Waterfall Wednesdays-A Read-a-Along Event
Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren
Discussion 1- Chapters 1-6
Today's questions hosted by Tinasbookreviews
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?
For me- I connected with Gabi right away, I think she is just beginning to show us how strong she really is. I know I couldn't scale castle walls, Id break my legs and my face. As of yet I don't see anything I don't like, she actually has a bit spunk that Im loving.
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?
Ive always been fascinated with The Dark Ages and 10th Century Greece and the Spartans. Now I would probably never want to travel back to these two periods of time and only because of the political wars and the way people lived....I mean hello who the heck wants a case of black plaque??
If I could travel back to anytime and be a part of the society- Id say the 1950's and the rise of suburban America....I would of been the total June Cleaver with pink appliances....LOL....that is until 1967 when I would have burned my bra, sported braids and flowers in my hair while jamming to Janis Joplin.
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 the men in that time era weren't simple-minded, maybe chauvinistic at times to me because Im from the 21st Century, but there was no women's-lib or civil right movements back then. People "even the women" saw gender roles in black and white and you just didn't monkey with those traditions. I mean think about how much control the Catholic Church had, people couldn't even worship God the way they wanted to...and heaven forbid if you got caught doing something like showing a little ankle. Personally if I had to guess, women may have gotten the dog bone in war and politics, but I think they were respected in the sense that they were the life givers and life then was so precious due to all the disease and death the people dealt with.
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?
Judgement and prejudice is never fair, for obvious reasons though Gabi was different and this put her in the spotlight- if you really think about where she was and Gabis culture verses their culture it only makes sense that people would jump to conclusions, be interested or awed by her. We humans haven't evolved that much over time, we are quick to judge, quick to worship and quick to follow others, that's why I think Gabis character was so inspiring, she was a natural leader, who followed no one.
Ive had one experience where I felt misjudged and that was within my own "religious" community, what I did was wrong (one of those open mouth before I thought actions) but there was no forgiveness after...to this day I felt what I did came from someplace good -I just didn't use my words wisely- after the backlash, I felt like Romeo...totally banished.....oh well...life go's on.......
What do think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?
I think the best thing would be the society aspects. People lived so differently yet cherished much more than we do today. Because life was so precious people valued their family time. Their weddings were so beautiful, their traditions so simple yet so endearing.
The worst- oh my gosh that would be all the hygiene issues. I couldn't imagine not having a toilet and having to use a chamber pot or not having my Bed Head products!! I think I would freak without my tooth brush. I mean seriously how did people make-out or *ahem* make babies when there was all that dragon breath and BO going around....blaaaccchhhh!!
Link up your answers and check out Misse at The Unread Reader for next weeks discussion questions Winner of the Trilogy for this week will be posted at next weeks discussion!
I totally agree that they cherished life a lot more. And enjoyed the quiet times & probably was thankful everyday they weren't sick. Thanks for hosting. I can't wait to read on.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for hosting:) This is fun!! And I am so with you on the bedpan thing!!!
ReplyDelete♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
My husband like a month ago was trying to get me to buy a house that had a pink tub and toliet...haha!
ReplyDelete"I think they were respected in the sense that they were the life givers and life then was so precious due to all the disease and death the people dealt with."-I like this :)
My deal with judgement was also from religion, I never actually said it was from religion in my answers though, lol.
Everyone's answers for worst have been hygiene, bathroom related...HA!
Lol I totally agree with the hygiene issues. I guess if we lived back then then we wouldn't even miss them, but if we had a choice we totally would. I didn't think about how much family was more important back then. I agree that is such a great thing back then too. Of course I think its because life was a lot shorter and wars raged more often but I do see family as very important now so I think I would fit right in then too. Great answers girl they are totally better then mine. You put a lot of thought into then. I haven't always been real good at the history remembering. Though parts of history intrest me it as a whole never really won my attention. I was more of a science biology girl :) Sorry that you felt banished sometimes people in religious aspects need to take their own advice and forgive. Sometimes I feel like my fellow christians are the first to throw stones when they should be the first to forgive.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this read-a-long :)
**giggling** We are so addicted to our "product" aren't we? I'm right there with you, Tina. I look like a drowned rat whose been dunked in grease without my Bed Head.
ReplyDeleteAnd eeewwwwww! you're sooo right about the thought of "future-of-the-human-race-ensuring activities" amidst the B.O. Nasty.
Great kick off to a fun event!
~Serena
Heh, yeah I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have wanted to live in any time period of the past permanently. I'm too spoiled by the current what with our indoor plumbing and hygiene products and whatnot.
ReplyDeleteAgree with you about your thoughts on the judgement passed on Gabi. Judging others is never fair but such is the nature of humans and such is life, unfortunately.
Amazing questions, btw! I really enjoyed answering them :)
Unfortunately, I have yet to create a blog, but I did answer the questions! Hygeine was *pivotal* in my mind--the only downside to the medieval times.
ReplyDeleteI think I agree with you a lot about the judgmentalism (is that even a word?) thing: we say we shouldn't...but then we do. I don't think it can be helped.
