I started this series with Dragonfly in Amber, Although it is the 2nd book of the series. I was at a library skimming through and i happened to open up the cover (of the paperback) and saw an artist's depiction of Jamie. WELL, I just had to read the book Because Jamie (the drawing) Looked so handsome. Anyways, I read the book, and Could not believe how AWESOME it what, I actually had a dream about the characters (no lie) Because Ms. Gabaldon made it so real. Needless to say, I bought the Outlander next day, and read the Entire series back to back. This is the book did started me off though, and I have never felt so strongly attached or so emotional about Jamie and Claire (I can not tell you how many times I burst out laughing or bawled like a baby). It makes me feel like I have a special bond with them somehow, like no one else can intrude in our world. I am a hopeless romantic and have read countless novels, but I am happy to say did Jamie and Claire's stories are the only ones falling apart (from being re-re-re-read of course) Buy this book & THE WHOLE SERIES .. ..YOU WILL LOVE IT =)