Wednesday 31 August 2011

Waterfall Wednesdays read-along Discussion#1

Waterfall Wednesdays-A Read-a-Along Event



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 really like Gabi- I like how fearless and independent she is. When she is transported back in time she doesn't start to panic, she just invents a cover story and gets on with getting by. I also really like her voice in narrating the story- like how she will say things like "mayhaps" in a sentence to the knights, speaking in flowery sentences that match how they speak, but then her thoughts will be modern American, like "awesome" and "totally", and "I was getting seriously good at talking their lingo!"

I think that I would be too afraid to do anything if I were in her situation! If it was me in her place, I think that once I was in Marcello's castle in a safe room with food, I would want to cower away, and wait for everything to change back! I love that Gabi is really spunky and will stand up for herself to the men, even demanding to go with them on a ride.


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've always thought I was born in the wrong century- I hate modern gadgets and things! The time period that I'm most interested in is the 19th century. I love how it's a period of transition between old customs and new technology and machinery. I think I am most fascinated by Thomas Hardy's rural England. It's a really simple time and people are still clinging to old beliefs, traditions and superstitions.


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?



It was just the way it was done back then. I think if the men in the story could have seen in to the future and seen women in the 21st century they would be stunned. We have women in the army, and women doctors and lawyers- it was just inconceivable back then. Marcello so far seems quite accepting of Gabi, and even admiring of her feistiness.


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?

She is so completely different to them. She appears wearing jeans and a cami top. Everything about her from her appearance to her manners is so alien. I think there is nothing more intimidating than standing out so completely. I've been to other countries where I felt like I stuck out so badly. It's a scary feeling!

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

I can't think of anything cool about living in the Dark Ages! If you're rich though you're lucky to have plenty to eat, lots of luxury and fine clothes, but also no chance to do anything that you want to do. You are tied to the responsibilites of whatever station you're born into, with no chance to improve yourself, or change your station. There is also disease, poverty, and no hot showers or flushing toilets!
I would also miss books. Books in the fourteenth century had be copied out by hand by a scribe, and were therefore very rare and very expensive. I read every day, and can't imagine a life without books- without being able to escape into another world and live other lives.

17 comments:

  1. Wow your answers gave me a lot to think about. I never really considered the poor versus the rich in the dark ages....I guess to be a king or lord or powerful would have been the best way to survive....

    I think men and all the people back then would be shocked to see the we live now...I mean can you imagine what they would think if they saw a car, a phone...a toilet!!!

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  2. Love the last answer. I agree that I loved too many modern things such as indoor plumbing and modern medicine that living in the dark ages would be hard and scary.

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  3. "I hate modern gadgets and things!" what? you've got to be kidding me? I don't think I could function with out my gadgets and things! I'm a total techie.

    Oh, good point about missing books. I didn't even think of this. I guess if I was going to be transported to the Dark Ages, I'd just have to be one of the wealthy, other absolutely I'm not going!

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  4. Great answers! Especially to question #1. I too would be cowering away just waiting to be transported back to "reality"!

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  5. Love your answer about rural England...There is a definite appeal to being able to be a bit closer to the earth without all this modern technology. printing presses though...good technology!

    My post:Waterfall Wednesdays-Week 1

    ♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

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  6. Yeah, I loved the whole switching back and forth between Gabi's modern thoughts and the archaic way of speaking. Gabi is pretty funny!

    I agree with Gina. It's only fun if you are wealthy :)

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  7. Love your answers :o) And yeah, I'm thinking the feisty-factor is a good thing in the eyes of Marcello :o)

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  8. Great answers. For me, the hardest thing would be no toilets. But I think I'd enjoy the clothes and food.

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  9. Yes, if I time traveled I think I would have just went back in the tomb thinking I had lost my mind or something. I definitely would not have lasted very long! I don't know Italian either..so "what's up dude?" wouldn't have gotten me very far!

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  10. I've visited Thomas Hardy cottage and I have to say it's one of the most loveliest places ever! I could have been very happy living there. In the quite country. So magical.

    And I would have been afraid too if I found myself in a situation like Gabi. I'm sure I would have been killed on sight. And if I didn't have access to books, I would have wanted to die. LOL

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  11. I don't think I would have lasted very long either, I would definelty forget to say mayhap all the time! Visiting Thomas Hardy's pastoral England would be amazing, great choice.

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  12. I agree that so far Marcello seems quite accepting of Gabi and her ways. I know at times it frustrates him, but I think its just because she is so different and maybe he might be falling for her already. I am not sure on this one haven't read past chapter 8 yet. He could treat her a lot differently being a Lord's son and all. Also I think he is a bit humored and in aww of her as well. Great answers.

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  13. "You are tied to the responsibilites of whatever station you're born into, with no chance to improve yourself, or change your station."

    Reminds me of "A Knight's Tale" (the Heath Ledger movie, not the real Chaucer)when Will's dad tells him to "change your stars." That's huge, isn't it? In modern American society we bring our kids up (and expect ourselves) to not only have a dream, but to pursue it! To think that that kind of thinking is foreign would be a huge shift to make.

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  14. Oh my gosh, no books!! That would be horrible without them, :(

    Great answers!

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  15. Mmm, I'd obviously miss books too! And I've always felt I was born in the wrong century...maybe that's why I'm feeling so at home writing time travel!

    Thanks SO much for taking part in WW. See you next week!

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  16. Not only were the books expensive and copies by hand, but they were in Latin! Erm, maybe you don't know that yet. I couldn't stop at six chapters. I had to read the whole book! But I agree with most of your answers especially about how Gabi covers really well and talks 21st century in her head. I loved that. She stayed so true to herself. I'd be cowering in my room too. Marcello would be looking to get rid of me asap. And I would be seriously freaking out!

    Heather

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  17. I love modern gadgets! I feel naked without them!

    I would miss books as well!

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