Outlander Series discussion

I was just wondering if there were any men reading this series... and I wonder if they like as much as us women do. My boyfriend would NEVER read the book himself, but he loves to listen to the audiobooks when we are on a long trip in the car... and I sometimes get to read my favorite novels to him... I read Bronze Horseman to him and he loved it. He liked Outlander way better tho, because there was more action scenes. Anyways, just wanted to know if men were reading these books or if the women recommend the books to their male significant others.

I love the idea of a man reading this series, and do know of 2 at my work who have.

I took my son to the dr this weekend, and there was a copy of DFIA sitting on a chair. My son, of course said "look mommy, you book!"... the guy walking back from the counter picked it up and said, "great books, huh?". We then had a 10 minute conversation about it. I have to admit, it WAS a bit weird to see a man reading it and discussing it. I honestly don't know why, since I can see how they woudl appeal to men as well....

Eva wrote: "I love the idea of a man reading this series, and do know of 2 at my work who have.

I took my son to the dr this weekend, and there was a copy of DFIA sitting on a chair. My son, of course said ..."

When I went to the DG book signing, and reading in October... I saw Tons of guys. I was a little surprised. But there they were, books in tow for signatures. Granted, some were with there wives, but several were there for themselves. I thought it was awesome.

My Dad reads the series. He actually suggested it to me, many, many, moons ago.

We even have discussions about the books whenever we're together.

He loves the history and war stuff, I love Jamie and Jamie's sex scenes and Jamie's sex talk.

Heather wrote: "My Dad reads the series. He actually suggested it to me, many, many, moons ago.

We even have discussions about the books whenever we're together.

He loves the history and war stuff, I love Ja..."

LOL Heather! mmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... Jamiiieeee....
I love everything about him. Even his stubborn, irrational side. When it comes to these books, I really do have trouble differentiating between reality and fiction. And I like it that way!!!

My 34 yr old married father of 4 brother loves them. He had read The Time Traveler's Wife and was looking for more time travel books so my mom & I told him to try Outlander & the rest is history. I'm telling you right now, the men may say they like it for the history, but I know my brother has a mancrush on Jamie. :)

Can someone please enlighten my DFIA?

Dragonfly in Amber

Laura wrote: "Dragonfly in Amber"

LOL, I thought that was DIA...oops & thanks!

It's both. :)

My husband won't read it. But he has endured, what I am sure adds up to several hours of emotional tirade, and obsessive analyzing in regards to these books. He admits, its an awesome story.

Husband would not read but I have chuckled and shared with him a gruesome scene or two. I feel the same as Eva, and somewhat surprised at myself. As it would seem unusual to me to know a guy reads this series.

As i have said on other posts there is nae way in hig hell wid my Steve read any of theses books but he has been known to listen to the audio books with me.

I was so absorbed in the first book that my husband decided to see what the fuss was all about.. He's about 30% into Outlander...he's really enjoying it so far!

I love reading buddies!

:)

My husband is listening to outlander while driving for work. At first i did not like it but now i enjoy talking to him about Jamie and Claire...

Kelleigh & Leea, What do they think so far? -- I don't know if they'd fall in love with Claire like we all do head over heels with Jamie -- Just curious.

My hubby has read the series and his favorite character is Bree. I thought for sure it would be Claire and although he likes her, he says that Bree interests him more.

My Husband, Scot has read the series more than twice. He's from Scotland and thinks that DG's writing is very good. He reads lots of historical novels - Edward Rutherford, etc., but I've never known him to re-read something like this until now. If men could just get past all the 'Jamie swooning' that most of the women seem to do, then they would probably find they like the books. I think women going into 'Jamie mode' can be off-putting to the male gender. What do you think? Samantha

I think that is possible but if given the book and all they were told is that it is a book about time travel, Scotland, the Culloden war, American Revolution and well yeah, there is a love story mixed in with it. I think they would be a lot more tempted to read the series.

