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Out Reading Order.

Expert Guideby Hannah Bonam-Young
2 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start Out by Hannah Bonam-Young with "Out on a Limb", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

The complete reading order for the Out series by Hannah Bonam-Young. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Out on a Limb"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

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Community Consensus

High Debate

"Most readers favor following strict publication order (release order) for the first time reading a series, believing it respects the author's intended narrative and pacing. However, a significant and vocal contingent argues that for large, sprawling universes or long-running authors, the better approach is to prioritize the most highly regarded or accessible entry points first, even if they were published later, to avoid being discouraged by the author's weaker early works."

Key Reddit Advice

Start with the 'most well-loved' or strongest entry point, even if it is not the first book published (e.g., Mistborn or Stormlight over Elantris for the Cosmere). If no strong alternate entry point is suggested by fans or the author, default to publication order. The major exception to publication order is usually the finale, which should always be read last (e.g., Stormbringer in the Elric Saga).

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Out conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Out. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Out on a Limb" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Out" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "Out on a Limb"Explore all by Hannah Bonam-Young

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order2 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Out on a Limb

Pub: 1986★ 4.25

MORE THAN 3 MILLION COPIES IN PRINT • “A stunningly honest, engrossing account . . . Shirley MacLaine’s discovery of a new sense of purpose, joy, energy, and love will touch and astonish you.”—Literary Guild Magazine An outspoken thinker, a celebrated actress, a truly independent woman, Shirley MacLaine takes us on an intimate yet powerful journey into her personal life and inner self. An intense, clandestine love affair with a prominent politician sparks Shirley’s quest of self-discovery. From Stockholm to Hawaii to the mountain vastness of Peru, from disbelief to radiant affirmation, she at last discovers the roots of her very existence . . . and the infinite possibilities of life. Shirley opens her heart to explore the meaning of a great and enduring passion with her lover Gerry; the mystery of her soul’s connection with her best friend David; the tantalizing secrets behind a great actor’s inspiration with the late Peter Sellers. And through it all, Shirley’s courage and candor opens new doors, new insights, new revelations—and a luminous new world she invites us all to share.

2

Out of the Woods

Pub: 2018Optional★ 3.87

Plot details hidden until you finish "Out on a Limb".

If you go down to the woods todayThe shadowy depths of the primeval forest are the ancient source of our collective fears. But there is worse in the woods than timber wolves and fairy tales; you can lose not just your way, but your mind, too. This brand new collection of Trail of Cthulhu adventures explores hidden groves and endless avenues the hideous soul of Lovecrafts forest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Out series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read Out?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Out on a Limb" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Hannah Bonam-Young intended.

Can I read Out books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the Out universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.