Waterfall Wednesdays #1

Okay, so I've been seeing a lot of excitement about the River of Time Series, and was intrigued, but they were just kind of "on my To Read list"...Then I saw this Read-Along and thought it'd be fun to join in - but all the local bookstores in my area were sold out. Somehow not being able to get the book made me want it more...and the very next day, after discovering this fact, I won a signed copy on twitter! Yay! It arrived in the mail yesterday, and I immediately started reading so I could dive in for Waterfall Wednesdays - a weekly discussion of set chapters, starting today. With that introduction in place, let's jump in, shall we?

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 am able to relate and connect to Gabi - sure, she's got a little bit of the "typical teenager 'tude" going on, but there is some reasonable justification for it: her dad's dead and her mom's escaping into her work. So I can understand where her feelings are coming from. Do I hope she grows up a little? Of course - but that's also part of a good novel: having your character grow and develop. I also like that Gabi's so kick-ass: she's one tough chica, and I am a little in awe. Not gonna lie. If I was like that at 17, my life would be so much less complicated now, haha...

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 was a History major in college, and there are definitely eras that pique my interest: Medieval Britain; the Renaissance; the Regency (thank you, Jane Austen)...settling the American Frontier...the Alaskan Gold Rush...and I would definitely love to go back in time and witness Queen Victoria's reign 'for real.'

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?

I think they're a good reflection of how their mommas and daddies raised 'em - they're polite, they're respectful of custom and tradition. But they're also respectful of Gabi's personhood too - you know, after they realize she's not a witch. She's so very different from them, they don't know what to make of her. It was definitely a two-way culture shock. They're (begrudgingly, mayhap?) respectful of her talents and abilities though, even as different and far removed as she is from their own 'norms'. They also are entirely hard-wired to keep her safe -- something she desperately needs as she's learning to navigate this new - er, old - world she's stumbled into.

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?

Gotta think about it from their perspective: Gabi's differentness goes beyond just speaking a different language or being from another country. She's from another century - a whole different time and place. And she brought all that knowledge and influence with her - she's rocking their world. Especially considering the uneasy state of things she walked into, I don't find their caution unwarranted

I have felt like an outsider at times, and felt as if people were not fully understanding what I was doing or saying. I think it's part of our human nature to be hesitant, cautious, when we encounter something - or someone - different from us. The bigger the difference, the greater the caution. Is it right? Not necessarily. But in some respects it's a variation of the self-preservation instinct: is this dangerous, will it hurt/destroy me? Once the answers to these questions are found, people - mostly - settle into a better rhythm of interaction and acceptance.

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

Coolest? I love the clothes. Seriously. I also like the literary and artistic traditions, so it'd be neat to see them firsthand. The worst? No indoor plumbing! I can deal without electricity if I have to, but I am definitely a major fan of indoor plumbing.

 

Come back next Wednesday for Discussion 2: Chapters 7-11!