Books
10 Books Claire Fraser Would Probably Love
Life during a war is not easy. Particularly if you're bouncing back and forth through time between two different wars like Claire does in Outlander.
Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser knows this struggle all too well, as she came from the 1940s, touched some magical stones in the Scottish Highlands, and plopped down into the 1740s. She is forced to adapt to whatever setting she's in and with that, comes the need for knowledge, solace, and pure entertainment. She's a brilliant nurse with a stellar poker face, but even Claire needs a break from the madness every once in a while. She needs a place to just be herself and let her guard down, because even though she has a strong ally and partner in Jamie, she's still trying to survive and find a way home to the life she knows in the 1900s.
An extensive personal library is just what Claire needs. She needs a stack of books at the ready, to comfort her after a spat with her hunky hubby, or when she's missing her other, more distinguished spouse, Frank. But what would be in that stack of books? If she were to time travel to 2015, here are all the books she would really love.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Claire's time traveling days are just getting started in book one of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, so a handy reference guide to every major historical event would be of great assistance to her wherever and whenever she lands.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Clearly her life has been touched by magic, even though she rarely acknowledges the incredible hand she's been dealt. Perhaps she could pick up some spellbinding tips from Hermione? At the very least, she'd have the time of her life reading this series, because it's eternally fantastic.
Physicians' Desk Reference by PDR Staff
Lacking modern medicinal supplies in the 1740s is pretty sh*tty, but having this book with her might give her some insight into exactly what is required, or would suffice in any medical emergency.
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
Claire is a kick-ass feminist in the 1940s and then in the 1740s, so something tells me she would appreciate Gay's empowering messages of equality in the 2010s.
5. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Claire is all too often faced with a predatory enemy who wants to use her, rape her, or kill her. She's strong as hell, but not evil. In order to pose more of a threat to her onslaught of attackers, she should probably take some notes on how brilliantly murderous Amy Dunne is.
6. Buschcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury
She does pretty well with the use of her memory when it comes to foraging for food or medicinal herbs, but this book could help her in any situation away from whatever castle she's currently crashing in, to survive without shelter in the chilly Highland environment.
The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood
Claire has now been married twice, without a divorce in between. Her first marriage was by choice, and her second marriage (although she fell for him hard and fast) was an arrangement for her protection. Her identity has been defined by her marital status, for the most part, so she would absolutely relate to the feeling The Edible Woman provides of getting gobbled up by the title of "Mrs."
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
A big part of everyday survival in modern times is being up to speed on pop culture references. If you can't talk about hashtags and the latest TV season finales, you are SCREWED. And since Mindy is the beautiful mother ship of all things pop culture, this book would save Claire's life in an entirely new way.
What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe
Claire loves science. Claire lives inside a bubble of unexplainable magic. A little more science behind sillier subjects would a) Provide a few laughs, b) Maybe give her more insight into her current state of affairs, and c) Give her a ton of fun facts to share at her next clan feast.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
If anyone can relate to this super romantic story about a love that transcends time, it's Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser. That's for sure.
Image: Starz
