Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Waterfall Wednesdays (Week 3)


What are Waterfall Wednesdays you ask?  Each Wednesday for the month of September we will be reading, discussing, chatting, and gawking over the Hotties from Waterfall the amazing first novel in the River of Time series by Lisa Bergren.  Come join in the fun. 
Here is the schedule of events:
August 31- Chapters 1-6 Hosted by Tina at Tinasbookreviews
Sept 7- Chapters 7-11 Hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader
Sept 14- Chapters 12-17 Hosted by Joy&Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance
Sept 21- Chapters 18-23 Hosted by Jenny at Supernatural Snark
Sept 28- Chapters 24-28 and Wrap Up Hosted by Nic at Irresistible Reads

Need more incentive?  The amazingly talented and wonderful Lisa Bergren has offered a trilogy set of her series to one winner each week (signed if the winner is from the U.S.) and an overall chance to win a set of earrings from Venice.  How freaking amazing is that?  I told you she was wonderful.   


Discussion Questions Chapters 12-17
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?
I'd would say "WOW...look at all these yummy men and all those gorgeous dresses."  If I'm being truthful I'd probably be more than a little jealous of all the jewels people were wearing and imagining how just one of their dresses would feed my family of a month.  As much as I'd admire everyone I'd also be hoping one of those men would ditch their dates and come sweep me off my poor, broke and hungry butt and turn me into a princess.  Where is my glass slipper?   


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?
I often have to present my research at these national conferences in front of all these really important people in my field.  I'm often nervous and just feel like I don't belong with all these crazy smart and prestigious people.  But then in the middle of all these presentations, I'm really enjoying everyone's research and completely feel connected to this wonderful community just by our shared interest.  It's quite an adventure and one I'm so glad I get to experience. 

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?
I think now-a-days his assumptions would be considered sweet but also possibly a little delusional.  If the first time a guy kissed me he told me we were meant to be together I'd probably run away...well in less it was a really good kiss then I'd stick around for a while and pretend I didn't hear his crazy comment.  For Gabi's reaction I completely understand it.  She wants Marcello but she also feel guilty because of Lady Rossi and because she is not from this time.  Oh the drama!  As for prophetic kisses...I'm still waiting for one!   

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 do think Gabi has some sense of immortality.  She knows she has this mission to rescue her sister and she is going to do it no matter the costs.  I think Gabi's observation of death has come from her time-traveling back into this foreign time where there were gallant knights and people did fight to the death.  She saw battles and realized they were not romantical (thank you Anne Shirley for Anne of Green Gables for that wonderful word) and people died in horrible ways.  I think Gabi has grown so much for this whiny character to someone who is willing to risk her life and not only help her sister but to help her new friends for their freedom for the continual fighting with the Paratores.  Her selflessness and sacrifice shows just how much she was truly become an amazing person.     


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 people will do anything for love.  My sister is the closest person to me and if she were in trouble I'd be there in a heart-beat.  I don't know if I could kill to save myself, but to save the ones I love I truly believe I could do it.  I'd be racked with insane guilt afterwards and probably locked in the crazy hospital but my love one's would be alive.  I think with Gabi being in the time she was in with fighting and death occurring all around her I think her actions and realizations were realistic. 

14 comments:

  1. Cinderella is such an awesome story. I often joke that me & my husband are looking for a sugar momma or sugar daddy. We come as a package to take care of all their pool, food & house needs. I have the prince, but not the $$.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your answer to #1 is great! And I agree with your answer to #5, I too would protect those I love the most.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ohh I love your answer for #5- I would protect my children to the death if anyone ever tried to hurt them....I think we dont know how far any of us could go unless we were put in that situation. I know I feel like I couldn't wield a sword or a gun but I also know adrenaline makes the body do weird things...so I might turn into Buffy the Vampire Slayer if ever faced with what Gabi did....

    ReplyDelete
  4. Do you know, I think you're the first I've read who had a #2 experience that was like Gabi's. Which is really cool. I don't know that I've ever overcome a fear by feeling more connected. And I had a hard time trying to picture how that would work out in the real world. So I'm so glad I read your answer...it really does happen, lol.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I agree that Gabi has definitely grown out of the whiny teen that she was at the opening of the book. And I am with you on #5. the fact that Gabi has yet to really deal with what she'd done emotionally is the only thing bothering me so far about the novel.

    ♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lisa, I work in higher ed, so I often have that same feeling when I have to present in front of people who are way smarter than me, but the more I do it the more comfortable with it I become.

    And, hahaha about ignoring Marcello's comment. In modern times, his remark may be a bit crazy, but I like crazy so I'd demand marriage from him, claiming he'd have to make an honest woman out of me. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's totally true, I would protect my children (more than anyone) to the death. No questions. If it came down to it, I KNOW I would do it. I may also end up in the looney bin, but it would be totally worth it.

    Also, I would love to be swept off my feet by a hottie. Hubby may be none too happy, but *shrugs shoulders* what can a girl do. ;D LOL! But, in all honesty, I do think that kiss works in the book because of the time period. I totally agree with you that in today's day and age I'd be like "huh?"

    Jen
    In the Closet With a Bibliophile

    ReplyDelete
  8. I can see you and I would clearly be friends based on our answers to question 1. I'd be willing one of those sexy bad boys to look my way as well while I attempted to bat my eyelashes and affect a seductive stance to lure them to me like the smoldering siren I'm not. Maybe we can get ourselves a matching pair of glass slippers?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ha! Yeah, I think it would be safe to assume that any modern boy was a little crazy if he made a statement like that after one kiss. I guess Marcello can get away with making such grand statements!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I was so wrapped up in dresses and hotties I didn't even think about the jewels!

    Good points in regards to the kiss :)

    I think I would react differently if I was protecting people I love than if I was just protecting myself.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Mmm....love that image of you and your presentation, but being connected because of a greater cause. Woot! You get it! And love the rest of your answers too...thanks for taking part in this week's WW.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love the visual aids! I loved your answer about ignoring the crazy comment in today's time if one kiss later Marcello is saying you're meant to be, though wouldn't it be nice?

    I'm already married, so that doesn't matter to me, but it would be nice if one kiss could tell you if you were meant to be together. Being a good kisser does help!

    Heather

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great answers! I would definitely be jealous of the people attended the ball. And hoping one of the handsome knights would pick me too :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Girl I totally want my glass slipper too! O and loving the jeweled lips pic. That would be so cool ok not for kissing but it would look cool. Great answers!!

    ReplyDelete

I love love love hearing your wonderful thoughts! Thanks for stopping by and happy reading.