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.