Great post!! I look forward to more of Waterfall Weds!
P.S.--Medieval weddings? I am *all* over that!
I am so fascinated about how differently we all look at Gabi! It is a great way to see how reading is very personal to the reader :)
ReplyDeleteHygiene/sickness/hardships/no whataburger are things that would keep me from the Middle Ages! (Ok maybe not the whataburger thing)
Great questions, and thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteI also had one of those outsider/misjudged moments within my own church -- definitely an unpleasant experience that lasted for months, until I finally just left. It's sad, when the place we should all feel most welcome/accepted is often most judgmental...
Ditto on the hygiene issues. Seriously I don't think I could go without my toothbrush for even a day. Yuck!
ReplyDeleteI think we are all agreed that the hygiene issues would be one of the worst things to endure! It makes me just shiver thinking about that baby-making aspect of the whole thing! ICKY!
ReplyDeleteAs for some of you being judged inside the church~I truly am sorry and I hope that it never happens to you again. And that you were all able to heal and find new church families to love you.
Great answers! I love the 50s housewife and 60s bra-burning idea!
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with you about the hygiene issues- no toothbrush or shower? yuk!
Ok I love this statement, [as humans] "we are quick to judge, quick to worship and quick to follow others" it rings so true! Personally, I wish we evolve!
ReplyDeleteAs for the hygiene issue, yes, you covered it, I'd hate that aspect of the times. I like a warm shower in the morning, freshly brushed teeth and a generous layer of natural smelling deoderant.
Thanks for hosting this, Tina! I am really looking forward to the rest of the discussion posts. :-D
ReplyDeleteLisa Bergren's Rive of Time series ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey, thanks for participating in this! I really like when authors. bloggers etc. actually talk about books instead of just writing them. It makes us readers feel more included in the story!
ReplyDeleteI think it'd be awesome to visit medieval times, but I don't think I could stay long... hygiene problems and all. :D
lol, yeah, the hygiene thing sucks. My hair would be a disaster! I try not to think about it too much when reading books set in that time period because it's just gross.
ReplyDelete@SmallReview- Yes GROSS is an understatement!!
ReplyDelete@Jaguar @Lauren @Katie @amy @Melissa- Thanks Im looking forward to all the weeks talks as well...
@Gina-yes warm showers, clean teeth and hot coffee, my morning needs...:)
@Sally @Lisa @Serena- showers and toothbrushes are a must to defeat BO Nasty (lol-I loved that line)!!
@Julie- thank you..:D Yes I have great friends and a good church community who love me...<3
@Rebecca @Aylee @jacinda @laura- judgement is so cruel but such a part of life that we cant change. Ignornace seems to never die...:(
@Felica- whataburger totally counts!!!! LOL
I mean just thinking of how people had fleas on them... GAH! No thank you. I have a dentist appointment later today, and for the first time I'm actually very happy to go! LOL
ReplyDeleteI know it's not always easy, but good for you for speaking your mind, T!
I think we all seem to agree on the hygiene issue. No toothbrushes, showers or toilets are just beyond my comprehension. Ewwwww.
ReplyDeleteNot only would I be totally screwed when it came to climbing walls and using chamber pots, I think my limited "real life" skills would be a hindrance too. I couldn't darn a sock or make a dress to save my life! I'd probably burn all of the bread too. Guess I'd have to make sure I went back as a rich lady. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting this event, it's a lot of fun reading everyone else's answers!
ReplyDeleteAmen doll. The breath thing would KILL me. And I'm not sure I could survive long without toilets.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I am having SO much fun visiting everyone's site and commenting.
ReplyDeletePS I would LOVE to see the 50s too!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty resourceful. It would be hard but I think I would manage some way. I'd make it work if I was in love like Gabby to Marcello.
ReplyDeleteTotaly think we should def make our own hot chicks in glasses club !!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy fave question and answer on everyone's blog has been the last one. LOL
ReplyDeleteOk so first let me say...I read on a few blogs that some think my question for #4 was a loaded question- promise guys I didnt mean to have it come across as a question that had to be a YES answer...I wanted to know what everyone felt about how Gabi was treated....thats all...:)
ReplyDelete---------------------------------
@Missie- Ok now Im all itchy!!!
@Mykeeper and Juju- haha yes we all have the same issues with the potty problem!! And ps Juju Im loving reading everyones answers
@Laura- Glasses+reading=SEXY
@Logan- LOL you crack me up, I cant sew, knit or hunt...I guess I would be dead if I went back to that time era...
@Amber @Grace- this is fun, thanks girls for commenting...
I love the River of Time series!
ReplyDeleteI posted my 'Waterfall Wednesdays' on my blog.
http://christianbookshelfreviews.blogspot.com/2011/08/waterfall-wednesdays-week-1.html
Thanks,
Melanie
Dragon Breath and BO, LMAO! Tina, that was awesome! I was laughing so hard! I agree with you, me and chamberpots are not friends...in fact, we don't even get a long. o_o
ReplyDeleteMy daughter would LOVE pink appliances. I currently have a lime green kitchen aid. I think that may put me more in the 70's mix though.
