Echo In the Bone - continuation of the Outlander Series

Diana Gabaldon's 7th book in the series Outlander came out on 9/22/09 to much anticipation. I'm a rather new fan to the series having read all the books within the past 2 months, which actually worked to my benefit...I didn't have to wait 3 years between each book to find out "what happens next".

If you read Breath of Snow and Ashes then you'll know that Echo doesn't quite pick up in the place that you'd expect. Rather than start with a letter from Jamie and Claire as expected, you begin with a narration by William and his involvement with the British army against the Americans. There are over 800 pages in the book detailing the late 1700's - 1778 through various narrators, such as: William, Lord John Grey, Claire, Jamie, and of course Brianna, and Roger Mac (their time frame falls between late 1970's and early 1980's).

The ever so clever Gabaldon is able to keep you in suspense the entire book as she developed new and impossible circumstances for each and every character; with a few of these being real eyebrow raisers. You'll be wondering just what the heck is going to happen. And of course, that's where she leaves you at the end of book 7 - clueless. You'll be aching for book 8 in order to fill your need to know what is going to happen. Just about every main character has an unresolved problem...(I've left these issues rather vague in order to not spoil the story for those who will read it)

1. What will happen between Jamie and Claire now?
2. What will happen between Claire and Jenny?
3. What will happen with Fergus and his inheritance?
4. What will happen between Lord John and William?
5. What the heck happens to Roger & William Buccleigh Mackenzie?
6. How will Diana solve the issue with Brianna, Rob, and Jem?
7. What happens between Ian and Rachel?

Of course, Diana had to bring about the tears with a death of beloved character...and one of the most endearing moments on the novel - Jenny buying her baguette in French...it was so touching I had to read that part twice!

Another favorite moment of mine is when Claire catches Jamie praying "Lord let me be enough". It's not until later that Claire understands the prayer wasn't about the war, him as a soldier, etc. It's about her....his prayer is a request that he'll be enough for Claire as she leaves everything behind - her heart of full of grief, loss, and fear. I can say that it was hard for me to see this more mature relationship because I was so fond of the Claire and Jamie of Outlander, but now after reading Echo I understand that it was necessary in order to create the intensity and understanding they have now.

My vote - read the book! If you haven't read any of the Outlander series, start with the 1st book Outlander and make your way through the other 6 books. If you're smart pace it out so by the time you're done with Echo maybe book 8 will be coming out. As for me, I'm not stuck with everyone else, waiting.....

Books in my current lineup:
- Middlesex (halfway through so my post will be coming soon)
- Thorn Birds
- True Believers

Follow the Stars Home - L. Rice

Follow the Stars Home by Luanne Rice is about a woman torn between the life she has and the one that could have been. After learning her baby in utero will have issues, Dianne is abandoned by her husband and forced to raise her deformed daughter alone.

Most of the story is about Dianne's decisions, her life now, and where she's going to end up. It's not the best story I've ever read but it was endearing. You get your happy ending and surprisingly you even get to hear from Julia - the daughter in the epilogue. I think that in particular is the best treat of all. Her silence and random babbling through the book make you wonder...whats really going on with her. Other characters in the book tell you "when she says Gaaa...I think it means..." or "she just loves the beach"....you wonder, is this just a parent's wishful thinking? So Rice adding just a few pages of Julia's voice was a really nice way to end the book. Read it if your reading list is running short. I was able to finish in a day.

Happy Reading!

Soul of a Dog by J. Katz

I just finished "Soul of a Dog" by Jon Katz. The book details Jon's dogs and other notable animals on his small farm in New York. He ponders the existence of a dog's soul and in the broader sense - those of his other animals such as Elvis the bull whose appetite for Snickers is uncanny. The "chapters" are broken down by animal where John details different experiences and relationships between himself and the animals or just between the animals themselves.

Does the book answer whether an animal has a soul...not really. Jon himself doesn't really mention what he believes, I guess he's sorta like me...you can only hope that there's a place for them in Heaven.

Twillight - The Series

So I didn't read Twilight or watch the movie - too much hype and I'm not too fond of reading about blood sucking and blood spewing out of someone or the sensation of being bitten in jugular.

Well then I found out that none of that stuff really happens and a few friends convinced me to give the book a try. I started the book and about 13 pages in...I thought to myself "so whats the big deal, thus far nothings happened but rambling on and on about how much Bella hates this, that, or the other."

But my friends weren't pleased with my reading progress so I picked up the pace and found myself hooked...like I've said before, "I'm a sucker for a good love story". hahaha


So I read all 4 books in a matter or a few days. What can I say - I really was hooked and now I want an Edward for myself :P

It's not a literary masterpiece by any means but its definitely entertaining and worth the read. What woman doesn't like to read about being loved in a way that surpasses all other desires. Once you read the 1st book there's no way you can't read the other 3....and when you get to the final book "Breaking Dawn" - you're only left wanting more of Edward and Bella's love story.

If you make it to book 2 - New Moon...just trudge through it. It was my least favorite of all the books...very depressing and bleak. And since Edward is absent through most of the book its hard to commit yourself to the story...but if stick with it you'll find its worth it.

After reading the book I watched the movie and found myself laughing at some of the silliness. But despite the characters were cast good...I'm not a huge Kristen Stewart fan but she does fill the role of unhappy Bella. I hope that New Moon will have a little more depth to it....but again this is teen fiction :)