Reading along with the #BiggerBookClub? Keep these questions in mind as you read along. For more in-depth discussion questions visit  http://community.compuserve.com/n/docs/docDownload.aspx?webtag=ws-books&guid=827a1c73-d18a-4222-8309-7b073aa2a9a0. 

1. Many readers are drawn to the Outlander novels because of the powerfully appealing character of Jamie. What is it about a character with an eighteenth-century sensibility that is so attractive to twenty-first century readers? Scholar Jessica Matthews suggests that “part of its popularity stems from Diana Gabaldon’s rehabilitation of masculinity after feminism tried its best to declaw it for a generation.” What aspects of masculinity have been “rehabilitated” for us in Jamie?

2. The title of this first novel seems prescient, as so many characters in the subsequent volumes are, in so many ways, outsiders too. In what ways is Clair an “outlander”?

3. What, in your opinion, was the most moving moment? The most frightening one? The most surprising one? The funniest one? The most erotic one? The most beautifully descriptive passage? The most interesting detail(s) in terms of the novel’s depiction of a different historical era?

4. Who was (or were) your favorite secondary character(s): Frank? Murtagh? Dougal? Colum? Rupert? Alec McMahon? Mrs. Fitz? Laoghaire? Geillis? Someone else?

5. Diana Gabaldon’s own description of Outlander’s contents is as follows: “history, warfare, medicine, sex, violence, spirituality, honor, betrayal, vengeance, hope and despair, relationships, the building and destruction of families and societies, time travel, moral ambiguity, swords, horses, herbs, gambling (with cards, dice, and lives), voyages of daring, journeys of both body and soul… you know, the usual stuff of literature…” True, but rarely found within the same covers. Are some of these more important to you than others? Which ones? Why? Can you and your group come to a consensus on three that stand out? 

As I do with most things, I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand I found it very relatable and it had and obvious lesson in it that I think more people should learn from. On the other hand I found it kind of boring… Read More

I’m going to write this under the assumption that whoever’s reading it is very passionate about books. Now imagine this: You see online that the author of your favorite book is coming to your city on a book tour. She/he is going to be signing copies of the book and answering some audience questions. This book changed your life. This book made you realize things about yourself and your life that changed everything for you. It put it all into perspective. How would you feel?.. Read More