Also, I heart toothpaste and toothbrushes. I also want to keep my teeth for some time. It would totally suck to not have them. ;D
Jen
In the Closet With a Bibliophile
I didn't really connect with Gabi at the begining,because I think that I would have freaked out way more at the begining. I kind of think that I am more like Lia.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, do I need a blog to sign up for the drawing?
Oh, Tina, how I love you. Fab answers and fab job hosting the first ever WATERFALL WEDNESDAY! Thanks so much for the insights and laughs. Can't wait until next week.
ReplyDeleteLove your time travel answer! :D
ReplyDeleteAnd yay for toothbrushes/toothpaste. I would definitely not survive in a world without them!
Love this discussion. Just found this series a couple of weeks ago!
ReplyDeleteFantastic answers Tina! I am with you about the best things being the way they appreciate the simple things and each other. And definitely the hygiene. But maybe it wouldn't seem so bad since everybody had bad hygiene!
ReplyDeleteYou know, hair products would be a problem for me just like Gabi. I don't get cute curls that someone can tuck behind my ear. I get frizz, so yeah, I'm with you on the hair products, especially my BH and my oil that I have no idea who makes only know it takes the frizzies away and smells good. I could probably find oil there, but I don't want to go around smelling like bacon or something!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Thanks for doing this! I love reading everyone's answers!!
Great answers! I'm really enjoying this book. :)
ReplyDeletegreat start! thanks '')
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post! I'm a big fan of ths series!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for hosting this! =D so fun!
ReplyDeleteHaving curly hair I sooo would miss the hair products, but wearing those dressed would be fun. Course you are back to the no toothbrush/paste...
ReplyDeleteI would also have to get used to the "your a female, you are not supposed to do that" but having Marcello around as a protector would be fine with me.
Oh, whoops! I didn't realize I was supposed to link up here, too. D'oh. Lisa herself had to tell me.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I confess that I never thought of bad breath as a form of birth control. It's perfect for me because if I were stuck in the Middle Ages, there's no way I'd have a baby.
Ruby
Nice Books and authors
ReplyDeleteFor books visit:
black rhinoplasty
I'm starting a new trend...Waterfall Wednesdays: Friday edition! haha, Life got in the way this week, but I was bound and determined to participate even if I'm a few days off!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm loooooving the book! Seriously, after I finally remembered to sit down and read it I'm hooked ;)
Is it okay to just answer the questions as a comment since I don't have a blog?
ReplyDelete"Waterfall opens with the introduction of Gabi, she[']s 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'm sort of neutral toward Gabi right now, I'm not attached to her, but I don't dislike her either. Is Gabi or Lia older or are they twins? Gabi seems like the leader of the two (obviously), but I'm kind of curious about Lia --she seems to be more like me (e.g. artsy), but she's feature in "Cascade" right?
"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?"
--The medieval period has always fascinated me (probably because of all the fantasy books I love that are set in medieval-like worlds), but I don't think I'd want to travel there permanently (like how a certain someone seems to have been) ... Funny that you mentioned the 1950s and 1960s --I wouldn't mind living a couple of days in those decades. Minus computers and such, there's still technology like running water, electricity, television, and the music! I got into "oldies" and classic in middle school (thanks to my dad) and I wouldn't have minded seeing some of my favorite artists from that era in their prime.
"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 men[']s mentality back then? Gentlemanly, chauvinistic, simple-minded?"
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?
Well, I can understand why they did, and I think everyone makes judgements or opinions based on the information they have. The question is do you take the time to put those thoughts on hold and objectively get to know or observe the person to see what they're really like?
Usually, it seems that I "censor" myself and keep quiet so that people don't have the chance to judge me. --I wish I was braver ...
What do think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?
--Coolest thing: Seeing the fashions and clothes in real life --I love sewing (on a machine) when I have time and it always amazes me how talented some people were in hand stitching back in the past. The worst would be that doctors' and healers' knowledge of medicine and hygiene would be minimal.
Thanks for the chance to win!
jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu
Sorry, I forgot to answer this one!!!
ReplyDelete"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 men[']s mentality back then? Gentlemanly, chauvinistic, simple-minded?"
I don't know about the guys in general, but it seems like Marcello (and Luca, for example) are just trying to be protective of Gabi. With the bad guys around, it's not the safest place around ... though coming from a 21st century world, I can see why Gabi feels stifled. I also think that they don't know how to react to her, 'cause they've never seen such things from a girl before. =P
I love your answer to number 2- from June Cleaver with pink appliances to burning your bra *big grin*. Love it! I couldn't help laughing out loud when I read the part about making out or *ahem* making babies with all that B.O. I have noticed how we all seem to be concerned with the personal hygiene aspect of things:)
ReplyDeleteSarah
sarahDOTsetarATgmailDOTcom
Great questions Tina! Thanks for hosting! I think we're all opposed to the lack of indoor plumbing and hygiene. Great books so far. I'm hooked!
ReplyDelete