nearly as bad as my movie obsession!

Beth F said...

Davina Porter is absolutely fabulous reading the UNabridged audio of these books. You won't be able to take the earbuds out of your ears. Enjoy the journey!!

Sandy Nawrot said...

Kath, well I am feeling pretty good about myself if I am getting near your movie obsession. I will save my final verdict when I finish all 228 discs...

Thanks Beth, I did see some good comments about the narrator. That can certainly make or break an audio. But if my husband and kids have to forage for food and have no clean clothes, this challenge will be to blame!

Michele said...

Is it really 228 discs? Holy cow! I've been putting them on my iPod and they are over 40 hrs of audio for each book unabridged. Crazy. But I'm so glad you joined the challenge!

I figure we'll all be divorced by the time it's over, ha ha ha.

Sandy Nawrot said...

I just ordered the first book (Outlander) from the library. It actually comes in two parts. I am trying to squeeze in as many audio books as possible before it gets delivered!

The Bumbles said...

Saw your post at Beth Fish's about Suite Francais - are you enjoying it? I bought it for my mother last year and haven't gotten around to borrowing it for myself yet. I just started Edgar Sawtelle so I think I will be happy with it for a while. I am planning to read Outlander this coming year - just heard about it recently. I didn't know it was a whole series.

Sandy Nawrot said...

Molly/Andy - Thanks so much for stopping by! I am just about halfway through Suite Francaise and I am absolutely engrossed. What haunts me is the knowledge that the author, while writing, was experiencing similar events herself. I wish I could lock myself in the closet and finish it, but my kids are out of school and my life is chaotic!

I am slightly intimidated by the Outlander Challenge, but excited as well. I feel like I am preparing to go on a long journey! The audio book hasn't arrived yet from the library, but I should receive it soon, and once I get it loaded on my iPod (will probably take a few days) I am off!

Melissa said...

This is my favorite series of books! I can't even tell you how many times I've read Outlander.

Davina Porter is a wonderful narrator. I hope you love them!

Sandy Nawrot said...

Jeez, I think maybe I am the only one on this earth that hasn't read or even heard of this series! I need to get in the game here! Thanks for that Melissa...it just confirms that this is the right challenge to join and a good New Year's goal!