Outlander, chapters 1-7, a re-read

Re-reading the first chapter or two of "Outlander" was, for me, a little like falling through the standing stones.  I'm suddenly deep into that other time, with some of my very favorite fictional characters.  On my second read I am enjoying the "oh, yeah!" moments when I am reminded just how a certain character was introduced.  I'm sort of reading over my own shoulder, too, with the goal of responding to the discussion questions.

Here are some reactions from a "Re-reader":
1. Outlander is a well-known book. Before you cracked it open, what were your expectations or assumptions about this story? Or did you jump into it with a blank slate?
I'd say I was an early reader of Outlander and I'm single-handedly responsible for exposing it to a lot of women at my library.
2. Claire’s husband, Frank, is fascinated with learning more and more facts about his family tree, which extends back pretty far. Do you or anyone in your family keep a family tree? How many years/generations back does it go? If not, have you ever considered or attempted to create one?
Now, my mother's family actually came from Scotland in the late 1800's so I get a frisson of excitement at the whole Scots thing.  A more relevant observation, I think, is how Diana Gabaldon masterfully uses Frank's family tree to convince us of the reality of the past world Claire has tumbled into.
3. How did you find Claire’s initial conclusion as to her surroundings after waking up from going through the stones? Did you think that was a reasonable conclusion?
I think her mind latched onto the conclusion most likely to preserve her sanity--of course, war re-enactors!
4. How about her composed, rational way of dealing with the fact she’s traveled back in time. Did you find it believable? Do you think you would have acted the same way?
I think Claire has a scientific mind--she would approach everything with composed rationality and I could only hope to do the same!
5. At this point in the story, what are your feelings or expectations on Claire and Jamie? Is Frank still a factor for you?
Claire always thinks of Jamie as a "young man" although we don't know yet how old they both are.  Gabaldon is careful to demonstrate how compatible they are in other ways before we are introduced to a romance for them.  I have a convenient memory and I'm looking forward with every other reader to that first kiss!  Um, Frank who...?
Bonus Question: Frank encounters a man outside of the inn where he and Claire are staying. He is afraid it might have been a ghost. What do you believe it was? Do you have any predictions or suspicions on what that was about?

Outlander read-along

I am so looking forward to re-reading Outlander--I'll probably re-immerse myself in the whole series if I'm not careful!
As a public librarian I recommend this series very often and people keep coming back to tell me how much they liked it.
My dilemma is that I already know how it "ends" (although it hasn't really ended yet).  Re-reading is an entirely different experience!

Wow! I'm connected!

So, here I am "A Learning Librarian"--a Connected Librarian! I'm looking forward to seeing my words in print.