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
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?
