How’s your weekend going? Jon’s been out of town since Friday, and I’ve been attacked by some kind of seasonal allergy attack that’s turned me into a sneezing, watery-eyed, raspy-throated mess over the last couple of days. I’ve taken the opportunity to crawl into bed for hours on end and get completely immersed in Drums of Autumn, the fourth novel in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.
I admit that I had more or less written the series off after getting through the first one and declaring it “torture porn,” but a year or two went by and I began to get curious about the rest of Claire’s and Jamie’s story, so I dove back in over the winter. Whether I’m just more intrigued by the plot line in this one or am mentally in a place where it’s appealing to me more, I think the fourth book is the best yet, and I’m pretty much devouring it. Have you read any of the series? What did you think?
Since I’ve been living inside a novel all weekend, I’ve got just a few blog reads for you today, quickly written up as I’m sitting at Panera enjoying an iced tea with my son Isaac. Forgive any typos; there’s half a chocolate-chip muffie waiting for me when I’m done.
- Walking as a retreat for the busy mom – Katie Clemons for SimpleMom. Loved reading this essay about the therapeutic nature of long walks. I think I need to start looking outside my usual route and see what I can discover by just walking.
- It’s about time – Steph at Adventures in Babywearing. If your kids are moving past the baby-and-toddler stage, I’m guessing you can relate to this. How do you find “your people” when you’re past the playdate stage?
- 3 golden rules of decorating and living well that I’m learning to live by – Amy at Frugal Mama. I love reading about Amy’s journey to decorating her new home, and especially the “rules” she’s following as she goes.
Enjoy! I’ll see you for Mindful Monday – don’t forget, I’ll be doing a linkup, so if you want to join in write your post whenever you get a chance, then stop by tomorrow to leave your link!
I love your suggestions every week. I dont get around to reading nearly as much I want. And thank you for including my post! It felt good to get that out.
Steph
Loved Steph’s post, so true.
I love your Sunday reads posts. I always find such interesting things here! Particularly related to Steph’s post, as my own children are getting older and I totally get the sense of needing to search, again for my community, my people, my place. xox
That is my favorite book series, probably of all time! I have reread all the books at least twice, and am eagerly awaiting the next installment! (You should also pick up The Scottish Prisoner, which is about Lord John and Jamie’s time at Ardsmuir and Helwater. Chronologically it falls before Voyager, but just came out last fall).
Perservere, my friend! You won’t be sorry!! The series is just starting to get interesting in Drums of Autumn. (There are some moments in a Breath of Snow and Ashes that are a little tough to handle, but just push through).
I haven’t read the series but thank you for the suggestion! I’ll add it to my list ?
Hi Meagan,
Aside from the allergy part, your Sunday sounds so restful. Thank your for expanding me a little more by sharing this great reads. Stephanie’s post was so important. I’m sure a lot of people can identify.
I’m up early before anyone else. It feels a luxury to extend the quiet a bit before the hustle-bustle of Monday.
Take care,
Amy
Keep going with the Outlander series! They are the best books I’ve ever read(and I read a LOT), and I’ve reread them countless times. To be fair, they do defy description (romance/history/time travel/thriller?) but they are so well written and researched, its worth every minute of your time. And as Juliana says the story is just starting to really hot up in Drums of Autumn. By the time you get to the end of Echo in the Bone, you’ll be desperate for the next instalment! (hopefully being published later this year but I have to wait longer because I’m in the UK
)
I had the same reaction to the Outlander series and had even read a good portion of the 2nd one. I put it down, but recently was curious about it again, too! Soooo, I may be picking the series back up.
Love those Outlander books! I’ve read them all.
I read Outlander a year or two ago, remembering a time when my mom had been consumed by the series and recalling that some friends I taught with years ago were equally obsessed. I was intrigued by the time travel concept, but was just iffy on the first book. Your phrase “torture porn” sums it up nicely! I did buy all the ebooks in the series because they were on special at the time. I’ll have to return to the series and see what happens — especially after reading all the raves in the comments.
Thanks for all the links to great posts. Hope your allergies are clearing up and that your week is off to a great start!
Absolutely my favorite series of all time. I love Claire & Jamie as they are older (the second book on…). I love the depth of their relationship.
It’s just good old, loose yourself in 1000 pages, reading.
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