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Discussion Questions for Chapters 7-11
1. Gabi's search for her sister is made increasingly difficult by the fight for territory between Castello Forelli and Castello Paratore. At this point, do you think the rivalry is warranted? Why or why not?
Not necessarily. Back then (wealthy) people had a lot of uninhibited land, more than they really needed, but they still wanted more? On the other hand, theirs is an age old war for a reason. Still today, people fight for territory and borders of countries are guarded in order to protect the people that live within.
But no. I didn't think Castello Forelli and Castello Paratore were serious about about their battle. Like Gabi, at first I thought their fighting was like a scene from a movie, and when they ceased fighting because someone got injured, it did seem like they just engaged in swordplay.
2. Gabi aids Fortino by having his sickroom cleaned out and using steam to loosen the phlegm inside his lungs so he could breathe better. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required you to rely on home remedies to aid yourself or another? What are some of your favorite home remedies?
Okay, I have to admit to being beyond terrified of home remedies because when I was little, my mom tried so many weird things on me. The scariest being sticking rolled up newspaper in my ear and lighting it on fire to cure an earache! GAH! Can anyone say child endangerment?! So yeah, I rely heavily on modern medicine. It is such a blessing.
3. Marcello and his men don't hide their surprise when they learn that Gabi is skilled with a sword. What did you think of this development? Has your initial impression of Gabi changed? Do you have any secret skills?
I'm totally jealous of Gabi. The girl is a teenaged Martha Stewart and Macgyver rolled into one. Is there anything she can't do? She speaks like every language ever invented and I barely know one. But I'm happy to see that she left her whiney-self back in the future and has really stepped up to the plate.
Me...secret skills? Well, I don't like to brag or anything but I can do a wicked impersonation of a lazy bear full of honey. :)
4. "Our lips were so close, I could feel the heat of his breath on my skin." Gabi and Marcello's feelings for one another are beginning to stir. What do you think of Marcello as a romantic interest thus far? What do you think of his intended?
Oh, be swoon my heart! That almost kiss knocked me off my feet! Lady Rossi who? I think the romantic development between Marcello and Gabi is going great. It's at a slow, delicious pace since they are both grappling with their feelings and the confusion of the situation, but the looks they share are electric!
5. Marcello and Luca take turns teaching Gabi the dances of Toscana. Would you have liked to attend a ball like the one Gabi was practicing for? Do you like to dance? Do you know any cool dance moves?
Are you kidding me? EVERYDAY. I'M. SHUFFLING! Though you wouldn't be able to guess that is what I'm doing if you happened upon me while I'm in my groove. My little cousins have told me my dance moves look like something off the film set of Planet of the Apes 3D: The Jiggle Gone Horribly Wrong. But I'm not so sure about that. Wanna see for yourself? Check out this video of me and Sir Luca getting our boogie fever on and tell me what you think:
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Waterfall Wednesdays Discussion Schedule:
August 31st: Chapters 1-6
hosted by Tina at Tinasbookreviews
September 7th: Chapters 7-11
hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader
September 14th: Chapters 12-17
hosted by Joy & Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance
September 21st: Chapters 18-23
hosted by Jenny at Supernatural Snark
September 28th: Chapters 24-28 & Wrap Up
hosted by Nic at Irresistible Reads
August 31st: Chapters 1-6
hosted by Tina at Tinasbookreviews
September 7th: Chapters 7-11
hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader
September 14th: Chapters 12-17
hosted by Joy & Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance
September 21st: Chapters 18-23
hosted by Jenny at Supernatural Snark
September 28th: Chapters 24-28 & Wrap Up
hosted by Nic at Irresistible Reads
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Oh. My. Gosh. newspaper in your ear...and lit on fire?! You poor thing! No wonder you're always licking brains--gotta keep them nice and wet in case mothers try home remedies! :P
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for linking to my giveaway! YOU are epic :D
Well that is quite a remedy. I'd like to see the book she got that out of! And those are some groovy moves! You got it goin' on! I think you are definitely cut out for the Dark Ages Disco now if I could just find the address. I think it's in some dusty old tomb....
ReplyDeleteHeather
LOL! I love your's and Luca's dance moves. Never pictured Luca with an afro before :)
ReplyDeleteI agree about question 1. At first they weren't that serious about their battle. However that seemed to change in later books.
Fantastic questions and answers Missie!
