Today is my 5th Shabby Sunday! To see all the Shabby Sunday books that I’ve chosen, please click on ‘Shabby Sunday’ under categories.
Shabby Sunday Meme
I have a lot of old vintage books and one of my plans when I first started blogging was to do a post every week or so that shared one of my cherished vintage books. Then, I thought that maybe there might be other book bloggers out there that have some vintage books, heirlooms, or maybe some old books from childhood that they might want to share. I decided to start a weekly meme titled ‘Shabby Sunday’ for those who would like to participate and share some of their old vintage books. Do you have some shabby books you’d like to share? Please feel free to participate. Feel free to use the picture I’ve provided if you’d like to. If you decide to do this meme, please consider linking back to me so that I can see the book you’re sharing.
Today’s shabby share is:
Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
1991
I chose this book because believe it or not, it was written in 1991 – 26 years ago! My copy is the first edition from 1991. I love the cover.
Blurb: Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another…
In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon—when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord…1743.
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire’s destiny in soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidden Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life …and shatter her heart. For here, James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire…and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
My Thoughts:
Claire Randall is a nurse living in Scotland with Frank, her husband, just after the end of World War II. Frank is absorbed in studying his family tree and tracking one of his ancestors named “Black Jack” Randall. Claire has an interest in Botany and studies plants along with their healing factors.
One day, Claire comes across a stone circle called Craigh na Dun.
While there, she discovers a plant and can’t stop thinking about it. She comes back another day to collect the plant near the stones and hears one of the stones scream. One after another, they all scream. Something strange is happening and Claire wakes up in Scotland, but in 1743. She witnesses men in kilts and a man that looks like Frank but isn’t. Quickly, Claire is taken away by a band of Scotsmen and this is where she meets Jamie, a man she’ll soon have to marry if she wants to survive.

This was an outstanding book that kept me entertained throughout. I was completely immersed in this story from start to finish. I loved Claire and Jamie’s smart, yet stubborn characters and enjoyed the formation of their relationship. All the characters had good development with some that I loved and some that I hated, but most were unforgettable. The pacing was perfect and never once did I want to stop reading, except for the few parts I found a tad difficult to read.
Some consider this a romance novel, but I think of it more as historical fiction. It does have a good amount of romance, but so much more than that. I’m not a history buff, but it seems that Diana Gabaldon has really done her research with this series and has spun a tale that can’t be forgotten.
My rating on this one is 5-stars.
Add it on Goodreads or find this edition on Amazon
You can find many editions of this series on Amazon, eBay, and many other sites.
This edition is:
- Hardcover: 627 pages
- 1991 Delacorte Press – Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing
- ISBN 0-385-30230-4
There’s seven parts total in the first book:
- Inverness, 1945
- Castle Leoch
- On the Road
- A Whiff of Brimstone
- Lallybroch
- The Search
- Sanctuary
Wow! Does the T.V. series coincide with this vintage story? Everyone seems to be hyped about the series. I’m not much of a T.V. watcher so I think ill try this original book. 📘
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For the most part, yes it does. I love the TV series too, but I’m waiting on starting the third season.
You’ll have to let me know your thoughts on it! 🙂
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I have that exact same edition! Mine is a bit battered from being read over and over. I was trying to figure out a way to upload a photo from my phone in response to your blog post, but I’m not very smart. So I’ll send it to you via email. That’s so cool. This is a great book and although I find the TV series less so, I’m still enjoying it.
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I’m thoroughly amazed! That’s so awesome. I just love this cover. I have to agree, I love the books so much more than the series. I love the cast though. You’ll have to let me know your thoughts on season three. I haven’t started yet! 🤗💜
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So far, episode 1 in this third season was actually pretty good. My problem with the series overall is that they have changed some very key elements in the past two seasons, which I suppose is Artistic license. I’m enjoying the cast of characters so far and maybe it’s just taken to this point to find the groove of the series. Regardless, I think you’ll enjoy it.
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I thought season two was a little different with the way they filmed it. I’ve enjoyed the first two seasons, but like the books better. I think I watched the DVDs which were split into two parts or something. I literally feel transported when reading these books though!
Thanks for the update. We will definitely have to put our thoughts together on the series! 💖
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OMG that first edition is amazing!! 😱😍 you can be very happy having that!
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Thanks, Alex! I’m happy to have it. 🙂 💖
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Already said this on a different post but I love this cover!! Do you watch the TV show? Season 3 just started airing but I’m waiting for like half the season or so to come out before I binge it. I get so emotional whether I’m reading or watching it even though I’ve only read 2 books so far
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Me too, Nel! I do watch the show, but haven’t started season 3 yet. Like you, I’m waiting. Trying anyway! I did read the third book, but It’s been so long, I’d like to review it over again first. I love to binge like you!
Just finished Ozarks. INSANE. Let me know if you guys decide to watch that. My husband and I liked it, but it’s so bad, lol.
Have a great Sunday!
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How awesome! I only discovered this book when the TV show came out so I am really behind and only up to the third book in the series so far. I love the TV show though and it’s one of the few we get a day after you guys so we aren’t behind!
I love that you have the first edition of the book, and it’s so well kept!
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I’m behind too, Claire. 😉 I did read the third book, but would like to review it again before watching season 3. Haha, if I can wait! Are you watching the third season?
Thanks! ❤
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Yes, I decided if I waited until I read the third book I may be waiting a really long time! I don’t really have a problem with book vs TV like some people have so I’m not worried about that, although so far I think theyve kept Outlander pretty solid.
