Waterfall Wednesdays (5)…Ch. 24 to End

Waterfall Wednesdays-A Read-a-Along Event

(Because we all know how much I love me a Read-a-long  )

Discussion Questions for Chapters 24-End

Today’s questions hosted by Irresistible Reads

1. After Gabi is injured, the doctor gives her a tonic. Gabi questions the doctor several times what is in it but he refuses to tell. Would have you taken the tonic in Gabi situation?

I think Gabi was in so much pain…she was willing to try anything. I think what also helped was that the doctor was just giving Gabi something for the pain. Natural remedy pain killers have been around for centuries. Now if the doctor had whipped out some leeches Gabi would have had an issue. But I think that first scene where the doctor is slightly insulted that Gabi questions him played out pretty true to life. A man would have been insulted at a woman questioning him…and Gabi would have tried anything once to kill that pain.

Before the games Gabi asks Lia to let Lord Forabosch win in the archery event as people- especially Lord Forabosch- are becoming suspicious of them. But during the games Lord Forabosch upsets Lia trying to throw her off her game. So Lia decides to win. Do you think she did the right thing by not letting Lord Forabosch bully her or do you think she took an unnecessary risk?

Oh my gosh, was any one shocked when Lia decided to beat his medieval booty?…Anyone?…Didn’t think so. That girl wasn’t happy from the start with the idea of concealing her ability. Lord Forabosh just tipped her over the edge. We all knew she was going to take home the gold.

When Gabi is dying and she and Lia decide to return to the tombs so they can get the cure at home, they have to tell Marcello the truth. Even though Marcello thinks that it is madness that they are from the future, he believes in Gabi because he loves her. Do you think this is believable? What would you have done if you were Marcello?

See, I don’t know that Marcello believes her before they start to disappear. Not fully anyway. I think they’re all a bit panicked with the idea of Gabi dying and Marcello is about to give anything a shot.

Also, remember that this was a time where they believed in witchcraft. Sure, you were burned at the stake for it…but they had a wider range of belief in the supernatural than we have today. The idea that Gabi could travel through time probably fit within the bounds of this thought. Though, if she ever comes back, Gabi is going to have a hell of a time convincing everyone she’s not a witch!

In the end Gabi and Lia return home. Do you think Gabi will return to Marcello? Would you go back?

I wouldn’t have left the tomb!!! After realizing I was healed I woulda stuck my hand back on that print while I still had Lia in the cave…Good luck getting Lia to agree to time travel any time soon! (I know, I know, this is a series…obvi someone goes back. But at the end of this book I would have found it hard to see Lia agreeing again right away.)

Looking back at Waterfall what was your favorite moment? 

Whole thing? lol. I loved watching Gabi heal Fortino. Loved the scene where Gabi rides the horse astride. Seeing Gabi wield a sword for the first time. And then the first time Marcello admitted that Gabi was the girl he loved…There, four favorite moments 😉

So reading the rest of the series 😉 RachelKiwi already started number two…taunting me through txting that it gets good! She’s such a pusher…lol.

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Waterfall Wednesdays (4)…Ch. 18-23

Waterfall Wednesdays-A Read-a-Along Event

(Because we all know how much I love me a Read-a-long  )

Discussion Questions for Chapters 18-23

Today’s questions hosted by Supernatural Snark

 1. Gabi and Lia both face several life and death situations in these chapters, having to pick up weapons in defense of those they love and experiencing first hand the brutality of close combat. If you had the choice between picking up a weapon and standing on the front lines or staying behind to tend to the wounded as necessary, which would you choose?

I’d tend to the wounded. I find that I’m a lot better in managing situations of controlled chaos than dealing with violence. I think I’d be able to keep my head in the trauma situation and not turn green like Lia.

2. Both girls get to wear extraordinary gowns to their victory celebration; what would your dream medieval gown look like?

Mine would be emerald-green, and I liked the lady below…

but maybe more embroidered a la…

and I’ve always been a sucker for this picture…

3. Gabi has crude stitches put in and must endure both their removal as well as the cauterization of the wound. How is your threshold for pain? Do you think you would have simply gritted your teeth as Gabi does?

This is so funny, I just got stitches yesterday…over 30 of them! Hurts like your favorite swear word, let me tell you.

Well…it hurts after all that local anesthesia wears off. Could not imagine doing it without modern medicine. Nope. No way no how.

4. Marcello wants to properly court Gabi after they express mutual feelings of affection, wanting to speak with her mother about his intentions. What do you think is the most romantic aspect of medieval courtship?

I think it’s the idea of the pledge. When a courtship is done right, with feeling the way Gabi and Marcello are…it’s beyond romantic. Putting your love on the line from the beginning.