Yikes. Is it too late to call CPS? Bear-full-of-honey has been my only move lately. Lol. I didn't really think about the Lords not being all in. Thanks for the questions
ReplyDeleteAmy @ www.bookgoonie.com
Just wanted to say - omg you got a new layout?! LOVE it <3 ;))
ReplyDeleteA teenage Martha Stewart and Macgyver. LOL! I laughed at this, but it is SO true!! :-P We used to watch MacGyver all the time, and Gabi does remind me of him. Always getting outta things. :-P
ReplyDeleteGreat answers!
Burning newspapaer! Oh my gosh! I'd be afraid of home remedies too!!! lol
ReplyDelete♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
I will be posting after lunch which is also when I will be catching up LOL
ReplyDeletePS Loved the Dance Moves!
ReplyDeleteI really love your answer to Number 2---I think our parents had a totally uninhibited, let me try this attitude with home remedies. Do not get me started on my step-mom piercing my ears with a potato and a needle. I swear it is why I don't like needles.
Miss Rossi who? Love it.
ReplyDeleteAnd ROFLOL on the video -- just what I needed to see before heading out the door to work. Cracking up!
Love your answers -- and your mad disco skills!
Serena ( from Edgy Inspirational Romance, of course)
(didn't think to mention "where I'm from" in the linky above -- sorry.)
Ok that jib-jab cracked me up!!!
ReplyDeleteMy mom had a bunch of creepy home remedies to, but I dont remember if she used any of them on me....maybe its a Latino thing..or it could be a generational thing with not wanting to spend money for a Dr.??
Oh my gosh that home remedy- ouch!
ReplyDeleteI love your answers and that video had me laughing so much! Thanks!
Great answers to the questions this week. I can't quite get past the firey newspaper in your ear as a child to cure an earache. OMG how barbaric!
ReplyDeleteI'm working today, didn't have time to watch the video. I will try and come back to view tonight - fingers crossed.
I'd be afraid of home remedies if I were you! Holy smokes!
ReplyDelete"lazy bear full of honey" cute!
I'm waiting for the video to load, otherwise I would comment on it as well :) NEVERMIND! it worked...I'm jealous you were able to dance with Luca! :)
Missie...you look gorgeous as a red head!! And those dance moves are killer. I'm quite jealous.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty jealous of Gabi too. She is definitely a wonderwomen of sorts. It seems as if she can do everything.
Now that you say it, I guess the fighting did seem more like a game to them but one that could get serious and mean at any time. But I don't think they would have hesitated for one minute if they could get Gabi.
ReplyDeleteI would be terrified of home remedies if my mom did that to me too!
I like that Gabi's talents are using a sword and riding a horse, it really helps her in this time and adds so much to the story.
Lady Rossi who?-Love it!
Ah... I can't get the video to come up. :( I'll have to check back later.
Lady Rossi who? <-- LOVE IT! haha
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Marcello is soooo sa-woon worthy...Love the pacing of their romance. It makes it feel *real*
My mom had a creative home remedy too, but mine left scars, haha...
Will have to come back and coax video to work - sounds promising ;o)
I've heard that earache thing too, though never tried it! I would so light my hair on fire.
ReplyDeleteI will join you in your lazy bear impersonation after we're done stomping the halls of BEA next year. :)
Also, I hearts your video. I'm so glad you are in my life.
I loved loved loved your answers! Girl, YOU CRACK ME UP! And the video still has me chuckling! Thanks for hosting today also!
ReplyDeleteI think you and your mom should go back to medieval Italy. You'd fit right in with the home remedies. My mom, being a nurse, went straight to the doc for all our needs. But she was all whole-wheat and no sugar cereal when I was a kid, which was a major bummer. My kingdom for a Twinkie! was my childhood lament...
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning it was like the fought just for something to do, but then it all changed. Personally, I would have loved to learn the dances for those days.
ReplyDeleteHoly Shit! She stuck newspaper in your ear and set it on fire? I would be home remedy shy as well after that:) Did it work?
ReplyDeleteAwesome questions this week Missie, sorry I suck at life and couldn't participate:(
I remember that remedy? It's a mexican remedey. I only had it done once on me and it never work.
ReplyDeleteNewspaper + ear + fire? That must have been so terrifying!
