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The Throwback List
Welcome to Sandy Point, Oregon: a sleepy beach town that's home to a giant anchor statue, a sometimes-karaoke-bar, and Frosty's questionably legendary Sunday Sundae Surprise. A town Jo, Autumn, and Bianca thought they'd left far behind when they graduated high school, finally moving on to greener pastures than the midway point for tourists heading to the Goonies house. But life seldom goes according to plan.
Bianca Boria-Birdy, former prom queen and valedictorian, has always been an overachiever. As she juggles managing the family tattoo parlor, caring for her grandmother, and adjusting to a new marriage, Bianca's schedule becomes stricter than ever, with no room for disruption. What she really needs is a vacation, but not even Bianca Boria-Birdy can achieve the impossible.
Autumn Kelly used to be an actress. Now she teaches drama at Sandy Point High. She may have had to kiss her movie-star dreams goodbye, but molding the next generation of performers has given her life meaning in a whole new way. Until the sudden reappearance of her ex-best friend throws everything off-balance.
Jo Freeman has it all together. With a cool job in Silicon Valley, connections at the trendiest fitness studios, and a down payment on her dream condo, she's well on her way to reaching every one of her goals before thirty. Or she was, before she got fired and landed right back home with her parents and teenage sister.
When Jo finds an old bucket list in her childhood bedroom, it sets the three women on a path that brings them closer to one another with each task. And it just might lead to a life none of them could have planned.
Bianca Boria-Birdy, former prom queen and valedictorian, has always been an overachiever. As she juggles managing the family tattoo parlor, caring for her grandmother, and adjusting to a new marriage, Bianca's schedule becomes stricter than ever, with no room for disruption. What she really needs is a vacation, but not even Bianca Boria-Birdy can achieve the impossible.
Autumn Kelly used to be an actress. Now she teaches drama at Sandy Point High. She may have had to kiss her movie-star dreams goodbye, but molding the next generation of performers has given her life meaning in a whole new way. Until the sudden reappearance of her ex-best friend throws everything off-balance.
Jo Freeman has it all together. With a cool job in Silicon Valley, connections at the trendiest fitness studios, and a down payment on her dream condo, she's well on her way to reaching every one of her goals before thirty. Or she was, before she got fired and landed right back home with her parents and teenage sister.
When Jo finds an old bucket list in her childhood bedroom, it sets the three women on a path that brings them closer to one another with each task. And it just might lead to a life none of them could have planned.
Unknown Binding
First published October 5, 2021
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About the author
Lily Anderson
12Ìýbooks809ÌýfollowersLily Anderson is the author of THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN ME IS YOU, NOT NOW NOT EVER, and UNDEAD GIRL GANG. A former school librarian, she is deeply devoted to Shakespeare, fairy tales, and podcasts. Somewhere in Northern California, she is having strong opinions on musical theater. Find her online at
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
June 20, 2021
A decent, relaxing book. I was 60% through before I cared at all about what was happening to anyone. There is little plot and there are too many perspective characters for much extensive character development to take place.
I think the main value this book can provide (beyond some general warmth) lies in two areas: 1) if you’re interested in or can identify with the stressors and considerations of someone who works in social media, and 2) if you’d like to read wish-fulfillment about actually hanging out with friends sometimes in ways that are fun.
I could list several problems that I had with this book, the characters� actions, etc., but maybe because I spent so much time with it—perhaps an unnecessary amount of time—I felt kindly toward it by the end.
I think the main value this book can provide (beyond some general warmth) lies in two areas: 1) if you’re interested in or can identify with the stressors and considerations of someone who works in social media, and 2) if you’d like to read wish-fulfillment about actually hanging out with friends sometimes in ways that are fun.
I could list several problems that I had with this book, the characters� actions, etc., but maybe because I spent so much time with it—perhaps an unnecessary amount of time—I felt kindly toward it by the end.
November 8, 2021
I think this would be a great book for YA readers who are looking for adult books to give a try. It’s like a coming of age story for characters in their mid 20s. When Jo loses her job she has to move back to her hometown while figuring out her next steps. There she finds a bucket list of things her and her best friend meant to do before high school ended. Realizing that she never crossed anything off the list, Jo decides to team back up with her old friend� and old nemesis to cross everything off the Throwback List.
The book was enjoyable enough, but nothing entirely special. It’s told in 3 POVs: Jo, Autumn, and Bianca. Jo and Bianca’s storylines felt way more fleshed out and like there was more on the line than Autumn’s. Autumn just felt pretty bland in comparison, she didn’t seem like she was adding that much to the plot. I really enjoyed the first half, but as the story went on it just started to feel very slow and repetitive. The book just seemed longer than it needed to be, it’s almost 400 pages but there’s not that much story.
