Waterfall Wednesdays #5

You guys, it's the last Waterfall Wednesday! This is very sad. I've had so much fun reading Waterfall with you guys, and talking about all the crazy-awesome events and people, and now...it's over. But, I've not finished sharing the River of Time goodness with you! Did you see my review of Waterfall Monday? Check it out if you haven't, and know that reviews for Cascade and Torrent are coming very soon! (Yes, I confess: There was no way I could torture myself and not see how this story continued...so I picked up copies of the other two and read my happy little heart out). You guys have absolutely got to read these books! Plus, if there's enough interest, there's a good chance we could get more River of Time awesomeness! Anyway, enough of my intro...How about we tackle the last set of questions?

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?
Honestly, I'm not sure. The doctor was acting a little sketchy, but at the same time - Gabi was a woman, and in his eyes she was out-of-place in questioning him (he didn't know she's such a kick-ass chick). I'm a little wary of mystery meds myself, but sometimes you have to take things that are weird to fix it. So I'm not sure...She was hurting pretty bad, and it did make things feel better, so...Yeah.

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 cheered for Lia, I'm not gonna lie. I felt like it was a bit of a turning point for her - like she was realizing this is 'real life' and there is a place for her, and Gabi, in it. Plus, Lord Forabosch is a major creeper. So seeing him get his butt kicked publicly was pretty awesome. At this point, I don't think it was any riskier than simply "being" there - Lord Forabosch had already come to his various dubious conclusions, and if he'd managed to beat one of the She-Wolves, would he really have been any kinder?

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?
He believed her and it was with much questioning and doubt. Love won out, sure, but not without some struggle. And I'm thinking, somewhere in his mind, knowing the truth made other things start making a lot more sense. I kinda have a hunch that total belief didn't happen until he and Luca saw the girls actually disappear.

What would I have done? Hmm...Well, considering she's suffering from arsenic poisoning, and there's no cure, so she's gonna die no matter what, I think I'd be willing to try. Staying alive is a big thing, ya know? And if it worked once, it should be able to work again. And even if it didn't work, at least you'd know you tried everything you could.

4.  In the end Gabi and Lia return home.  Do you think Gabi will return to Marcello? Would you go back?
If Marcello's waiting on me, I'm totally going to go back. Plus, I think the whole experience would be one I'd want to explore more. This is like the ultimate history geek's dream! This goes beyond reading a primary source that managed to survive, this is making your own personal record. Awesome. Totally. Awesome. Plus, Marcello's there. And he's a definite perk. Just sayin'...

5.  Looking back at Waterfall what was your favourite moment?
Oh man...That's probably the toughest question of all! And I have no idea how to answer. I loved this book. Like, loved it. I didn't want it to end, and before I even finished I'd ordered Cascade and then before I finished Cascade I picked up Torrent. There's something about this story that has sucked me into the vortex - I've connected with the characters, I'm fascinated by the idea, I'm in love with the River of Time.

Thanks to all the lovely ladies who hosted these discussions and made it happen! You guys rock, and I'm glad we were all able to come together and enjoy such a great, quality read. May we all find our Marcellos, Lucas, and Lord Grecos!

Don't forget to swing by and check out everyone else's answers!

Waterfall Wednesdays #4

Hello, hello! It's Wednesday again, which means time for another installment of thought-provoking questions about one of my favorite books of the year! Oh heck yes, I'm doing happy dances. I know, I know, I do a lot of happy dances regarding books in general - particularly this book (*cough*and series*cough*). What can I say? I get very involved - on a personal level - with the books I read. The more I like 'em, the more involved I get. (Although, sometimes, the more I 'hate' it, the more involved...hmm...I digress). Okay, I'll stop the chatter and move on the the discussing now...

Waterfall by Lisa T Bergren

Discussion 4: 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?
Hmm...I'm trying to think this one through logically: I'm not skilled in a weapon, the way Gabi and Lia are, so there's a very good chance I'd end up making a bit of a 'mess' if I joined in the fight. At the same time, I don't always handle 'tending the wounded' very well, haha...My gut instinct says that if I found myself in that situation, I'd want to be doing something - so, give me something dangerous, and lemme at'em!

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

I love, and I mean love, historical gowns. I've been drooling over the dress descriptions in Waterfall so far, and now I get to talk about my own dream gown? Oh happiness...Here's what I'm envisioning:
Something akin to the dress to the right, but in a rich, dark, dusky purple, with a complimentary underskirt. Close-fitting bodice, with a flowing skirt. Sleeves that bell below the elbow to a wide, graceful drape. A neckline that shows off my collarbones and shoulders. Embroidery - mayhap in silver or gold thread - and maybe some beads, depending on fabric and exact cut.

