A review by peacelovereading
Throwback by Maurene Goo

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

5.0

This book is SO GOOD, a must read!!! I was so invested in Samantha and her mother's relationship and could not wait to see how it would all resolve. I absolutely loved the time travel aspect and how the literal time travel and mystery of it all was just a small piece of the story and didn't overshadow the rest of the beautiful story. Watching Sam learn and grow while in the mid-90s with her mother was amazing. I chuckled so many times at references that were made to 90s things. Maurene Goo did a great job of pointing out ways marginalized groups (especially Asians and Asian Americans - Sam's family is Korean) were subjected to racist comments and stereotypes during the 90s. It was done in a subtle, but powerful way.
I could not put this one down and I didn't want it to end!! This is a story that will stick with me for a long time. Truly a beautiful book!