I agree Beth. Unfortunately what many (and dare I say, most) partners hear from their female half is, Jamie, Jamie, Jamie :)
We get a good few men on our tours who have read two or more of the books. It's really refreshing to hear how the other half view the story and what they like / don't like. But I know that they often start out hearing 'the J. word' as well. It wouldn't hurt the series to put in a more alluring female character for the guys. I thought Brianna would fill that role; tall, attractive read head, who can shoot the meal and cook it... but I don't see many guys falling for her. I think she was probably married off too quickly and hey, how many guys could compete with Roger anyway.
Cheers, Sam

I gave my girlfriend Outlander to read, and her husband started reading ti too, so she had to download one on her Kindle so they could read it at the same time!
As a sidenote to Samantha's comment about good guys competing with Roger, I personally don't care for Roger. I don't know why, really. Just something about him. lol

Hi LO,
That's so cute - reading together. Yes, regarding Roger - it's all a matter of personal taste. But still, my real point is, don't you think there really isn't anyone in the series 'for the guys'? Or perhaps lots of guys are attracted to Claire, but I've not heard anyone come forward yet. Men are supposed to be more visual anyway yes/no? So perhaps the female characters, no matter how well described or how sensuous would never make most men swoon. Then again, men may be cautious about making too much of a female character if they are married or attached.
Sam

So true Sam, in that if the men started swooning over Claire, suddenly the women in their lives would be freaking out with comparisons, lol. Now, I think some guys would like Lord Grey, just saying. But guys are really more visual. I bet if the books came in in cartoon versions, there would be more swooning.

i know what you mean, it's like our own private thing... and when someone wants to share... you wonder why - but if he seeks to get close to you (your husband) through this and is trying to understand their POV I say bravo. my husband wouldn't dream of trying. jamie is the best kind of romantic - he wants to know what she wants because he knows that she shares the same kind of concern of him - and together if they always keep that in mind, they will be happy

Wan wrote: "Kelleigh & Leea, What do they think so far? -- I don't know if they'd fall in love with Claire like we all do head over heels with Jamie -- Just curious."

My husband LOVES it so far... He's about to start the second one. I'm really glad he's getting into it! Gives me someone to talk about Jamie & Claire!

:)

There is a man that comes into the store where I work that has read all of the books and recommends them to all of his friends. He has also met Diana. I think he first got into them because he is Scottish and also a stage actor, but we have had discussions about how Jamie and Claire's love story is a very real love...not the cheesy romance novel kind. I think that is the only man I have found that is like that though. I also told my brother-in-law about them because he is into sci-fi and historical stuff and he wants to read Outlander...but I am kind of scared for him to read them because I don't want him to be totally disappointed and wonder what in the hell was I thinking recommending these books to a man:) I guess it would be worth it if he liked them though, eh?

Kelleigh wrote: "Wan wrote: "Kelleigh & Leea, What do they think so far? -- I don't know if they'd fall in love with Claire like we all do head over heels with Jamie -- Just curious."

My husband LOVES it so far...."

That is so sweet. Keep us update with what he thinks. Love to hear it.

I have read the entire series and love it as much as any female fan. Anxiously awaiting the next book in 2014. In the meantime... a second read of course!

So awesome!

I know a few men who read the series and thoroughly enjoyed it. especially the audio on long trips. So glad you did too David :)

That is awesome David!

I have read all the books 3 times and have had them read to me by the incomparable Davina Porter 4 times. They are my favorite books of all times.
I have a degree in Literature, am a photographer by trade and have been married for 35 years. I add that because I think The Outlander series are often mistakenly tagged as "women's Books or romances". They are so very much more. I also read the historicals of Bernard Cornwell ( who loves Ms Gabladon's books and vice versa). Good writing is good writing. Genre is stupid. The Outlander books are suberb on every level. Character story feeling, style, historical accuracy. all of it.
The biggest reason I love the books is because Claire and Jamie work , work so very hard at their relationship because at the core they know their love of each other is infinite all consuming and the very definition of who they are. BTW - every member of my family has read these books multiple times
DJ

My husband enjoyed the books very much, and we'd have discussions about what the characters did and said and what we thought about it. I read them aloud to him when we were on the road, mostly. And I told my husband (honestly) that Jamie reminded me so much of HIM! Not in looks, but in his reasoning and reactions, his protective nature, etc. When I returned home from the hospital after Larry died and saw the bookmark only halfway through The Fiery Cross (book 5), it made me mad. "He can't be gone; we didn't finish the stories!" Strange reaction, I know.