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?
My threshold for pain is pretty good, most of the time. I've had stitches a couple times - including on my lower back, where everything hurts a lot more when they puncture your skin (dang bones/nerves being so close to the 'surface' haha), but I did also have not only local anesthesia but a highly skilled doctor stitching me. Hmm...I dunno, I'm kinda thinking I might would have passed out like Gabi eventually did. After I started screaming at people.

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'm going to go with the 'Respect Factor' -- they didn't do the whole casual dating thing that's so prevalent today. Relationships were serious, even when they were 'practical' (*cough*business arrangements*cough*) rather than 'romantic'. There was a code of conduct, of expected behavior: certain things were deemed respectable, and others were not. But at the same time, there was also freedom for expression and things could go beyond those boundaries (case in point: Marcello kissing on Gabi). Even during these...slip ups...there's an underlying foundation of respect: respect for the Lady, for her family, for tradition. Love it! Call me old-fashioned, but I much prefer a guy who wants to let my family know his intentions (and himself!) and who respects me as a person and not just a physical indulgence.

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?
I think it's a little of both. Lia's experience has not been quite the same as Gabi's, nor has she been as involved for as long. Gabi's been able to make meaningful connections, her heart's invested, and - whether she really knows this or not - she's becoming better acquainted with herself during her stay with the Forellis. So while Gabi has all kind of personal, emotional ties to the time - Lia's in a bit of a panic. (Entirely understandable, I might add). So yeah, I think it's a little of both - but neither is to blame, because of their individual experiences, their points-of-view are perfectly understandable. It's just a matter of both ending up on the same page.

There's only one more week of the read-along left! Come by next week for my last answers and my review of Waterfall! Until then, I need to check out everyone else's fantasy gowns...

Waterfall Wednesdays #3

Guess what?! It's Wednesday again! In the past, Wednesdays have been weird days for me - kind of stuck in the middle, and either feeling like a second Monday or a really early Thursday. But that's all changed, thanks to Waterfall Wednesdays! Seriously, this is incredibly fun - I haven't done a read-along quite like this since my undergrad days (and I must confess: most of those were not this fun, haha), so it's doubly fun to be reading the same book as a whole assortment of people, and all having the same set of questions and seeing how our responses vary -  or agree. Plus, I have absolutely fallen in love with this book, and this series. But I'll stop rambling, and let you see my answers for Week 3...

Waterfall by Lisa T Bergren

Discussion 3: Chapters 12-17
Today's Questions hosted by Edgy Inspirational Romance

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?

Hmm...Well, obviously these are the people who are making the decisions that keep you safe and 'alive' - so I wouldn't want to tick 'em off by staging a protest or anything. On some level, I think my response would be similar to that of the red carpet idea: this is so obviously not a part of my day-to-day world, but it's fun to see - the colors, the fabrics, the intrigues and mysteries...

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?

Okay, I've been thinking about this one since I saw it, and saved it to come back to, to give myself more time to think...and I'm still drawing a blank. I definitely have times and instances where I am (often quite clearly) out of my element - but these are never moments that either A: truly 'scare' me or B: have a 'unifying factor' like Gabi experienced with the dance. Really, the only thing I can think of that comes closest to 'matching' that is everything surrounding 9/11: Everything changed, so my element wasn't really an element anymore, it was a new one, ya know? But the thing that got me - everyone - through that time of uncertainty and doubt and fear was knowing that we were all going through it, and we were all going to survive and triumph. So it's an imperfect answer/comparison, but it's the best one my mind can find in the archives.

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?

The. Kiss! I loved the way he set it up - I was chuckling to myself, thinking "That is such a boy-thing"...I think it was also pretty daring of him, considering the situation and context, but hey - we like Marcello for his guts, right? As for Gabi's reaction...I like that she really is trying to "do the right thing" in regards to Marcello, even though it's painfully obvious there is something major-league-significant between them. I give her props for trying to convince him to take time and think about things, and while neither can deny The Kiss and its 'power,' there is definitely wisdom in what Gabi says. Especially considering the HUGE gamble they're all fixing to take. Oh man, I love this stuff, haha...

As for personal experience...in the nature of true, book-bonded, confession: I am still waiting on my first kiss. With the advantage of hindsight, I'm very happy that none of the past cases were able to stake that claim. But when it does come? Yeah, I'm thinking it'll probably be on a prophetic-level like this...

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 Gabi has a bit of the immortality 'tude, but more from being transported into a different time than just the normal teenage perspective -- almost like "I'm from the 21st century, nothing can happen to me here." I think her death observation is a combination of losing her father fairly recently, and seeing what she is seeing as "normal living" during her time with the Forellis. She's been transported to a different time, where Life isn't certain, and Death is often ugly. She's seen it face-to-face already, and it's settling into her awareness, her subconscious, and helping her grow into an ever-more-likable, better rounded, developing heroine.

