Book Club Questions for Throwback, The YA Speculative that's Back to The Future X Freaky Friday

1 day ago
3 min read

Korean girl in red shirt lying on the title's words

Age: YA (14+)

Genre: Speculative

Quick Review of Throwback

This YA speculative is perfect for readers who want a Back to The Future setup with the mother-daughter dynamic of Freaky Friday. This book delivers a nuanced look at racism (and other -isms), generational relationships, and the impact just one decision can make. In my experience, it's the kind of book that gets even better on the re-read.

Book Club Questions

Sam describes herself as “reactive and confrontational” in her approach to social justice issues. By contrast, her mother faces such issues by projecting a carefully curated image. Why do you think Sam’s and her mother’s different responses irritate each other so much? Whose approach do you identify with more? What is the intended outcome of each approach, and do you think they achieve it?
Priscilla’s pragmatism defines her decisions, both as a teen and as an adult. Do you have a trait you think defines you?
How does Sam’s view of her mother evolve throughout the book? What about her view of her grandmother? Has your view of a parent or grandparent changed as you’ve learned more about their lives and relationships?
Sam starts the book disdaining her mother’s ideals, from her desire to join the country club to her concern about her clothes. How does Sam’s perspective on what’s important to her mother change over the story?
Jamie’s goal was to stop his uncle from drinking the night before homecoming so he could catch the winning touchdown. Have you ever seen one decision dramatically impact the rest of someone’s life? Without the benefit of time travel, do you think the effects of that decision can be undone?
Sam’s mother accuses her of being selfish and ungrateful, while Sam accuses her of being cold and uncaring. Over the book, Sam recognizes how her mother was involved and sacrificed for her in ways she took for granted. Have you ever been frustrated with a relationship and later realized you placed blame unfairly? In what ways have your parents sacrificed for you?
What aspects, if any, of the 90s would you like to bring back?
Sam laments, “What [is] it about my mom that turn[s] me into the worst version of myself?” How would you answer her? Why do you think parent-child relationships can be so difficult?
How did Priscilla’s father’s death shape her life experiences and the role she took on in her family? How did that affect her future relationship with Sam?
How do you think someone like Sam ended up in a relationship with someone like Curren? If she hadn’t met Jamie in the past, do you think she would have stayed with Curren?
Sam starts off hating her mother’s desire to be American and longing to reconnect with her Korean roots. How do her experiences in the 90s help her appreciate cultural aspects of both sides?
When Sam can’t understand why the popular kids’ acceptance is so important to Priscilla, she describes how hard her immigrant mother works and says, “She’s worked too hard for me not to excel on their terms.” Do you think it’s possible for immigrants to excel in American society? If not, why not, and if so, at what cost?
Sam tells Priscilla that her mom wants her to be happy, but that that means something different to her mom than it does to her. What does happiness mean to you vs your parents? How do you navigate differences of opinion?