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I thought I might review it again first, but I may just start it! Already 2 episodes in. I wish I could just binge it all, lol.
I love the way they’ve done the filming and everything, but seem to always prefer the book. 😉 💜
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It looks gorgeous! 📚 I have never read Outlander, but now I’m interested!!💖 Thanks for the share, Mischenko!
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You’ll have to let me know your thoughts if you read it, Noriko! ❤ Have a great day. 🙂
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Loved it!
Love your edition and the pictures, perfect! 🙂
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Thank you so much! 😉
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Wow, that original cover is actually really cool. And man, I wasn’t even thinking about how long ago this series started. I’m only around 100 pages into Dragonfly in Amber, so I have a long way to go with both the books and the TV show (I refuse to watch what I haven’t read, so I own season 2 but have yet to see it).
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I love this cover too, but I also love the newer covers. I’m the same with reading before watching! I hope you’re enjoying it. I thought season 2 was pretty good. 😊 Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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The first time I read Outlander, I didn’t like it that much because I saw some of the scenes as problematic so I put the book down halfway through and walked away. But so many positive reviews and recommendations led me to give it another shot, and I enjoyed it a lot more the second time, so I was able to finish it. I’m finishing up a season 1 rewatch before I continue with book 2. I figured that would be a faster refresher than reading Outlander again.
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I know exactly what you mean! I’m glad you were able to stick with it though. I’d like to review the third book before I watch season 3 and that’s the plan. You’ll have to let me know how you feel about the second! 💗
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Oh, I think I’ll probably post up a review after I finish reading Dragonfly in Amber. And I do already own Voyager so I can jump into it whenever the mood strikes as well. Autumn and Winter tend to be when I read longer fantasy novels, and other bigger books. The Outlander series definitely hits the mark in length.
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I’ll watch for your review and hope you enjoy! 😉
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Great review! 😀 I really need to read these books. I absolutely love the TV show.
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Thanks and I hope you enjoy them! 💗
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Is there as much sex in the books as there is in the tv show?
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Yeah, there is. There are some harsh parts too that some people find problematic, but really, some of it goes with the time period, how women were treated, etc. 😉
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Right. Does it all fit in with the story?
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Oh, yeah. You just have to try it. I think you’ll know pretty quickly whether or not it’s for you. 💗
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I think I will! ❤
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Oh, wow! I USED to have the exact same copy! Since I’ve read all the books in the series, I donated all my hardback copies of the series except the last two for some reason and just have them all as Kindle because they are so HUGE and were taking up so much space on my bookshelves!! That brings back so many memories! I love the books and the series although I’ve not had time to watch the 1st 2 episodes of season three yet, which has made me sad 😦 But I’m going to binge them as soon as I get a chance!!
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How awesome! They are big books for sure. I have the next two books in first edition as well, but need to collect the others. I too haven’t watched season three yet. I’m trying to hold off for a bit. We have to share thoughts on season three! 🖤😄
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We definitely do!! I almost watched episode 1 last night but fell asleep lol 😀😉
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Oh my gosh, lol! Sounds like me! 💖
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Lol!! I’m going to try and watch it this weekend..at least episodes 1 and 2!! A reward for taking the 2 exams this week and finishing that essay Friday 😉
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Yay! Let me know your thoughts after you watch them! Can’t wait to hear more about your essay. 😊😉❤
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Essay 1 is done and turned in!! And both exams finished! 😃🎉🎊✨ Now I just need one exam graded and the essay graded, lol. And finish essay 2!! But I feel I accomplished so much 👏
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Haha, I didn’t mean to send that lol!! I was trying to backspace!! I wanted to send a thumbs up not a handclap 😂🤣 I hope to watch Outlander to day. But I almost just want just read too. I’ll let you know what I think though 😊 Hope you’re having a wonderful day! ❤💖❤
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Those are serious accomplishments! ❤ Has to be a good feeling. Did you ever get around to watching Outlander? I was wanting to watch episode 1, but haven't yet. Our internet hasn't been great and streaming is out for right now. We have Verizon unlimited, but I'm dialed down now for the rest of the month. I could cry!!
Will chat soon…Let me know how your week is going! ❤
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It definitely does feel good! I’m almost done with the 40 page one, but I’ve been having such terrible migraines that my progress has been slower going than I wanted.
I did watch Outlander! I watched all 3 episodes 😉 They were fantastic! I can’t wait until Claire and Jamie get back together. Episode 3 just made me cry though…ohhh…so sad for so many reasons 😦
Oh no!! That is too bad!! Hopefully, you will be able to watch it soon! ❤
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Ack! Migraines ruin everything. I hope those clear up for you soon!
Internet will be better in a few days thankfully. I’ll have to watch how much streaming the kids do next month. It hogged my internet this month!
Hope you’ve had a great week so far! Glad you loved Outlander! Excited! Will chat soon… 💕❤
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They are pretty awful. I’d almost rather have any pain but a migraine. I didn’t really have a bad one yesterday, but woke up with a killer one today. Ugh!
Oh good!! You have to tell them Outlander 1st and then they can have it, lol. It really is good!! I can’t wait for Sunday. I’m going to get everything done just to watch it lol ❤💗❤ Have a good weekend!!
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I understand–my wife is a Gabaldon-iac.
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Haha, there seem to be a lot of them! 💗
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