Waterfall Wednesdays Discussion 5

Waterfall Wednesdays #5

 

Waterfall by Lisa T Bergren

Discussion 5: Chapters 24-28

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 really don't think I would have. Obviously something is amiss if he would not tell Gabi what was in it. We know in modern times that people can even be allergic to some herbs, etc. I would have found some reason for them to test the tonic first.

2. 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?

I completely agree with Lia. There was no reason to let him win. The girls were already famous, per se, so what would've been the point to hide their talents? I believe that Lord Forabosch thought that emotions would get the best of Lia and make her falter. Thankfully, they did not :)

3. When Gabi is dying and she and Lia decide to return to the tombs so they can get the cure at home but 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?

When one is in true love, everything seems crazy. I believe that Marcello actually thought she might have been crazy, but what would you do if the love of your life lay dying in front of you? I don't believe he truly believed until he witnessed it first hand.

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

Heck to the yeah, I'd go back! True love is hard to find, and they definitely have it. It would have to be discussed with her Mom and Lia, though. I'm glad they did go back just so her Mom could see her again, but will she understand? Shall be interesting to see!

5. Looking back at Waterfall what was your favourite moment?

I honestly could not put this book down. I got it as a free download from Kindle and thought I'd get around to reading it sometime, but once I started and found the read along, I never looked back. I am halfway through Cascade now and cannot wait to start Torrent! Since I homeschool, we take many trips to the library and we set aside time each day for reading novels. Guess what I choose? River of Time!

Waterfall Wednesdays Discussion 4

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CHAPTERS 18-23

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 closecombat.Ifyou 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?

Wow. That is a difficult choice. I guess it would depend on who needed me the most. I can honestly say I'm not sure I would know what to do in either situation. If I went to the front lines and were wounded, since I am a woman, I would put everyone else at risk that cared for me as they would try to help me and that would bring their guard down. On the other hand, if I stayed behind I might be in the way and by going to the front lines I could gain the element of surprise to our enemies.


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

                                     

I adore gowns of Victorian blue, almost like a blue whitewashed. It would definitely be form fitting in the bodice and corded. I love the gathered and/or wrinkled fabric..such as so ling it sort of folds in places. No puffy sleeves, though.


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 mostromantic aspectofmedieval courtship?

I miss this aspect of life. My husband actually took my parents to dinner and asked permission to ask me to marry him. These things do not happen much anymore. I believe it shows true love and respect for the woman and her family, and it is something I will teach my son. That, along with properly escorting the lady to and from the door, etc.


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?

I can see this going either way. The romantic I am, however, would take Gabi's side. Although, I would want to find a way to bring my mom along. She and Lia do not have real friends per say since they act like nomads, moving constantly. They no longer have a father back in their own time. In this time, someone would take care of women without a head of the household. If her mom could get there, it would definitely make since to stay.

Waterfall Wednesdays Discussion 3

Discussion Questions for Chapters 12-17

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 could see myself as feeling a bit like I did watching the Royal Wedding earlier in the year. I was a tad bit jealous, who wouldn't want to be a Princess and travel to a castle or royal ball? Yet I was very happy to watch the tradition and spectacle of it all!

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?

When my husband became a prominent member of
 the community, I constantly worried about being out of my element. I worried about what people would say or react and if I would say anything unintelligent and embarass him. Eventually, after many events and dances (although I hate couple dancing in public), I finally realized that I am just a person like everyone else :) This immediately made me feel connected to all the others in attendance.

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?

I was a bit surprised at her reaction. She seems very mature for her age. Most teenage girls would have jumped into a relationship, not thinking about the consequences of time. She really takes it all into consideration and doesn't let her teenage emotions guide her every move. As far as his assumption, I believe that it is only right. In those ages and especially being betrothed, I don't think he would go around just kissing any girl in site. It had to mean something to him to take the chance with Gabi.

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?

Gabi has been through a lot for a teenager. Losing her father and being around artifacts alone would make her understand that we only have a short time on the earth and help in her maturity. Traveling back in time and seeing a place that is now in ruins would only raise that feeling to the forefront of her mind. In her time, Marcello has long passed.

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?

