8.31.2011

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!
    

18 comments:

  1. Ooo, adore your answers, friend! Thoughtful and insightful. So glad you're reading WATERFALL with us!

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  2. America in the early years would have been interesting to see...but oh my goodness so many people died...no thank you!! Outbreaks and sickness just freak me out!!

    Great answers!!

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  3. The clothes of the Dark Ages would be fantastic. I love wearing dresses and I'm sure these would be gorgeous.

    I love that you pointed out that a man's actions towards women has a lot to do with their upbringing. I completely agree.

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  4. Great answers! I think we are all agreed on the plumbing issues! A peek at another time period may be nice, but I would love to call a swift halt to it when I was ready to take care of some personal hygiene!

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  5. You said, "she's got a little bit of the 'typical teenager 'tude' going on...", I think that's why I initially didn't like her - lol!

    Good points about its human nature to proceed with caution when we approach someone different.

    Awe, yes, the indoor plumbing, if you've been surfing around you will see that is the number one answer. As for me, it indoor plumbing AND internet! lol....

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  6. Very well thought out answers! We areselves are being judgemental of the men and the times when we ask questions like that!

    My Post:Waterfall Wednesdays-Week 1

    ♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

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  7. I feel like we our soul or at least historical fiction sisters. Love your answers. Thanks for stopping by.

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  8. We both agreed on the clothes...I think the dresses would be fab! and of course everyone has decided that plumbing would definitely be a major issue.

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  9. Rebecca! There is nothing like hearing from a history major about what time periods would have been interesting to visit. I'm with you on those places, especially the Regency period. Surely they worked out indoor plumbing by then, right? Of course, I have no clue for sure. LOL

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  10. The fear of the plague *shudders* it must have been terrifying, and the lack of plumbing I agree would put me off too!

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  11. I def agree that the men and people in general were a lot more polite and respectful back then. Today people have lost a lot of that. They really only care about themselves and its sad. We could take some notes on the ways of the older world. Maybe if we could go back in time we could send kids back there for lessons in life and respect. Only by trained adults and only if they could observe without getting hurt and lost in time of course!

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  12. "They also are entirely hard-wired to keep her safe"

    Oh, yes. Don't all we liberated women secretly long for that knight-like man in our lives?

    Ahhhh. I just love those Forelli boys.

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  13. Oh, those dresses they wore that last day, they sounded so beautiful! I've always loved the fashions of the past up until say the 1930's. I always thought they'd be so hot, but then there was a lot less pollution and concrete for the sun to reflect off of.

    Loved your answers!

    Heather

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  14. Awesome answers! I agree the beautiful clothes would be one the perks of the time :)

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  15. I love that so many of us like the clothes and cringe over the plumbing, haha...Unity! :o)

    This is so much fun, I'm very much looking forward to the next 4 weeks and discussing the amazingness with y'all!

    Mmm, Forelli boys...

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  16. Alaskan Gold Rush :) And of course lack of bathrooms would be the worst!

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