Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Waterfall Wednesdays


Welcome to the Waterfall Read-Along! For those of you who don't know, the wonderful ladies behind Tina's Book Reviews, Edgy Inspirational Romance, Irresistible Reads, The Unread Reader and myself are hosting a read-along of Lisa T. Bergren's time-travel young adult novel Waterfall (LOVED!). Each week we'll pose and answer five questions about the book and then hop around to the other blogs who have signed up to check out everyone's answers! You're welcome to join the fun at anytime by signing up over at Tina's Book Reviews and then linking your posts to the linky on the host blog each week.

Tina is the host this week, so be sure and pop over to her blog to link up your answers and then stop by Missie at The Unread Reader to get next week's questions.

CHAPTERS 1-6

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 don't know that I necessarily liked or disliked Gabi right off the bat, it usually takes me several chapters to develop feelings of any sort for a character. When she found herself in the middle of a battlefield facing medieval knights in full war mode and managed to keep her wits about her, I decided I was a fan. One of my favorite aspects of Gabi is that she never lets herself become overly dramatic, she absorbs whatever situation she's found herself in and logically thinks of her next course of action. Sometimes she makes smart decisions, sometimes she doesn't, but she always seems to stay on the level which I appreciate.

Gabi gets to time travel back to 14th Century Italy- The Dark Ages in its prime. Is there any time in history that fascinates you and would you travel back if you could?

I just finished two books that focused on ancient Egypt and Rome in the time of Cleopatra and I have to say that time period has always been of interest to me. Seeing Egypt in all her glory before Rome took her over would be amazing, and I would absolutely travel back if I could with the caveat that I could return to modern times at a moment of my choosing. While the grandeur and the opulence of Cleopatra's Egypt would be captivating, I like my modern conveniences. Lack of plumbing would be highly problematic. This girl does not go in a chamber pot, or in the street, or wherever else. Indoor plumbing just makes me happy:)

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 she's 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 are simple-minded in any way, they've been raised to view women as the "fairer" sex, meant to excel at certain tasks and not at others, so I don't think their attitudes are chauvinistic given that their views are are not meant in a derogatory fashion–they are just stating what they view as simple fact. That being said, my hackles would definitely rise if I was denied the opportunity to do certain things because it was not my "place", but I think that's mostly because I've grown up believing women equal to men and capable of the same things they are. Oh, and sidesaddle? Absolutely not, I will ride with my legs astride the horse or not all. I'm not falling off just so my legs can stay together ;-)

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?

Sadly, I think people are always judged by their differences. It certainly still happens with alarming frequency today and I imagine it will be some time before suspicion and prejudice against something or someone that deviates from what people view as "normal" will subside. Luckily for me, I've never been in a situation where I've been viewed as an outsider or judged in any way.

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

Horses! I've grown up around horses and have been riding since I was little, so the thought of getting to ride a horse every single day for transportation sounds pretty appealing to me.

As for the worst part, please see above note about the lack of indoor plumbing. *shudders* Just thinking about it makes me want to run upstairs and give my toilet a big hug.

39 comments:

  1. Ooh, Cleopatra's Egypt would be amazing! Though I agree, I wouldn't want to live in any time period of the past permanently... I'm much too spoiled by the current. But it would be fun to see!

    Agree about your thoughts of the men of the time period... and sidesaddles! They sound awful.

    But I would definitely love to ride a horse everyday if it weren't for the sidesaddle! And I know I would be doing a lot of holding it in to avoid using a chamber pot as much as possible!

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  2. LMAO! JENNY! You're a riot. I'm totally with you on the chamber pots not working for me. Next time I clean my toilet, I'll be sure it give it extra attention and a big hug, too!

    ooooh! Egypt. That would have been cool. Though if I found myself back in the time period, I'd probably be a slave girl used for tasting food to make sure it wasn't poisoned.

    I knew about your background with horseriding. Have you ever tried the sidesaddle thing? How did they make it look so easy? I once read the Queen Elizabeth used a fake leg to make it look like she was riding sidesaddle when in fact she was not. Smart lady. :)

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  3. LOL. Awesome answers Jenny. I am so with you about the lack of indoor plumbing. I don't think I would survive!