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 the scene did play out realistically: it's not an easy time, this is a life-or-death situation, and if you "show mercy" it does not mean your enemy/opponent will show the same mercy. I especially like how the threat to Luca and Marcello is what helped spur her on -- Gabi's showing good loyalty, true friendship, a real connection to these people and this place. Could I do the same? I don't know. I'd hope, if my life or that of my close friends, was on the line that I could step in and take whatever actions necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved. But I think that's one of those things you don't find out about yourself until you're placed in the position of decision. 

This story gets better and better as I keep reading - and I really hope I'm catching your interest and you're wanting to jump in to the River of Time (if you haven't already)! I'm already looking forward to next week's installment - but for now, I'm going to see what everyone is saying...

...But before I go, I need to do something very important. You guys, I'm declaring myself. I have made my choice, and I am posting it proudly on The Blog. (Which, you know, is almost as BIG as making it facebook official!). I am... ::drumroll please:: ... Team Marcello! I know there's a lot of complication and so many things keeping us (er, I mean, Marcello and Gabi) apart, but take Lady Rossi outta the picture, take everything that's complicated - heck, take everything romantic outta the picture - and I love Marcello as a character. (And I'm using a lot of italics...) He's a true hero - he's amazing, but he's also human. He makes mistakes, but he's manful about them. He's loyal and true. Le Swoon. And *now* I'm going to go see what everyone else has to say this week.

Waterfall Wednesdays #2

It's Wednesday again! And that means another installment of Waterfall Wednesdays. I. Am. So. Excited. I am absolutely loving this book, and it's also a lot of fun not only answering the questions but also seeing what everyone else has to say! So, without further ado:

Waterfall by Lisa T Bergren

Discussion 2: Chapters 7-11
Today's Questions hosted by The Unread Reader

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 there's something more going on than appears at first glance. If this is really just about a disputed patch of land, I don't think there'd be quite the same ferocity as is displayed. Then too, Gabi notes that Marcello almost seems to enjoy the midnight encounter with the Paratore knights -- and yet, he also seems hesitant in application of violence and is very careful about protecting all those around him. So I can't help but feel like there's definitely something else going on.

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?
Um, yes. Definitely use home remedies, haha...I've used steam before when I've had bronchitis really, really bad (but I took the liberty of steaming up the whole bathroom instead of just 'tenting' it). Also use honey and lemon juice for bad coughs. Peppermint and raspberry hot teas are amazing for stomach aches, sinus congestion, and sore throats. (Also: frozen yogurt. Absolute miracle food for sore throats and swollen glands. But I'm pretty sure that doesn't qualify as "old-fashioned home remedy"...) One that did not work for me: the application of crushed garlic and honey to a rash (which turned out to be an allergic reaction to latex) -- I ended up with a horribly painful, and huge, blister that left a scar you can still see traces of. Not a good idea. Definitely recommend sticking to honey & lemon juice and tasty hot teas! 

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 Gabi is more medieval than she cares to admit. She loves the whole knighthood and battle-idea, and can hold her own with a sword (though I have a feeling she'd rather have a lighter one). I thought Gabi was pretty kick-ass before, and that is definitely still present, but she's also starting to show some awareness and recognition that she really is in a different time. And it really isn't the safest of places at times, so she might want to listen a little closer when the good guys - like Marcello, Luca and Fortini - tell her things.
Secret skillz...I can give you just about any random Dewey Decimal location; am a passionate lover of football (thus having my own skilled-with-a-sword moments when guys are around to hear me talk/watch); and I'm a rabbit whisperer.

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?
Ahem. I am in love with Marcello as a romantic interest. I appreciate his struggle between reconciling his duty - and apparent actual understanding - to Lady Rossi/Romana, while also manfully admitting that maybe, just maybe, there's more to life. As in, you know, Gabi. I think Marcello is one of those quintessential "Knight in Shining Armor"-types, who also happens to be a real, honest-to-goodness man. Er, as real as a fictional character can be. As for Romana - I like her better now than I did in the first section. She's fleshed out more, and she's also not reminding me quite so much of catty girls I've known. 

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! :)
First: No dancing video. Sorry.
I love to dance, even though I get the opportunity rarely. I have particular expertise in certain mountain square dances, but my not-so-secret wish is to take ballroom dance lessons. I adore waltzes, like, really, really love waltzes. And I'd like to learn the other beautiful ballroom dances well enough to begin improvising within their structure and context. So yes, I would totally and entirely jump at the chance to attend a ball like Gabi's practicing for. Especially if I can be taught the new dances by Luca and Marcello...I'd agree to learn just about any dance move with Marcello as my teacher. Just sayin'...

It's been another wonderful week, and I'm off to see what everyone else has to say!

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!