Last January, though, I loaned a copy of Outlander to a friend in town, a local guy who had done some work on our house. He quickly plowed through the entire series! I think it's a great recommendation for anyone who appreciates a fantastic story, meticulous research, an intelligent author, and excellent writing.

Jesse wrote: "My husband enjoyed the books very much, and we'd have discussions about what the characters did and said and what we thought about it. I read them aloud to him when we were on the road, mostly. A..."

Wow, Jesse, That is so sad about the book mark. I am sorry for your loss. Great that you got someone else reading the series! I loaned my copy out to a guy I work with and he loved it and read on with the series. I now own a "loaner" copy of this book because I give it out so often.

I have read and had read to me the series - all the books even the lord john ones with Jamie and the short stories - seven times. They are my favorite books of all time. claire is my favorite character of all times. I understand why more women than men read them, Marketed as they often are the truth is they are not traditional romance. nor are they sf or fantady or historical. they are just GOOD ! no great literature.

I am a 34 year old man. I own and operate concrete business. I work alone a lot so I listen to audio books while I work. I was dooped into buying Outlander when I was looking for a time travel book. I soon realized after a couple steamy parts that this was a woman's novel. I am now at chapter 40 and have to find out what happens next. The story is great. I could do without all the moo-shy stuff but I admit it made me a bit more romantic with my girlfriend when I get home.

I bet she really appreciated it! She'll be finding you all sorts of romantic books to read. :)

I had my husband (also Fred) read Outlander so he would understand what I like (in a book, fantasy, romance etc.) He liked the story because it is really so much more than romance. It was nice discussing it with him too :)

My husband liked it. But he's not a reader. So he's half done the second book and probably won't even touch it until we're camping this coming summer.

My fiance started it but found it got bogged down in too much detail about herb gardens! He has watched the tv series, though, and is enjoying that. I guess I'll have to take my victories where I can! ;)

I haven't read the books but have seen the series so far on television, and think it's excellent. Here's a link to one of my reviews http://paullevinson.blogspot.com/2014...

I gifted Outlander to my Dad last year for his birthday. My Dad is an avid reader and I thought he might enjoy the series...aaaaand...HE DID. He has read the whole series twice now and about to go for a third run, while I have not completed the series one time yet (currently on book 6)! So, I would say alot of men would enjoy it if they gave it a chance!

Pinkeye wrote: "I gifted Outlander to my Dad last year for his birthday. My Dad is an avid reader and I thought he might enjoy the series...aaaaand...HE DID. He has read the whole series twice now and about to g..."

I agree, I read a soldier letter to DG saying how much his company in Iraq liked her books, so I'm sure they appeal to both sexes, it's just that more women found them 1st.

i find the idea that the Outlander books are for women grossly uninformed. i have read all the books dozen of times each. i bought them bexause my wife said u will live the history and there is a good authentic feeling love story. i find Claire to be a wonderful character an the type of woman i have always been attracted to and i fact married. Jamie is no more a flawless hero than i am and i am not threatened by him or the fact that women find him attractuve. ... my wife prefers Roger to Jamie.

My 88 year old, former English teacher, husband is reading the series for the 2'd time. He is forever praising the descriptive language, and vivid characters.

I think Dale is correct. There is something for everyone in these books. I wish I could get my husband to read them. He does watch the series with me, and complains, but I think he protests too much. He hasn't left the room or fallen asleep once! I find the way the history is presented fascinating. I am now reading BOSSA and never thought I'd get thrilled about listening to "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" but whoops there it is!

I have a friend reading the series and he has really enjoyed it. Describing his reaction to me, he has praised Gabaldon's writing. I also asked him whether Claire would be his kind of woman to which he answered in the affirmative. It has been interesting discussing the books with himm. I have been hoping that he will get his wife reading the series also, but no such luck yet.

I read Outlander last year before the television show and enjoyed it.
I have the next four books and plan to read book 2 before the show premieres next year.

My husband is watching the show with me and now reading the second book. He's not a reader so that says a lot.

Wish my husband would try to read the books. He does watch the show, so there is that. I keep telling him the actual books contain so much more, but he doesn't seem to believe me. He thinks I'm just hot for Sam. The actor is great, but I have been in love with the book Jamie for almost 20 years.