Freaking love love love this book. I very rarely (read: never) re-read books as I think there are too many books I haven't read to be re-reading books but this is definitely one I will pick up again. I watched the series prior to reading the books and instantly fell in love with the story. Once you get past the intro story and Claire travels through the stones, I loved everything about the plot/setting/characters. It marries historical fiction with romance with sci-fi, and Gabaldon's character development is excellent. She has created the ultimate man in Jamie: he has the makings of a leader/alpha male but has high emotional intelligence and sensitive side with Claire. Add in a Scottish brogue and the kilt, and I'm done! Claire is an empowered, independent woman which is at odds with the typical role women play in the time periods she travels to - great counter to Jamie's character. Season 1 of the television show follows the first book fairly closely, so kudos to the Starz production team for getting it right! Highly recommend this book...I've started the rest of series, and these books are not short, so I'll be settling in the the long haul.