Diana Gabaldon writes fascinating novels that capture the reader and won’t let go. “The Outlander” series includes seven New York Times bestsellers. I have read all of the books but the first of the series of books; “The Outlander” remains my favorite featuring original characters, Jamie and Claire. The book sets the scene for decades of adventure and makes the reader fall in love with the characters. I have found myself going back and reading the first over through the years to remind myself of the story. Rereading the book is like pulling out an old photo album. It almost seems like a chapter of my life I want to hang on to. Gabeldon’s work also includes a second series following the character, Lord John Grey who played a role in “The Outlander.” A number of other writing projects have kept her busy through the years including comics writing, a contributing author for several organizations, the nonfiction piece, “Outlandish Companion” and the founding of the “Science Software Quarterly.”
All of Gabaldon’s work is well researched and gives the reader a sense of nonfiction over fiction. The theme of time travel carries the reader from dimension to dimension that fulfills the common human desire to go back and change the past. Once the reader meets the characters of Gabaldon’s books, the relationship will continue and readers will want to keep in contact with them as if they are their own family. “The Outlander” series is clearly a story that becomes a part of the reader. I found myself feeling a sense of loss each time a book finished and needing to immediately get my hands on the next. Readers can revisit the series multiple times and not get tired of the story line, just like a good movie.
Gabaldon holds degrees in zoology, marine biology and behavioral ecology and worked many years as a university professor specializing in computer computation. As of 2011, the eighth Outlander novel and her third Lord John Grey novel are in the works. Although Diana is always hard at work, her fans inspire her and she reaches out to them with thanks. Diana regularly updates and blogs to keep readers at bay of her writing and appearances for dinners, book signings or conferences. Diana Gabaldon has won my heart and is certain to win yours the minute you pick up that first novel.