Today is the first Waterfall Wednesday! We are discussing Chapters 1-6 of Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren. Head over to Tinas Book Reviews to link up the discussion questions. Then go visit everyone and see what they are thinking of this wonderful book!
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?
She seems like a typical teen to me at this point. I'm not sure if I was connecting with her or not. She is definitely a strong character. I don't know that I would be able to survive being thrown into another time period. Especially one so violent.
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 had a choice of where to get transported to I think it would be Jane Austen's time period in Pride and Prejudice. But then I'm not sure. I always thought if I lived in another time instead of being part of the gentry I would be one of the lowly servants and I don't think I would like that! So I guess I would stick with my more modern day comforts (running water in the house, toilets that flush, electricity, grocery stores to go get my food, computers etc. etc.).
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 don't think they were Gentlemanly, chauvinistic or simple-minded. I think the time period was such that women were considered the weaker sex and therefore they needed to be taken care of. Marcello was a man that fulfilled his duties by taking care of his household. When Gabi came along she was just another member of his household that needed to be under his protection.
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?
Being a shy person I always feel like an outsider when I go someplace. Unfortunately I think that we all make quick judgments about people before we really get to know them. No it isn't fair, especially because first impressions are usually wrong.
What do think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?
First off, the Dark Ages are not a place I would want to visit AT ALL! Too much violence, too much unrest, too many diseases, too much body odor, no flushing toilets(see answer to question 2 for a further list). I am a creature of comfort!
Head on over to Tinas Book Reviews to link up YOUR answers to these questions. Hope you are enjoying Waterfall as much as I did!
Julie- I loved your answers this week...;)
ReplyDeleteI agree I could not live without my toilet, electricity or computer!! Man I hope there isnt a apocolypse or anything where we have to hunt rabbits or something because....that would stink!!!
I'm shy too. It's always hard for me when I'm in a big group of people or around people I don't know.
ReplyDeleteI also think that Marcello was a man of duty. He protected his family (women included) and stood up for what he believed was right.
It appears that a commonality between book bloggers is excessive shyness! I wonder why that is?
ReplyDeleteGreat answers this week, I look forward to seeing what you have to say next week.
I'll raise my hand and admit to being shy as well...guess it is more common with book readers and bloggers?
ReplyDeletePS. Bet you can think of at least one good thing about the Dark Ages..:)
♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
Marcello is definitely coming across as the "strong, protective, always-true-to-duty"-type...I think that can be a wonderful thing, so long as he also learns when duty needs to be nudged down a smidgeon (I'm thinking of Darcy, right about now, haha)...
ReplyDeleteTina: Oh man, I hope there is no apocalypse also as hunting rabbits or anything else would certainly stink! I'd go hungry!
ReplyDeleteLisa: I hear ya! Big groups send me to a corner very quickly!
Gina and Melissa: I too have noticed a shyness among book bloggers. Maybe this is an "easy" way for us to be social without feeling we may be rejected? And if Marcello was in the Dark Ages that I showed up in and he was interested in me, then I might like the Dark Ages...but those are some big "if's" to overcome!
Rebecca: I think as a woman I want to feel valued and not taken advantage of. So if being valued entails some strong protection from my man then I'll take it. Just so long as he also lets me stretch my wings and be me too! Not having read Cascade yet I think that Marcello may learn to nudge it down a bit. After all Darcy did! Maybe they were tamed by their women instead of their women taming them?
LOL On the body odor. I'm so with you. I could handle it for like a day maybe. Then I would want to go home and take a long shower.
ReplyDeletehehe. I'm glad I'm not the only shy one around. Maybe we need to start a support group, though getting someone to speak first would be a challenge. LOL
ReplyDeleteAnd Oh, I think it would be magical to go back to Jane Austen's time period, but only if I could go back as a woman of great fortune. :)
I myself am a creature of comfort...I have absolutely no desire to visit the Dark Ages! We are so spoiled though...I bet this country wouldn't have quite the problem with obesity if instead of Mickey D's drive through we had to chase down and kill our food!
ReplyDeleteMake that a long HOT shower Juju!
ReplyDeleteMissie: So true, a room full of shy people who is going to talk first? Very challenging! That made me laugh.
Grace: Amen! But I really would hate to have to chase down my food. Killing it would probably kill the appetite also!
I think we are all creatures of comfort, everyone seems to be appreciating toilets and running water today!
ReplyDeleteI would probably be a servant as well! If that were the case, I'm cool with the time period we live in now, haha!
ReplyDeleteYea the whole four-eyes thing you got that too? Well me and Tina are going to make our own Hottie chicks who wear glasses club you want to join?....lol
ReplyDeleteI am not so shy as in I keep my mouth shut out of respect unless people overstep some lines. I am def a talker so I couldn't really be shy :) I would love to go back to Jane Austen's time. I would just love to meet her and actually live a few weeks in the time period of my fave book of all time. Pride and Prejudice :) Great answer girl.
Excellent! Hottie chicks who wear glasses club! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI love to talk even though I am shy! And mama bear has been known to come out in me when someone treats my kids wrong.
Yup, just a short visit in the Pride and Prejudice setting would do me up real good!
It is a truth universally acknowledged that women above a size 7 generally look as if they are wearing maternity clothes in an Empire Waist. If not for that unfortunate fashion nightmare, I would like to join you on a trek to Pemberley. But only the fictional Austen-world. -- for a fun time travel adventure there, watch LOST IN AUSTEN on DVD -- long, but one of my all-time favorites!
ReplyDeleteY'all look smart, savvy, and fun in your glasses, BTW. These are the things you don't think about -- I bet Gabi thanks God she has 20/20 vision!
I loved LOST IN AUSTEN! It totally cracked me up! And try being 4'10" and above a size 7 wearing one of those outfits! Makes me shudder! I think I like time traveling in my mind much better than ever actually being able to do it.
ReplyDeleteYay for creatures of comfort :D
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'd survive more than a day in the Dark Ages...it would be a total nightmare.
Ooh, visiting the Jane Austen days would be totally cool!
ReplyDeleteAgreed: LOST IN AUSTEN is amazing, haha :o)
ReplyDeleteI think we, as women, do have a "taming" effect on the men in our inner circles - or maybe a "gentling" effect? Like, we help soften their rough edges and help them find their fullest potential. Likewise, they can help us become stronger & more confident if we need a boost, or they can help us lighten up if we need to laugh more. It's a win-win when the right people and personalities combine :o)
Visiting in Jane Austen's time would be cool, especially if you got to meet her and tell her how popular her novels are today. Maybe bring her forward in time so she can see!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, Marcello was cool the way he just took Gabi under his house to protect though he didn't know anything about her.
And I think if I came out of a TOMB into a SWORD fight, I'd run the other way screaming, so Gabi is one tough customer. I wouldn't mind some of her guts!
Great answers! Can't wait for next week!
Heather
Julie, thanks so much for taking part in WATERFALL WEDS! I'm a shy person who can pretend to be outgoing (an introvert), so I totally understand what you're saying...
ReplyDeleteStill cracking up over Serena's comment on the empire waists...Man, I totally adore all my book blogging buds. Welcome aboard!
Rebecca: I like that "taming" effect on men. Yes, I think that the good Lord made us to compliment each other.
ReplyDeleteHeather: Have you seen LOST IN AUSTEN? The Lizzie character does come to the 21st century. It is quite comical.I too wouldn't mind some of Gabi's strength!
Lisa: It always pleases me to have an author stop by and comment on my blog! Thanks so much. Serena is a hoot isn't she?!