Book Discussion: Torrent

Welcome to Medieval Italy! Let's adjourn to the library at Castello Forelli so we can discuss the talk of the kingdom - "The River of Time" series by Lisa T. Bergren! Or more specifically, the conclusion to this awesome series - Torrent!!

Before we dive in, here's the description of the book from Lisa's website:

"Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times. But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death."

Time for Some Rules:

While this discussion is mostly for readers who have read the whole series, anyone is welcome to join! I'm going to keep my questions as spoiler-free as possible, but I can't guarantee the comments will be such. So feel free to read this post and respond to whichever questions you want - just beware of the comments if you haven't yet read Torrent! (If you're one of those people who hasn't read it, I recommend you read it soon!!)

Time for Some Discussion Questions:

• OK, I just have to ask this question first! Who is your favorite hero in Torrent and/or the whole "River of Time" series? Why? (I think this just might be one of the toughest discussion question ever!!)

• Gabi is one tough swordswoman - always "at the ready," persevering through pain, and fighting for freedom. Do you think you would have what it takes to survive (like Gabi and her family) in a place as dangerous as Medieval Italy? What does it take to survive in this day and age? Conversely, what do you enjoy most about living in this time period?

• For parents: Would you be willing to let your children travel back to a vicious time if it meant a more meaningful "future" for all of you?

• For young adults: If the only way your whole family could stay together was to go back in time, would you be willing to take the risk and give up modern comforts, friends, school, a career, etc.?

Time for Some Dessert:

Here's one last discussion question from the "after words" section of Torrent:

• "In one passage, the book titles for the series are somewhat explained: 'My eyes shifted to the trickling river. Come spring, it would be ten times as wide and just as deep. On and on it went, rushing toward the distant horizon. Like time. Like life. Sometimes gently falling from one pool into the other, other times fast and cascading, and still other times narrowing into a funnel, a torrent of knots and waves.' Have you experienced life like that? Identify three times in your life that feel like a Waterfall, a Cascade, and a Torrent. Which one describes your life right now?"

I absolutely LOVE the idea of an "after words" for a book - like an "encore" or a piece of "dessert." Way to go David C Cook publishers - fabulous idea! I just had to include the discussion question above because it really ties the whole series together, and it's a brilliant question!

Can't wait to hear your thoughts and interact with all of you! =)