This was definitely another turning point in Gabi's youthful life.  She would hardly come close to experiencing this in her own time, and it shows her character maturing in the fact that she was able to listen to Marcello and do as he said. I could not imagine having to fight for my life in a time and place unfamiliar to me, with medieval weapons and actions. So much for a modern teenager to deal with. I do believe I could have done the same in her shoes, but it would not have come so easy, seeing as I know nothing of the time period to even begin sword or fighting in general.

Waterfall Wednesdays Discussion 2

Waterfall Wednesdays Discussion #2

Waterfall Wednesdays Link

Discussion #2 Chapters 7-11-Questions by Misse at The Unread Reader

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?

The Dark Ages was full of land owner/family rivalries. The idea back then was to conquer as much land as you can. Build your empire up! So in a way, I can see the rivalry warranted by the times, but also do not believe these two families would fight to the death over trivial matters.

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? 

Hmmmm. Home remedies I have used are:

Karo syrup and hot milk for sore throats

Meat tenderizer moistened and rubbed on wasp or bee stings

Windex on zits (while it doesn't disappear the following day as on "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", it does dry it up)

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 believe Marcello and his men are beginning to question the women as well as the men from Normandy. I am wondering whether they believe the men ill-informed on proper women etiquette and should be putting the women in their place, or if they are wondering whether they, themselves, are behind the times.

Secret skills? I taught myself everything their is to know about my particular computer. I can normally figure out how to fix anything electronic if it can be fixed without taking it in. 

"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? 

There is an obvious attraction between the two. It will be interesting to see how this progresses. I believe he is a gentleman, but one that would let his "woman" have her own opinions in time.


I cannot stand his intended. She is rude and arrogant. Anyone who constantly puts others down and "stalks" their intended is not very confident in their relationship. 

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 absolutely adore old style dancing. I have always wanted to learn to dance ball room style based on various different centuries.


I will NOT YouTub myself...Oh deary me! I was a great Drill Team dancer in my day. I am working on Zumba, so maybe I will learn some Latin Romance Flavor soon. The only true thing I can do well is the Running Man and that wonderful Jr High slow dance routine ;) 

Waterfall Wednesdays Discussion 1

Waterfall Wednesdays- Discusssion #1

Waterfall Wednesdays-A Read-a-Along Event

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Discussion 1- Chapters 1-6

Today's questions hosted by Tinasbookreviews

Discussion Questions

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 did connect with Gabi. I grew up as an only child, so I spent a lot of time alone. I spent much of my time reading and "escaping" to other worlds. Therefore, I learned a lot of facts and ways to speak in "older" times as well. While my Mom was always around, my father was always traveling for work. One of the best vacations we ever took was to Mesa Verde. I thoroughly enjoyed the history of the Indians and imagining what it would be like to go back in time and learn about different cultures. It is there that I fell in love with Archaeology, but never had a chance to pursue it. 

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?

If I could VISIT anytime it would be the Renaissance era. The art and dress amazes me. I could honestly see my self as a career time traveler. Visiting different eras, but always coming back to my modern amenities. I would love to visit each era as amenities progressed, ie. plumbing, lighting, automobiles and the such. I believe I would appreciate these things more.

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 shes 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?

Even back in the Biblical times, the man was head of the house. Therefore I do not believe they were being chauvinistic. I believe they were being inquisitive and gentlemanly for the most part. In their time, women did not speak outright their feelings so freely. This would obviously cause some concern and confusion.

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?

While it is unfair, it is very common. If only we could live by the mantra "Don't judge a book by its cover." But, alas we cannot! There are many times I feel I am an outsider. I live in a very hometown school proud town, yet I homeschool my children. Not only do I feel outcast by some, (although we attend all games, etc), but some high society (which we are actually considered a part of) publicly criticize homeschooled children. This is also hard on my children. My decision to homeschool is simply because I want more time with my children and want God reflected in their lives.

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

The best thing about living in the Dark Ages would be spending more time with family. We wouldn't have so many distractions, ie shopping, driving, computers, etc. 

The worst thing would be modern amenities. I cannot imagine no running water after knowing what it is like to have it. How can one possibly get clean?