I’m moving from a show-first fan to a book-first Outlander fan, and it’s so much fun. Here’s why I’m enjoying it ready for Season 5.
While I’d heard of Outlander before the show had even been produced, I hadn’t read the books. They just didn’t sound like my thing, even though friends had said I’d enjoy them. Then the show came to Netflix Canada and I gave it a chance. After that, finally, I read the books. I’ve been a show-first fan for so long.
However, for Outlander Season 5, I’m going to be a book-first fan. There are various reasons for this and I’ve been through why I opted for the change here. I won’t go into them again. What I will go into is why I love being a book-first fan.
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There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a show-first fan. In fact, I’ve recently shared my thoughts on being a show-first fan and why I enjoy that. However, being a book-first fan has been exciting so far.
While watching the spoilers come out from filming, the books add a little more detail. I get a chance to guess or speculate on the scenes being filmed. There’s a chance to appreciate the location choices more, knowing what could happen based on the book.
At the same time, I get to see (or hear, as I do tend to listen through Audible rather than read) some of the potential scenes coming up. I’ve always made it a habit of not setting expectations that specific scenes will be in the show to avoid disappointment, but I do like to think of how the show could possibly turn certain scenes from the book into the pictures.
This is a chance for me to speculate what could make it through and what could initially be filmed but head to the cutting room floor. It’s a chance for me to gain a deeper appreciation for the characters and the world, getting ready for the way the show could adapt them. I also spend time speculating on what definitely won’t make it through due to time or budget constraints.
Plus, I’m filling the gap but keeping the world of Outlander. Droughtlander is hard, so I’m making it easier by becoming a book-first fan.
Did you read the book or watch the show first? Which type of Outlander fans are you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Outlander Season 5 is currently filming. Follow Claire and Jamie on Facebook for the latest updates straight to your feed.