meg reads and reads

Title: An Echo in the Bone Author: Diana Gabaldon So much happens in this book that it's hard to even know where to start. It's truly a beautiful story and maybe my favorite thus far in the series. There is so much wonderful character development, not just for Claire and Jamie, but also for John, Ian, and William, not to mention the introduction to several wonderful new characters. Gabaldon throws us into the midst of the American Revolution, and she very effectively describes the danger and pride and sheer determination for survival. Once again, her research is spot on, and I only respect her more as a writer the more I read these books. Five out of five stars. ------------ READING PROGRESS: The Dark Half by Stephen King: 71% Let's Dance, Snoopy by Charles M. Schulz: 87% The Killer Collective by Barry Eisler: 29% Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon: NOW STARTING

Title: A Breath of Snow and Ashes Author: Diana Gabaldon What can I say? Another hit from Diana Gabaldon. This one, like the last one, was slow at parts for me, but it had enough intrigue to keep me going. There's a lot of action to make up for the slow parts. I'm always impressed by Gabaldon's historical research and knowledge of the areas that she's writing about. I know that I've said this before, but being from North Carolina, it's almost thrilling to read about places that I've been to and know well. Four out of five stars. --------------- READING PROGRESS: The Tommyknockers by Stephen King: 82% The Berenstain Bears Chapter Book Collection by Stan & Jan Berenstain: 80% Winner Takes All by Barry Eisler: 27% An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon: JUST STARTING

Title: The Fiery Cross Author: Diana Gabaldon This is the fifth installment in the Outlander  series, and I have to say that it's the first one that I haven't loved. Don't get me wrong, I still really liked it. Gabaldon is a great writer, and I'm always thoroughly impressed at the amount of research she puts into her books. Being from North Carolina, it's fun to see familiar settings. As a bit of historical background (and this is  explained in the book), the Fiery Cross (or Crann Tara , in Gaelic) was an ancient form of communication between the Scottish clans. It was used as a way to get the clans to gather together. It would only be used in a situation of great importance. The way Gabaldon brings this Scottish tradition to colonial America is fantastic and, frankly, awe-inspiring. I really respect her as a writer. When all is said and done, though, this book had some really slow spots, and though it ends in a good place, I had to really work to read thr...

Title : Drums of Autumn Author : Diana Gabaldon  The fourth book in the Outlander series feels a little all over the place at first, but Gabaldon masterfully pulls all the plot lines together and makes the book just as enjoyable, if not more enjoyable, than the preceding books. I look forward to the next book. Five out of five stars.