A review by betweentheshelves
Throwback by Maurene Goo
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
First of all, the fact that this is a YA book and they go back in time to the 90s because that's when her mom was a teenager just makes me feel old. I just think of going back in time for that to be further back. But this is where we are currently at. So.
Nevertheless, this was an overall really enjoyable story. It's your typical "go back in time to fix my relationship with a parent" type of story, so most of the story was a tad predictable. I did enjoy how Sam gained a new perspective for both her mom and her halmoni. You get that interwoven story of immigration in there, and the way perspectives have changed since the 90s. There was a lot packed in the story, and it made it really easy to read.
There is a slight plot twist in there that I didn't see coming, so I appreciated that! If I remember correctly, Sam is a sophomore, so I was a little confused as to why she was completing college apps? But maybe I'm remembering that incorrectly. Some of the time travel details were also a bit vague, though that's maybe on purpose. Time travel itself is vague.
This would also make a great movie, so movie companies take note! Stop re-making things and make new movies instead. I would watch this in a heartbeat.
Nevertheless, this was an overall really enjoyable story. It's your typical "go back in time to fix my relationship with a parent" type of story, so most of the story was a tad predictable. I did enjoy how Sam gained a new perspective for both her mom and her halmoni. You get that interwoven story of immigration in there, and the way perspectives have changed since the 90s. There was a lot packed in the story, and it made it really easy to read.
There is a slight plot twist in there that I didn't see coming, so I appreciated that! If I remember correctly, Sam is a sophomore, so I was a little confused as to why she was completing college apps? But maybe I'm remembering that incorrectly. Some of the time travel details were also a bit vague, though that's maybe on purpose. Time travel itself is vague.
This would also make a great movie, so movie companies take note! Stop re-making things and make new movies instead. I would watch this in a heartbeat.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Racism, and Classism
Minor: Death of parent