The book was enjoyable enough, but nothing entirely special. It’s told in 3 POVs: Jo, Autumn, and Bianca. Jo and Bianca’s storylines felt way more fleshed out and like there was more on the line than Autumn’s. Autumn just felt pretty bland in comparison, she didn’t seem like she was adding that much to the plot. I really enjoyed the first half, but as the story went on it just started to feel very slow and repetitive. The book just seemed longer than it needed to be, it’s almost 400 pages but there’s not that much story.
September 26, 2021
This is a review for an E-ARC of the book.
The premise of this novel was intriguing, but I ultimately found it difficult to get into. Maybe it’s because I identified with Jo more than I would have liked. When I moved away from home I did it fully, and even with social media I don’t keep up with people from my hometown. I know that you can’t “go back� and expect things to be the same, so in that sense I felt like Jo was a bit naive. So why 3 stars…well the ending, idk that I should even call it that. The list was left unfinished, or at least it felt like it was. Someone I trust to give me recs on books said, “I don’t like it when authors ‘force the bow� and make it all tidy�, but in this case idk that the ribbon even attempted to meet. I’m sure there will be a sequel, but I won’t be there for it. This is one throwback that I won’t need to go back to.
The premise of this novel was intriguing, but I ultimately found it difficult to get into. Maybe it’s because I identified with Jo more than I would have liked. When I moved away from home I did it fully, and even with social media I don’t keep up with people from my hometown. I know that you can’t “go back� and expect things to be the same, so in that sense I felt like Jo was a bit naive. So why 3 stars…well the ending, idk that I should even call it that. The list was left unfinished, or at least it felt like it was. Someone I trust to give me recs on books said, “I don’t like it when authors ‘force the bow� and make it all tidy�, but in this case idk that the ribbon even attempted to meet. I’m sure there will be a sequel, but I won’t be there for it. This is one throwback that I won’t need to go back to.
November 12, 2021
This book gets 1.5 stars. The .5 comes in because I did actually finish it, so there was SOMETHING that kept me going, but I honestly don't know what. I almost stopped many times.
I liked the idea of the story, but I just felt like it wasn't well written at all. Some of it was so disjointed that I had to reread sections just to figure out what was being said. There were a TON of pop culture references throughout. So much that it almost felt forced, like the author was trying too hard to be relevant. I definitely don't think this book will stand the test of time. In ten years, people will have no idea what a lot of the references even mean.
It was told from alternating perspectives, between the three main characters, although it was written in the third person. So that at least made it easier to know who the chapter was actually about. None of the characters were that well likable, especially not Wren. I was so glad when she was out of the picture. I felt like the reactions of Bianca and Autumn when they found out Jo accepted the new job in Portland was so over the top and selfish.
There was so much lead up to the list and how Jo was going to accomplish each item, but some chapters felt like it was all preparation, and then all of a sudden, it was done and checked off. There was not a smooth conclusion to each item being crossed off.
I liked the idea of the story, but I just felt like it wasn't well written at all. Some of it was so disjointed that I had to reread sections just to figure out what was being said. There were a TON of pop culture references throughout. So much that it almost felt forced, like the author was trying too hard to be relevant. I definitely don't think this book will stand the test of time. In ten years, people will have no idea what a lot of the references even mean.
It was told from alternating perspectives, between the three main characters, although it was written in the third person. So that at least made it easier to know who the chapter was actually about. None of the characters were that well likable, especially not Wren. I was so glad when she was out of the picture. I felt like the reactions of Bianca and Autumn when they found out Jo accepted the new job in Portland was so over the top and selfish.
There was so much lead up to the list and how Jo was going to accomplish each item, but some chapters felt like it was all preparation, and then all of a sudden, it was done and checked off. There was not a smooth conclusion to each item being crossed off.
July 23, 2021
This was such a fun read! I loved both The Gilmore Girls and all seasons of The Bold Type so I was intrigued from the beginning! Jo gets fired and returns to her hometown of Sandy Point even though she's not happy about moving in with her parents and younger sister. And her two oldest friends from high school (that she's ignored for years) are reluctant to accept her back as she hasn't been the best friend. But when she comes across an old journal entry about things she wanted to do in high school but was always afraid to, she knows she must attempt them now to prove to herself she is a grown-up. Calling it The Throwback List, she begins filming her adventures and lures Autumn and Bianca into helping her. Each woman has her own issues but working together brings them closer as we see hilarious antics as well as deepening friendships. Anderson speaks to so many themes of our 20's: fitting in, finding peace, finding love, reconciling family relationships with who they are, but most importantly, finding the way to live your authentic life without giving up your principles.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
October 24, 2021
Super quick, simple read.