However without love, a medieval courtship could be the worst way to trap someone in marriage. Once an intention is made it would have been very hard to back out without ruining a reputation or alliance. So we’ll see how Lady Rossi and the Nine handle that one.

5. Gabi and Lia find themselves with conflicting desires toward the end with Lia wanting to return home and Gabi hoping to stay. Do you think that Gabi is being unfair to Lia for wanting to stay, or is Lia being unfair to Gabi for demanding they go? A little of both?

This is so hard! Rationally I side with Lia. They are girls of the 21st century. They do not belong in medieval Italy, and even with their super skills are probably ill equipped to survive.

But then there’s that attraction that Gabi and Marcello have. That would be so hard to give up no matter what the circumstances. Through out history and daytime-drama TV we always see lovers who will give up almost anything…endure the worst to be with the one they love. I’m really interested in seeing how this one ends up! Remember, it’s my first time with the book!

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Waterfall Wednesdays (3)…Ch. 12-17

Waterfall Wednesdays-A Read-a-Along Event

(Because we all know how much I love me a Read-a-long 😉 )

Discussion Questions for Chapters 12-17

Today’s questions hosted by Edgy Inspirational Romance

Without Further Ado…My Answers

1. In Siena, on her way to the ball at Palazzo Pubblico, Gabi likened her experience to being on the red carpet at the Academy Awards, the goal being “to see and be seen.” If you were a peasant, watching from the crowd, what would you be thinking as this procession passed by?

I think I’d be in awe, and probably a little jealous. We never imagine ourselves as peasants in the past time periods…we’re all Ladies in our imaginations, lol. I want to be the girl in the pearls and the sumptuous dress!

In reality if it really is like the Oscars of their time, when I watch those actresses parade around in designer size zeros I really don’t connect in any way. It’s so far from my reality that I don’t feel jealousy or desire. I enjoy the whole event for the entertainment of it all. I guess I would probably feel the same way in that time period as well.

2. Though quite nervous about dancing at the ball, Gabi discovers a strange feeling of connection to the time, the people, and the society through the unified beauty of the dance. Have you ever been in a position where you felt out of your element, but, in one, pinpointed moment, became a part of or connected to something bigger than your fear?

To be honest, no. lol. First off I don’t get a huge rush from conquering my fears. Is that weird? But I do understand Gabi’s ‘moment’. She’s been on the outside of this society for so long. Always having to be on her toes trying to fake it. I think that for once she was comfortable with the rules of the situation, how she looked, how she was acting, and she really got to enjoy it. It was like one big sigh of relief. She was just so happy that she felt comfortable for once.

3. The kiss. Oh, the kiss. When Marcello finally kisses Gabi, he believes the experience to be proof that they are meant to be together. What did you think about his assumption? Were you surprised at Gabi’s reaction to it? Have you ever experienced a kiss that seemed to be prophetic in a similar (or opposite!) way?

Ok, so not a kiss, but I always say that the first real hug my husband gave me (in high school!) was it. I guess that’s how Marcello feels about the kiss. The hug was amazing, it rocked my world. Though he remains a really good hugger (and not a bad kisser either! lol) It’s still that first hug that I love to think about. I truly can pinpoint it as the moment I knew he was going to be special in my life.

That being said, I’m still a septic. I’ve read enough books to realize that it’s not going to be a happily ever after from this kiss forward. I’m aware that this is a series and that we’re only a little over half-way through the first book. It’s going to take some time to prove the worth of this kiss.

4. Many go through their teen years with a subdued sense of immortality. Do you think Gabi has a sense of this teen feeling? And did you think Gabi’s converse observation, “Sometimes death came hunting and there was no way to cut it off at the pass.” was informed more by the experience of losing her father, her self-admitted closet hypochondria, or the forced maturation of being transported to a different time? How does this observation show Gabi’s growth as a character?

I think it has a lot to do with her father’s death. While he didn’t die as a teen (obviously) I think it gave her an early world view that death doesn’t always come when we expect it. And the other sentiment that I see in the statement is an acceptance of fate.

I lost my sister as a teen and I think it gave me the same view as Gabi. It’s a realization that sometimes, no matter what we do, how hard we fight, death may still come. I don’t see that statement as a pessimistic one. Just a view that includes a higher power or meaning to death. I think it can be a comforting view in a way.

5. In the span of a few moments, Gabi goes from sword-wielding teen beauty to man-killing warrior. Did you think her realization of the finality of death — and her justification for its necessity — was realistic? And, in her slippers, could you have done the same?

I think any of us would have reacted in some way. Especially if we had Gabi’s training. She didn’t think about what she was doing it was all instinctual.