ReplyDeleteGreat Q&A's this week :D
The feature has single-handed put this series on my to-read list for Winter break (isn't that week off at Christmas amazing). Can't wait to immerse myself in this world - any chick you deem a cross between Martha Stewart and MacGyver is someone I need to read about. Grazi, my friend.
ReplyDeleteOMG that video rocks.
ReplyDeleteLOL
You're so funny.
I'm with you, I'd be allllllll over that.
Oh and you're are so right about being part Martha Stewart and part Macgyver!
Thanks for hosting this week's discussion, Missie! Answering the discussion questions was tons of fun! :)
ReplyDeleteROFL! I love the vid and the dance, but it is the HAIR that was the best! LOL!!
ReplyDeletewow amazing video you really can move. There's something wrong with you head though, did you know? it seems a little large it must be all that dancing....
ReplyDeleteOMG your mum did what?
I posted my link! Looking forward to next week!
ReplyDeletefrequentreader19 (at) gmail (dot) com
BAH HAHAHAHAHAHA! I was seriously going to pee my pants after that video. Awesome. Seriously, dance PART-AY! I'll bring the pie and Tina will bring the enchiladas and I'm sure we can get Jenny to bring cookies. We'll have a book blogger fiesta! The Thong Song is a must. Sombrero anyone??
ReplyDeleteGah! Fire in the ear. Something about that is a little scary. o_o
*stares at Missie* I'm ready for your lazy bear full of honey impersonation *waits patiently*
First off way to go on the video...your moves are hot, lol.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your impression of Gabi, she's just so prepared for all of this. I'd be freaking out and completely unable to communicate. Hello speaking in old italian...seriously this girl has skills.
@Missie and Savannah...AH-HAH!! See I knew it was a Mexican thing. My mom always called me her little Gringo daughter scared of everything...but she never put fire next to my ears...and most of the time I just ignored her because I couldn't speak Spanish....:D
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm still reeling from the shock of that home remedy your mum tried on you. I literally winced at that part. You poor thing! *wince*
ReplyDeleteLol @ the Martha Stewart and Macguyver bit. I wouldn't have thought to describe her in that way, but it's spot on. She's so awesome! I wish I knew that many languages.
Hilarious video! Although I never pictured Luca with an afro... But I suppose it adds to his character lol
Great post! Love it:)
You know, I think the newspaper in your ear set on fire is a valid remedy... I have a friend who does something similar and she says it helps unclog her ears and helps her hear better.
ReplyDeleteA lazy bear full of honey? LOL! And amazing dance skills, Missie! I'm jealous of your bogeying.
Missie, doing her "wicked impersonation of a lazy bear full of honey":
ReplyDeletehttp://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0084/4322/products/honeyhiding_print_medium.jpeg?2907
Great answers Missie. I'm always one symptom away from hypochondria so I'd never survive without modern medicine.
ReplyDeleteI think I saw Bruce Jenner get that ear remedy you were talking about on a recent episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnd OMGosh, your moves!!!
ReplyDeleteROFLOLOLOLOLOL!!
LOL "I can do a wicked impersonation of a lazy bear full of honey. :)" That's great!
ReplyDeleteAnd your dance moves, love it!
The Jiggle Gone Terribly Wrong??? HAHAHA!!! Uuuum that video is EPIC!!! I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore this read along. I feel like I belong to a book club. It also gives me an opportunity to make time for myself. Thank you so much for being a part of this. Great questions!
ReplyDeleteGreat questions this week! Awesome booty shakin too!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun project you've got going. I didn't think much about the battle btw the Forellis and Paratores. Even after reading most of the books, I still don't know why there's a conflict. It's just one of those lasting rivalries and the overarching Firenze/Siena disputes.
ReplyDeleteWEE! I am reading this next so I can finally participate in the discussions!!
ReplyDeleteYou are to much girl. That video is epic...lol :) Great answers i am totally loving the Marcello- Gabi moments....swoon. also i think i would run from home remidies too if that happened to me :)
ReplyDeleteSorry im commenting so late. Weve had major storms all day and just getting internet back :)
Is it wrong that I started laughing as soon as I read about how your mom tried to cure your earaches? It's always interesting to me how people sometimes believe in the oddest things.
ReplyDeleteLOVED the video! Wish I had thought of that! Yeah, Gabi is like Wonder Woman. I feel so inferior lol
ReplyDeleteI swear that the praise for this series is unending. Clearly I need to read it...stat. Awesome Q and A!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the email Missie! No idea why you couldn't leave a comment. I'm going to go a head and blame Blogger for this one!
