Take a photo of a barcode or cover
974 reviews for:
Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure like No Other
Graham McTavish, Sam Heughan
974 reviews for:
Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure like No Other
Graham McTavish, Sam Heughan
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Thoroughly entertaining read for any fan of the Outlander TV show. Highly, highly recommend the audiobook since Sam & Graham narrate and their constant teasing and interjecting truly enhances the experience. There isn't so much a plot as more a series of experiences with some historical notes and reflections sprinkled in, but I found myself laughing out loud several times and now I definitely want to watch their show, Men in Kilts.
This book was ok but not really for me. I enjoyed the banter of the two gentlemen and some of the Scottish history. I think I would have enjoyed this more if I was a fan of the Outlander show because there was some backstage information. Also I can only really describe this book as being a bit "bro-y." And that's totally fine! It just doesn't really target me as the audience. The audiobook is fun since both actors read their bits in the book.
I originally read this during my initial lockdown 2020 self-education about scotch (there was a spreadsheet involved... it was a strange time), and ended up buying it as an audiobook especially in that format because it's sort of half history and half entertaining podcast, and has made a nice repeated listen when fighting insomnia. Very episodic, fine to dip in and out, and their voices are great for it. Sequels are also fun in the same way, if less focused.
Note: I also wrote this review for the Manchester Public Library (CT) Goodreads account.
I feel like the best way to experience this book is to listen to it with a physical copy in front of you. This is something I never do (my audiobook listening happens in the car or while I'm getting ready in the morning or doing chores) but both formats add something to this book. Heughan and McTavish do an excellent job narrating - I can understand why this won the 2022 Audie award for History/Biography - and just like in the TV show "Men in Kilts", their back and forth banter comes through, with lots of comedic moments, while each is a fantastic narrator on their own. I personally feel that some of the heavier history sections would have sunk in better for me by reading the physical version, which I noticed as I skimmed my copy at home. If you are a fan of Outlander, Scotland, or travelogues, definitely consider giving this one a shot. I will mention that if you know nothing about Outlander, some of the quips and sections will be lost on you, but there is plenty to enjoy even without that knowledge.
I feel like the best way to experience this book is to listen to it with a physical copy in front of you. This is something I never do (my audiobook listening happens in the car or while I'm getting ready in the morning or doing chores) but both formats add something to this book. Heughan and McTavish do an excellent job narrating - I can understand why this won the 2022 Audie award for History/Biography - and just like in the TV show "Men in Kilts", their back and forth banter comes through, with lots of comedic moments, while each is a fantastic narrator on their own. I personally feel that some of the heavier history sections would have sunk in better for me by reading the physical version, which I noticed as I skimmed my copy at home. If you are a fan of Outlander, Scotland, or travelogues, definitely consider giving this one a shot. I will mention that if you know nothing about Outlander, some of the quips and sections will be lost on you, but there is plenty to enjoy even without that knowledge.
THOROUGHLY enjoyed not only the history presented but the amazing and often hilarious banter between the two others. Especially on the audiobook.
I listened to this as an audible and it’s by far the funniest audiobook I’ve ever listened to! Sam and Graham are the perfect duo. They made listening to this story so much fun.
As a historian myself, I absolutely loved the educational bits about Scotland, but they explored Scotland’s past in such a way that I am sure even those who are not history buffs will still enjoy the history lessons. I am even more excited to visit Scotland someday (hopefully sooner rather than later)!!
As a historian myself, I absolutely loved the educational bits about Scotland, but they explored Scotland’s past in such a way that I am sure even those who are not history buffs will still enjoy the history lessons. I am even more excited to visit Scotland someday (hopefully sooner rather than later)!!
Listening to Sam and Graham’s witty and sarcastic back and forth was definitely enjoyable. It felt a bit chaotic and like the book was trying to be too many things. I might have been clearer if I saw the show they talk a lot about. But amusing for sure
What a fun read. I haven’t had a chance to watch Men in Kilts, but I can imagine what it’s like from the book. There are some hilarious moments and I’d hang out with Sam and Graham any day.
I know nothing about Outlander, I only know that Graham and Sam are good friends and when I look for comedy book recommendations, lots of people always mention this book.
It was really hilarious on and on throughout out the book. The classic grumpy and sunshine pair in real life having an adventure together, of course chaos ensues. It's so fascinating how they told the story between the historical events, their never ending banter, their flashbacks on the Outlander set or any other memories of their movies and series. The horror, the comedy, the heartwarming parts. I really really enjoyed reading this. I love learning about the clans and Scotland through their eyes. Cannot wait for their next journey in New Zealand! Hopefully there will be a lot the hobbit stories ❤
It was really hilarious on and on throughout out the book. The classic grumpy and sunshine pair in real life having an adventure together, of course chaos ensues. It's so fascinating how they told the story between the historical events, their never ending banter, their flashbacks on the Outlander set or any other memories of their movies and series. The horror, the comedy, the heartwarming parts. I really really enjoyed reading this. I love learning about the clans and Scotland through their eyes. Cannot wait for their next journey in New Zealand! Hopefully there will be a lot the hobbit stories ❤