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  4. Egypt! Like I said before, I have yet to read a book in Egypt...what's wrong with me!

    I mentioned use of the restroom in my answers as well :)

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  5. Indoor plumbing was my main thought too Funny how we all turn to that.
    I also loved how plucky and quick-thinking Gabby was. It was the first thing that attracted me to her.

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  6. I totally agree with most of your answers. If I could choose when I came back then I would time travel in an instance but otherwise--no way, not going to happen, not even interested :)

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  7. I would have loved to ride every day too, but yes..plumbing, eeek, I need that

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  8. Aylee - Seriously. I would probably give myself some type of infection trying to hold everything in instead of using the bucket:)

    Missie - LOL! I probably would have been on of the food tasters as well. No good. I have never tried an actual sidesaddle, I've flipped my right leg over and mimicked it and nearly fell off every time. Of course I got knocked off by a tree branch once with one leg on either side, so perhaps I'm not the best judge:)

    Nic - I know I wouldn't survive. Having to use a porta-potty is enough to cause apoplexy.

    Jacinda - Restrooms are vital! Must have.

    Alison - I don't think you truly value having a toilet until your without it. It would be awful:) I loved Gabi's quick thinking too, she always impressed me.

    Felicia - I agree, I have to be able to come back, I wouldn't want to go permanently:)

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  9. Blodeuedd - Plumbing is a deal breaker:)

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  10. I haven't read this one, but I've seen nothing but good things about it - your answers have me getting very interested.

    On a random side now, I've been watching 'My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding' on TLC - apparently they don't do the indoor toilet thing either. Just thought I'd add that random fact.

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  11. HYSTERICAL!! Im giving my toilet a salute next time Im in there...:)

    I liked your answer for 3- I agree I think the people thought and acted because it was the way things were, none of them knew any different...

    ps- Im going with you to Egypt!!

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  12. 14th Century Italy? I had no clue. That only makes this book sound all the more awesome!

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  13. Egypt and Rome in the time of Cleopatra would be an amazing adventure, except for the no indoor plumbing aspect. I completely agree with you on that one.

    Also I don't think any person would truly be comfortable riding side saddle. I would much rather spread my legs and be considered unladylike than fall off and be trampled by a horse.

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  14. Linds - You should give it a try! I think the books just keep getting better with book 3 as my favorite:) And note to self - never become a Gypsy.

    Tina - We should all write odes to our toilets to let them know how much we care:) And I will so take you with me to Egypt!

    Hafsah - YES! Love that it's set in that time period but with a modern heroine:)

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  15. Indoor plumbing seems to be hands down the winner in the most negative aspect of the times.

    I picked Ancient Egypt too! I want to find how how those darn pyramids are constructed. I've always been in awe over that.

    I agree with you, I find it very disheartening people are still judged by their differences. I think it should be opposite. Our differences are what make us special!

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  16. Okay, hugging the toilet just cracked me up! Great answers!

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  17. Egypt! Good answer! And how do you feel about hugging my toilet for me:)

    Waterfall Wednesdays-Week 1

    ♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

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  18. Gina - It definitely is, we're all very concerned with hygiene:) And I agree, our differences are what make life interesting.

    Julie - Seriously. The thought of not having it causes me unbelievable stress:)

    Melissa - I won't hug your toilet for you, but I'll write it a poem, how about that?

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  19. LOVED your answers. Especially to the fairer sex. I understand it and theoretically would have no problems with it, until I was denied something. But that's because of how I was raised. Great answer. You hit my feelings right on the nose.

    Oh and so with you on the indoor plumbing.

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  20. Yes! Horse love! But boo sidesaddle. Ick.

    I have to amend my chamber pot caveat. I have been in situations where that's pretty much the equivalent to the toilet situation (India had some places that were just holes in the ground), and I learned quickly how to make do. But I absolutely 100% could not live without feminine hygiene products. *hugs Tampax box*

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  21. Everyone seems to realize how much they love the toilet...don't know if I would hug it though...LOL Great answers!