ReplyDeleteI love these books so much! Thanks for hosting, and I enjoyed your answers and video. so funny!
ReplyDeleteLUV the moves! and that you did that '') so FuN ! enjoying the q&a - great post . will have my linkup verrry soon...
ReplyDeleteI bet you and Mr. Broom do an awesome Tango! Just don't hold Mr. Clorox in your mouth!
ReplyDeleteYeah, some vinegar, rosemary, lemons, that's all you need for cleaning really if you're willing to put some elbow grease into it. Now clothes, I am not using a washboard or boiling them. I'm not even allowed to have a clothesline (neighborhood) but I sure do miss line dried sheets. And sunshine is good for lots of things that ail you. Just not allergies like Fortino seems to have. I'm hoping she brings an inhaler or 70 back with her!
Heather
Hey girl, don't dis the home remedies! Your mom just did it wrong, LOL. It's cheesecloth soaked in beeswax made into a cone and it's only for cleaning the ears not ear infections, LOL-poor kid!
ReplyDeleteI'm late joining but I've done both on my blog.
I love your 'disco' moves, Chica! They are HOT! LOL, don't you love how everyone younger than us rags on our dancing? LOL, my neice is a terror! Time to get that video game!
Awesome answers!
I hope it's alright to post here in the comments to enter the drawing --I don't have a blog, so I wrote everything down here ...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu
Discussion Questions for Chapters 7-11
1. Gabi's search for her sister is made increasingly difficult by the fight for territory between Castello Forelli and Castello Paratore. At this point, do you think the rivalry is warranted? Why or why not?
--Well, it's the whole city affiliation thing, I suppose. I'm sort of neutral, but the whole thing about the little bit of disputed land that Giacinta was telling Gabi about in chapter 8? I feel like they need to just split it in two or something ... get a diplomatic resolution to that part of it, at least. =)
2. Gabi aids Fortino by having his sickroom cleaned out and using steam to loosen the phlegm inside his lungs so he could breathe better. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required you to rely on home remedies to aid yourself or another? What are some of your favorite home remedies?
--Off the top of my head, the only thing I can think of is my "cure" for hiccups, which is a combination of the "hold your breath" and the "drink some water" --do both at the same time: drink some water without breathing. Most of the time it works, sometimes it doesn't.
3. Marcello and his men don't hide their surprise when they learn that Gabi is skilled with a sword. What did you think of this development? Has your initial impression of Gabi changed? Do you have any secret skills?
--I thought, "I wish I learned fencing or something!" I've loved medieval things ever since I can remember ...
In the first part of the book, I kind of was neutral toward Gabi and I kind of got irritated at her insistence to defy reason and do things her way almost all the time (such as trying to get back to the tomb alone). However, I understand her reasoning behind it (e.g. not wanting other people involved or finding out that she's from the future), but ... anway. Now, I'm starting to warm up to her.
It's not really a skill, but while people know I like to do arts and crafts, most of them are unaware that I also know how to twist balloon animals, hats and such (I need diagrams or instructions though).
4. "Our lips were so close, I could feel the heat of his breath on my skin." Gabi and Marcello's feelings for one another are beginning to stir. What do you think of Marcello as a romantic interest thus far? What do you think of his intended?
--Gentleman ... well, more like a knight, LOL. I like him. He's serious, mature, responsible, but kind of like a mystery ... a bit of "I-want-to-know-more-before-I-totally-fall-for-him" type of guy. But other than the mysterious, unknown part, he's got a lot of things going for him. I'd also like to know more about Luca ... ;-) Lady Rossi is alright ... I keep flipping back and forth from thinking she's okay and disliking her. I mean, she seems sweet, but I think ... I get this feeling there's something about her that if things don't go her way, it might not be good (e.g. what would happen if she found out that Gabi's from the future? Would she use it against the 21st century girl?) I don't know ...
5. Marcello and Luca take turns teaching Gabi the dances of Toscana. Would you have liked to attend a ball like the one Gabi was practicing for? Do you like to dance? Do you know any cool dance moves?
--Side note, that was one of my favorite parts of the book! I definitely would have loved to experience a real ball ... but I can't dance. At all. I'd like to learn some ballroom dances someday, but don't have time (or money) for lessons right now --plus I don't have anyone to learn it with. ;-)