November 28, 2021
A breezy read but I never quite cared about any of the characters.
November 2, 2021
First of all, before starting this review, I want to say thank you to Rockstar Book Tours and the publisher for the e-ARC of this book.
Jo, Autumn and Bianca couldn’t be any more different but here they are yet again reunited with some sort of mission. But will they be able to get through this list of things without “killing� each other?
“The Throwback List� was such a fun read with lots of things to learn on life. I was kind of disappointed after finishing this read as it left me wanting more. Alas you can’t always get what you want, right?
There were multiple P.O.V’s in this book and I’m always a fan when there are multiple main characters in books. To read about someone’s past or the thoughts of one of the other main characters is always so interesting because you get like so much more background info. Which is kind of important to understand the story. Or am I the only one, that needs as many background information as possible? Please don’t tell me that I’m the only strange one in this world?
Lily Anderson will make your heart feel all cozy and warm with “The Throwback List�. This coming-of-age novel is the thing you need if you feel down and want to give your mind a well deserved break.
“The Throwback list� wasn’t only a fun read but it also shows us yet again the importance of friendship. Life is too short to hold grudges!
If you have yourself a bucket list of things to do before a certain age or if you had one and you want a trip down memory lane, then “The Throwback List� by Lily Anderson needs to be your next read. You will certainly remember this book that will paste a smile on your lips at the end.
Jo, Autumn and Bianca couldn’t be any more different but here they are yet again reunited with some sort of mission. But will they be able to get through this list of things without “killing� each other?
“The Throwback List� was such a fun read with lots of things to learn on life. I was kind of disappointed after finishing this read as it left me wanting more. Alas you can’t always get what you want, right?
There were multiple P.O.V’s in this book and I’m always a fan when there are multiple main characters in books. To read about someone’s past or the thoughts of one of the other main characters is always so interesting because you get like so much more background info. Which is kind of important to understand the story. Or am I the only one, that needs as many background information as possible? Please don’t tell me that I’m the only strange one in this world?
Lily Anderson will make your heart feel all cozy and warm with “The Throwback List�. This coming-of-age novel is the thing you need if you feel down and want to give your mind a well deserved break.
“The Throwback list� wasn’t only a fun read but it also shows us yet again the importance of friendship. Life is too short to hold grudges!
If you have yourself a bucket list of things to do before a certain age or if you had one and you want a trip down memory lane, then “The Throwback List� by Lily Anderson needs to be your next read. You will certainly remember this book that will paste a smile on your lips at the end.
November 20, 2021
This was an ARC audiobook. I loved the reader. It took me a minute to get into it. I loved the premise of finding yourself with a list and completing those tasks.
Jo a twenty something is fired from her job and she must move home to her small home town until she finds a new one. While she is there she must make amends with her friends she has abandoned since high school to help her complete her list.
She rediscovers friendship and what she wants to get out of life.
I really liked this book and the diversity of the characters will give many people a glimpse of themselves in a book.
Jo a twenty something is fired from her job and she must move home to her small home town until she finds a new one. While she is there she must make amends with her friends she has abandoned since high school to help her complete her list.
She rediscovers friendship and what she wants to get out of life.
I really liked this book and the diversity of the characters will give many people a glimpse of themselves in a book.
September 27, 2021
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Throwback List is a multiple POV story about friendship and self-discovery. About finding out what's next for us, about questioning all the priorities others have made for us. Or having the strength to define, for ourselves, what our happiness, voice, and influence will be. I deeply empathized with Jo, who's always done things by the book. Who, suddenly, feels stuck and back to where you started again. The Throwback List examines Bianca, Jo, and Autumn's lives. They ways they are intricately intertwined.
We see the remains of their hopes, even as we wonder if they can find new dreams. Because we can be so preoccupied with what's next, that we forget to find what's in front of us, to find the happiness in the moment. While I loved Jo - and empathized with her journey to find herself - I also enjoyed Autumn and Bianca's stories. However, even though it's multiple POV, I do feel like Jo's story took center stage with Bianca a close second. I think my only complaint with The Throwback List is that I felt like Autumn's story kind of got buried.
full review:
The Throwback List is a multiple POV story about friendship and self-discovery. About finding out what's next for us, about questioning all the priorities others have made for us. Or having the strength to define, for ourselves, what our happiness, voice, and influence will be. I deeply empathized with Jo, who's always done things by the book. Who, suddenly, feels stuck and back to where you started again. The Throwback List examines Bianca, Jo, and Autumn's lives. They ways they are intricately intertwined.
