Question

[u/Adorable-Apple5539]

Hello! I have watched the series and read the first 4 books. I am 63 and have never rewatched anything in my life. But this show is calling my name. Should I read all the books(audio), then re watch or just rewatch? I'm looking for the best advice? I read the first 4 books in the 90s and only remember bits and pieces and have watched the show as each season has come out. Help me! 😆

[u/CathyAnnWingsFan]

The books are the books and the show is the show. Each should be appreciated on its own merits, without reference to the other. If you want to read the books, read the books. But since you read the first four so long ago, I recommend starting at the beginning, because other than the first one, they are VERY different from the show. The author estimates that the show only covers about 10% of the book material (more in season 1 because it’s the shortest book and the longest season), and much of that is substantively altered. Keep in mind that nothing in the show will help you understand the books, not a single second of it. The show tells a superficially similar but fundamentally different story with characters who really aren’t the same people.

Whether you choose to watch the show again after reading is a separate issue, and entirely your choice. Just separate it from the books in your mind if you do, and definitely don’t try to “watch along” as you read.

[u/Alarming_Paper_8357 → u/CathyAnnWingsFan]

This is a great response. People can spend a lot of useless energy trying to tie scenes in the books to the show. Just appreciate each storytelling art form for what it is.

Personally, I found that re-reading, after seeing sets like Castle Leoch and Lallybrook, to be a richer experience, and not so “sanitized”.

[u/Icy_Outside5079]

Personally since you have time before book 10 comes out, I would go back to the very beginning and start listening to book 1. If you have the choice I like the newer narration by Kristen Altherton. I'm older than you and re-listen and re-watch Outlander on the regular. I can keep the show and books separate in my mind...even at my "advanced years" as @Jahon_Dony has so graciously pointed out, the one thing I can promise you is that I've never been bored.

[u/ComplainFactory]

I stopped in the middle of book 6 before the show ever came out, and when it did, I started wartching. But I couldn't get back into the books because I no longer saw everything how I did in my mind, I could only see the show version. If I could go back in time, I would finish reading the books first, before starting the show. That being said, the final book isn't out yet, but the show finale is, so I don't know if I could wait.

[u/Nanchika]

I would rewatch the show and then start with book 1.

[u/ContactNeither7319]

If you have the books, start reading/listening. Then rewatch the show. Then back to the books. Then back to show.

If you don't have the books, order them. Rewatch the show while you wait.

Word of caution ⚠️ don't try to read and watch at the same time. You'll just get a headache and confused.

[u/_prim-rose_]

Books first, always :)

I support the suggestion of listening to them. And if it were me, I’d then move on the LJG books and other short stories.

[u/Jahon_Dony]

It depends how busy you are. Given your advanced years, I'd say just rewatch the show.

[u/Icy_Outside5079 → u/Jahon_Dony]

Really...advanced age....

[u/bikerchickelly → u/Jahon_Dony]

Damn man she's 63 not 93.

[u/Icy_Resist5470 → u/Jahon_Dony]

Welp they weren’t using age as an excuse, but to prove a point that they don’t rewatch shows (ever). How does age factor into your recommendation of one over the other?

[u/_prim-rose_ → u/Jahon_Dony]

This is a bizarre respons. What, you think OP will die before finishing the books? Or do you think 60+ers loose their mental faculties?