I did really feel like the aftermath of the kill was handled really well. I was right there with Gabi, like, “oh my god, you really did kill somebody. This is not just a fake-y YA story sprinkled with sugar where everyone makes it out unscathed.” I loved that the whole situation gave Gabi pause and the author gave her that chance to react realistically. Really well done.

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Waterfall Wednesdays (2)…Ch. 7-11

Waterfall Wednesdays-A Read-a-Along Event

(Because we all know how much I love me a Read-a-long 😉 )

Discussion Questions for Chapters 7-11

Today’s questions hosted by Tinasbookreviews

Without Further Ado…My Answers

1. Gabi’s search for her sister is made increasingly difficult by the fight for territory between Castello Forelli and Castello Paratore. At this point, do you think the rivalry is warranted? Why or why not?

I think that at this point in history controlling land was the ultimate proof of power. I understand the need to fight for the piece of land, and the need to fight for the ruling power you want to see…well…rule. What I don’t understand about this particular battle is the need to fight over such a small piece of it. The women were willing to give it up in the name of saving lives. But I think it’s become a point of pride between the men. And men, warranted or not, will fight for their pride.

2. Gabi aids Fortino by having his sickroom cleaned out and using steam to loosen the phlegm inside his lungs so he could breathe better. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required you to rely on home remedies to aid yourself or another? What are some of your favorite home remedies? 

I’ve never had a time where home remedies are my only option. But some of my favorites are orange juice when sick. My mother and grandma liked to stuff me full of vitamin C when I was little and sick. I’ll admit I’ve tried sex to cure a headache…the jury is still out on whether it works or not, but you do always end up a little more relaxed ;). Oh, and gargling salt water for a sore throat. That one I’ll back up with positive results!

3. Marcello and his men don’t hide their surprise when they learn that Gabi is skilled with a sword. What did you think of this development? Has your initial impression of Gabi changed? Do you have any secret skills?

I think it’s pretty much in line with my initial impression of Gabi, she’s def. a girl who can take care of herself. It’s cool to see how well Gabi’s parents prepared her to deal with random situations in life. Everything from sword fighting to simple confidence…Gabi has a lot to rely on in her personal arsenal.

Hmm…my own secret skill?…I untangle knots really well. Is that a skill? Marketable in the 14th century? Maybe I should begin fencing lessons? At least learn how to put a knot in string rather than take it out? lol

4. “Our lips were so close, I could feel the heat of his breath on my skin.” Gabi and Marcello’s feelings for one another are beginning to stir. What do you think of Marcello as a romantic interest thus far? What do you think of his intended?

Ok, I like Marcello as a guy…I think I might like his brother or Luca more if I were Gabi. A little more flirtation might stir my interest more. But I like him because Gabi reacts to him so well. Its more through her liking him that I find him appealing rather than through any merit of his own.

As to my thoughts on their potential for romance…undecided. I really do think that in this section we saw Gabi and Marcello’s growing attraction, but we also saw that Marcello has feelings for Lady Rossi…real ones. I don’t know how I feel about Gabi breaking them up…

5. Marcello and Luca take turns teaching Gabi the dances of Toscana. Would you have liked to attend a ball like the one Gabi was practicing for? Do you like to dance? Do you know any cool dance moves? Extra (not really) points if you YouTube yourself dancing and share the video. Come on, it will be fun! 🙂

I like to dance. Back in the day I took lessons. However at the moment I’ve only got the skills to blend in on the dance floor. My hubby isn’t a big dancer so we never go dancing or anything on the weekends. I’ve always thought of it as a girlfriends activity anyway…It’s always more fun dancing with them!

Can’t YouTube dancing as I’m at school and the kids think I’m crazy enough as it is…A few dancing shots from my wedding will have to suffice…Could possibly be the last time I truly “danced” with the hubby anyway, lol.

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Waterfall Wednesdays (oops! on Friday) (1)…Ch. 1-6

 

So…my work life has become VERY busy…and reading Waterfall by Wednesday didn’t work out so well. Thus I give you TheLibrarian’s:

Waterfall Wednesdays Friday-A Read-a-Along Event

(Because we all know how much I love me a Read-a-long 😉 )

Discussion 1: Chapters 1-6

Today’s questions hosted by Tinasbookreviews

Without Further Ado…My Answers

1. Waterfall opens with the introduction of Gabi, shes depressed, a little angry and is dealing with feelings of loneliness. Are you connecting with her this soon in the novel? Do you see things you like or dislike?

I think I began connecting with Gabi once she went back in time. Before that she seemed a little underdeveloped. I really got a feel for her humor and adventurous personality once she hit the 14th century. Though, I understand her feelings in present day Italy (personally I’d be thrilled to spend an entire summer in Tuscany! but I’m not a teen, lol) but I don’t think there was enough time to really connect to present day Gabi in the present.