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  22. Ohhhh I didn't think of Egypt I would love to time travel there too. I would of course go to the bathroom right before I set off and only stay a short time and go to the bathroom on my return! There's a lot of toilet appreciation going on today!

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  23. HA! Can you believe I still freaking FORGOT? Ugh!!

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  24. O my goodness the lack of indoor plumbing would frighten me too. I also love the fact that you picked Egypt. I have always been a fan of that time period and the magic that they believed was there. I also love horses. Though I have not had the oppurtunity to ride much in my life I think they are amazing creatures. I also love how Gabi keeps her wits about her. I like to think I am that way since I am now with problems but with danger and wars raging I am not so sure that I wouldn't freak out a bit first then once that was over figure out what to do. :)

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  25. lol! Hm, this discussion is really putting into perspective my dislike of cleaning the bathroom. At least I HAVE a nice toilet and tub to clean!

    I like what you said about Gabi staying on the level. You're right, she doesn't always make the right decision, but I love how she keeps her cool.

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  26. HORSES! YES!

    I am SO with you on the indoor toilets. I have ALWAYS maintained that was the greatest invention of the modern era. However, I refuse to hug my toilet. :)

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  27. First off, horses would be AWESOME! And, I agree, there would be NO side saddle for me. Secondly, I have a fascination with Egypt. I know they aren't the best movies, but I love The Mummy and all it's sequels. Really it's just the time period that intrigues me. But, I do love my modern conveniences. Also, I have this love of toothpaste and clean teeth...I don't think I could do that much bad breath for that long, LOL! ;D Thirdly, I've totally hugged my toilet before, but I was pregnant. I don't think I'll be doing that again for awhile. hahaha!

    Jen
    In the Closet With a Bibliophile

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  28. Oh my sweet toilet, sweet seat for my rear
    In my heart you hold a place that's most dear.
    Your water goes swirly--
    all flushes away
    And my modern hygiene routine does not sway.

    Sorry. It had to be done. (I see Jenny had the same idea!) I couldn't bare to hug it, but I thought an ode would suffice.

    Giggles.

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  29. That's excellent Serena! And brings smiles to my face!!!

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  30. Cleopatra's Egypt would be incredible to see! Love that answer, :D

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  31. Very nice idea for a feature. I like the idea. New follower. Come visit me over at Livre De Amour-Books of Love. Love the title of your blog.

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  32. Jenny, you have me so excited to read this book!! I should be getting it in the mail soon. =D YAY!!!

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  33. Mmm, what were the ancient Egypt and Rome titles you read? I bet I'd like them too!

    Thanks so much for co-hosting this gig, Jenny! Loving all the responses...

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  34. Jenny-

    I am so with you on the plumbing! And the travel back to Cleopatra's time! I'll come but I definitely want that out clause. Maybe we could bring our bathrooms with us! But then maybe that's cheating.

    Heather

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  35. I just saw this over at Irresistible Reads and loved it! I love the whole idea all together!

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  36. I'd probably pick the Victorian Era to go to but Ancient Egypt or Greece would probably end up being my second choices. I wouldn't want to live in any of those places for too long because besides the lack of indoor plumbing, I'd constantly be worried about getting sick or injured and not having proper medical aid.

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  37. I enjoyed reading your answers. This sounds like my kind of book. I even have it on my Kindle :) Hopefully I can find time to read it soon.

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  38. I really have to read this book! It is calling to me on my Kindle! UGH! ;)

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  39. Great answers! I liked that you mentioned Ancient Egypt and, if you'd asked me that question this time last year, I probably would've given the same answer. However, after taking an elective module in the third year of my degree (last year) which focused on Ancient Egypt, I would have to pass on a trip back in time to that era. Maybe it was just the module, the lecturer, or the focus on specific types of content, but I came away with a very poor impression of daily life in Ancient Egypt and I can't help but think that if I were to travel back to that period in time, I wouldn't be welcome. However, I can see why Ancient Egypt is appealing, as it would've been my choice had my impression of it not been ruined. Again, I have to say that I'm loving everyone's views on the whole plumbing issue and I cannot agree more. No sidesaddle for me, either. My balance on a horse is precarious enough as it is.

    Sarah
    sarahDOTsetarATgmailDOTcom

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