meg reads and reads

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...