Waterfall Wednesdays (Chapters 12-28) Yupp, I'm Way Behind...

I'm sooo behind on Waterfall Wednesdays! I'm blaming it on school, homework, and that week I was sick. So I'm going to cram THREE Waterfall Wednesdays into ONE. Yeah, it's going to be epic. Just read on.

WEEK 3: CHAPTERS 12-17 HOSTED BY JOY & SABRINA AT EDGY INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE

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 would be totally excited! It's always fun to see a famous person so you can brag to your friends later (Like, I met Lucas Till's mom this past weekend. It didn't meet him, but still! I've met his mom! And I bragged to all my friends :).

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?

Hmmm.....I thrive on stepping out of my comport zone, but I can't think of a moment where I just connected all of a sudden. I'm sure it'll come to me later and I'll wonder why I didn't think of it then.

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'm saving my first kiss for my wedding day, so no, I don't have any kisses to compare it to! Even if I wasn't though, like Gabbi I usually only attract the dorks and weirdos. I think his assumption was far fetched (even though I agree that they should totally be together!). If a kiss proved true love then couples wouldn't break up and and families wouldn't be torn about by divorce. I think Gabrielle was right not to say, "Yeah, totally! Break up with that evil Rossi chick and marry me right away!" She knew she had to think things out, find a way home and all that jazz.

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 think the time in which she finds herself in is full of death, either through fighting or sickness, and she is sorta shocked by it. I mean, the first thing she sees is a guy killed right in front of her. Later she helps doctor Fortino and sees how close he is to death. You can't see all that and not be affected in some way. So yes, I think that observation just show her growth as a character. That was one of the things I loved about Gabi. She actually grows and matures in these books.

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? A

nd, in her slippers, could you have done the same?

Like I said, it was different back then. More fighting, killing, and sickness. Gabi found herself in many situations where she would have died if she didn't defend herself. I personally don't think I could ever bring myself to kill someone, even in self defense. I might be able to injure them so they don't attack me, but not kill.

WEEK 4: CHAPTERS 18-23 HOSTED BY JENNY AT SUPERNATURAL SNARK

1. Gabi and Lia both face several life and death situations in these chapters, having to pick up weapons in defense of those they love and experiencing first hand the brutality of close combat. If you had the choice between picking up a weapon and standing on the front lines or staying behind to tend to the wounded as necessary, which would you choose?

Eeek! I could never kill someone and I hate hospitals. But I would totally choose tending to the wounded over fighting. I'm just not that brave, skilled, or okay with running my sword into someone's stomach.

2. Both girls get to wear extraordinary gowns to their victory celebration; what would your dream medieval gown look like?

Yay, I like this question way better! I could do a whole blog post on this question! I love all of Susan's outfits in the Narnia films.

3. Gabi has crude stitches put in and must endure both their removal as well as the cauterization of the wound. How is your threshold for pain? Do you think you would have simply gritted your teeth as Gabi does?

Double eeek! NO, NO, and NO! I was wincing and gasping all through that part of the book! I'm hardly ever sick and I can deal with pain, but that is asking too much.

4. Marcello wants to properly court Gabi after they express mutual feelings of affection, wanting to speak with her mother about his intentions. What do you think is the most romantic aspect of medieval courtship?

Aw! This is what makes Marcello so cute! Besides the good looks and everything :) That is definitively romantic. Most guys don't talk to the parents before taking the girl out and I think that's sad. I think it really shows that he is serious about the relationship and cares about the girl a lot.

5. Gabi and Lia find themselves with conflicting desires toward the end with Lia wanting to return home and Gabi hoping to stay. Do you think that Gabi is being unfair to Lia for wanting to stay, or is Lia being unfair to Gabi for demanding they go? A little of both?

Probably a little of both. I think Gabi should listen to Lia though because the plan has always been to find each other and the go back to the tomb. It wouldn't be fair if she suddenly backed out.

WEEK 5: CHAPTERS 24-28 HOSTED BY NIC AT IRRESISTIBLE READS

1. After Gabi is injured, the doctor gives her a tonic. Gabi questions the doctor several times what is in it but he refuses to tell. Would have you taken the tonic in Gabi situation?

I don't know...if I was in a lot of pain, probably yes. But if it was bearable pain, I probably would have been more suspicious. Or just scared of their medieval medicines. I don't even like to take medicine today unless I'm really sick.

2. Before the games Gabi asks Lia to let Lord Forabosch win in the archery event as people especially Lord Forabosch are becoming suspicious of them. But during the games Lord Forabosch upsets Lia trying to throw her off her game. So Lia decides to win. Do you think she did the right thing by not letting Lord Forabosch bully her or do you think she took an unnecessary risk?

Yes and no. I see why Gabi didn't want her to do it, but I also see why Lia did it. I'm with Lia on this one :)

3. When Gabi is dying and she and Lia decide to return to the tombs so they can get the cure at home but they have to tell Marcello the truth. Even though Marcello thinks that it is madness that they are from the future he believes in Gabi because he loves her. Do you think this is believable? What would you have done if you were Marcello?

It could be believable because they showed up in a tomb wearing weird clothes and they knew basically nothing about the culture back then. It would all add up, but I wouldn't believe them until I saw it for myself. If I was Marcello, I would have helped them even though I had my doubts.

4. In the end Gabi and Lia return home. Do you think Gabi will return to Marcello? Would you go back?

The only path back...to love. (Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren, page 369)

I hope she goes back! Actually, I already know the answer because I read "Cascade" and "Torrent!" I don't think I could go back. It would be asking to much from my family to go back to a time where I had almost died numerous times. But if he was the one...I don't know. I guess I would have to go back or die unhappy and single.

5. Looking back at Waterfall what was your favorite moment?

Everything! I loved the whole book. It was all wonderful.