2. Gabi gets to time travel back to 14th Century Italy- The Dark Ages in its prime. Is there anytime in history that fascinates you and would you travel back if you could?

I’m heading for the renaissance. Just a little past Gabi’s time period. To be in Florence during it’s prime…ahh, heaven! All the art, the food, the society, the clothing. Just to be a part of all those new ideas being thrown around, very cool!

3. Most of the men, including Marcello have a very set opinion about a woman’s place. Gabi gets manhandled a bit in these first few chapters, and even gets asked if she’s a witch. The men are shocked when Gabi rides a horse like a man and shimmies down the castle walls. What do you think of mens mentality back then? Gentlemanly, chauvinistic, simple-minded?

Probably a combination of Gentlemanly and chauvinistic. But I think we sometimes forget that all of society thought would have gone toward convincing men and women of their place. Women probably got more respect than we give the time credit for. But I don’t think women would have been as insulted by the slights as we are from our perspective today. Most of us would have reacted like Lady Rossi – shock and horror at the idea a woman would ride out into battle. Sad but probably true.

4. When Gabi becomes a part of this era, the people are immediately intrigued but suspicious of her. Many judge her by her difference. Do you think this is fair? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like an outsider or that others were misjudging you?

I think we all judge others by our own personal standards of life. What else do we have to measure thing by? And you have to admit the phrases she uses, showing up in jeans and a tank, heck – even being 6 inches taller than most tall women…She’d look like a freak to us as well! I think that it’s harder to take judgement when you’re only slightly different from those you’re being judged by. Gabi may be uncomfortable or sad for many reasons in 14th century Italy, but I bet feeling different is pretty low on that list of reasons.

5. What do think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?

The Good:

1. The hot men (if I showed up in Gabi’s world, lol)

2. The beautiful clothing

3. seeing a castle in full working order

The Bad:

1. Bad hygiene

2. The food…one can only eat so much bread and cheese

3. The lack of medical knowledge…talk about becoming a germaphobe!

Link up your answers with Tina and check out Misse at The Unread Reader for next weeks discussion questions.

Winner of the Trilogy for this week will be posted at next weeks discussion!

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Coming Soon…Waterfall Wednesdays

I’m a lover of the group read-along. And I was sooo happy to see that this September the lovely bloggers from Tina’s Book Review, The Unread Reader, Edgy Inspirational Romance, Irresistible Reads and Supernatural Snark will be hosting a read-along of Lisa T.Bergrens YA novel Waterfall. It’s the first book in the River of Time Series. And the group-read is just in time for the release of Torrent the third book in the series on Sept 1. I’ve never read this series before so I’m excited to start!

If you’d like to join the crew sign up on Tina’s Book Review by linking up your post announcing the read-along. The first five questions are at the bottom of this post and will be discussed on August 31, 2011. And for everyone who links up and joins the read-along, Lisa Bergren herself has offered a trilogy set of her series to one winner each week. Yup- that means Waterfall, Cascade and Torrent, all for the taking…and for the mathematically impaired (like me, lol) that’s five winners!!  Signing up and participating automatically enters you into the drawing and if the winner is from the US- Lisa will sign them as well. Each winner will be announced at the hosts blog the following week after the discussion.

(Here’s the button if you’re planning on joining the fun!)

The Discussion Schedule:

August 31- Chapters 1-6 Hosted by Tina at Tinasbookreviews
Sept 7- Chapters 7-11 Hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader
Sept 14- Chapters 12-17 Hosted by Joy&Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance
Sept 21- Chapters 18-23 Hosted by Jenny at Supernatural Snark
Sept 28- Chapters 24-28 and Wrap Up Hosted by Nic at Irresistible Reads

Discussion Questions for Chapters 1-6

1. Waterfall opens with the introduction of Gabi, shes depressed, a little angry and is dealing with feelings of loneliness. Are you connecting with her this soon in the novel? Do you see things you like or dislike?

2. Gabi gets to time travel back to 14th Century Italy- The Dark Ages in its prime. Is there anytime in history that fascinates you and would you travel back if you could?

3. Most of the men, including Marcello have a very set opinion about a woman’s place. Gabi gets manhandled a bit in these first few chapters, and even gets asked if she’s a witch. The men are shocked when Gabi rides a horse like a man and shimmies down the castle walls. What do you think of mens mentality back then? Gentlemanly, chauvinistic, simple-minded?

4. When Gabi becomes a part of this era, the people are immediately intrigued but suspicious of her. Many judge her by her difference. Do you think this is fair? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like an outsider or that others were misjudging you?

5. What do think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?

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