We see the remains of their hopes, even as we wonder if they can find new dreams. Because we can be so preoccupied with what's next, that we forget to find what's in front of us, to find the happiness in the moment. While I loved Jo - and empathized with her journey to find herself - I also enjoyed Autumn and Bianca's stories. However, even though it's multiple POV, I do feel like Jo's story took center stage with Bianca a close second. I think my only complaint with The Throwback List is that I felt like Autumn's story kind of got buried.
full review:
June 23, 2021
The Throwback List has a super cute idea � make a series of Instagram posts about things you wish you’d done in high school. Yet, this book was so slow! There is little to no tension between characters. They just sit around eating and taking pictures. Any drama is resolved within a few pages. The main source of conflict is between Bee and her family. This storyline got real old, real fast as her family treats her with no respect constantly. After the whole story dragged on and on, the last few chapters were rushed, squeezing as many highlights as possible before abruptly ending.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2021
I felt waaaay too old to be reading this book (I am 26). It is not that k co wider myself old, but this book seemed like it would be perfect for a younger version of myself. I couldn’t get into the story enough to care about the characters and Bianca seemed really negative. There was also comments about kneeling during the national anthem�. I read to escape, not to read about the things going on in the US. I will not be reading another story by this author again.
January 24, 2022
This was my first book club pick of the year. One of the reasons I enjoy book club is because it gets me to read books that I wouldn't normally select on my own. The Throwback List is something that wouldn't have caught my eye if I passed by it on a bookshelf, but I ended up really liking it. Jo is set to meet all her career aspirations by the time she turns 30, having dedicated the past several years to her job in social media. When her company ends up being merged and she gets laid off, Jo reluctantly returns to her hometown in Sandy Point, OR until she can get back on her feet. Since she was young, Jo has dreamed of leaving Sandy Point which is known as the boonies on the way to the Goonies' house. Once she's back at home, she discovers a to do list she made in high school with her then best friend Autumn. Jo reconnects with Autumn and gets to know her 'perfect' neighbor Bianca that she was always jealous of in the past. The story is told from the perspectives of these three women. I loved finding out how Jo went about crossing all the items off her list and her relationships to other characters along the way. I did have a hard time reconciling with how self-absorbed Jo was throughout the book and her complete lack of awareness of it. After one of her friend's spends the night in the hospital with a family member, she stops by and asks if she is still going to help her with a list item. Bianca's character development was more interesting and I liked how the author made her a caregiver for an elderly relative which I feel is rare portrayal for a character her age.
September 9, 2022
I want there to be more� I want to keep watching these guys be friends.
June 17, 2022
I found this book to be a lot of fun. The characters were believable and interesting. I think the last chapter lacked something though. Like I wanted a little more from the ending.
July 22, 2023
I liked the premise and the diversity of the characters. However, I found it hard to follow at times (especially the interchange of nicknames and full first names during the narrative in the beginning). Still, I love a good friendship story so adding a bonus star for that plus the interesting cast and backdrop.
February 25, 2022
Light read. Childhood friends who’ve lost touch & changed reconnect and work through hurts and expectations. Enjoyable but predictable.
October 27, 2021
full review coming TOMORROW (thanks Rockstar Book Tours, Hyperion Avenue, and NetGalley!) on kaitplusbooks.com
I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. this is the book I've been looking for for years now. it's perfect.
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I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. this is the book I've been looking for for years now. it's perfect.
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April 28, 2021
Joanna Jordan Freeman thought she had it all figured out. But life dealt Jo a massive blow when the company she'd dedicated her life to was sold, thus forcing her back home with her parents in the place she worked so hard to leave. But at home, she starts to find some of the things she'd lost, like her friends, a relationship with her family, and an old journal with a bucket list inspired by all the things other people were doing in her hometown. Using her social media skills honed in the corporate world, Joanna works on her own brand and she tackles the items on her list, reconnecting with the past. The Throwback List is a lot like a YA novel for twentysomethings who have lost their way. It questions what's safe to post online, which skills are marketable, and which friendships should be kept. It is the delayed onset into adulthood story that so many need when life tosses the lessons at you hard and fast. A fun story with an edgy, gritty setting that mimics what it is like to be on the verge of something more, but without a map to get there.
March 24, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Freeform in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved this book. It was refreshing to read a positive story about three friends reuniting since childhood. This book does a perfect job taking a negative circumstance and turning it into a positive while Jo, Bianca, and Autumn find their bucket list and decided to be like the Goonies and do everything on that list to grow closer to one another. Separated after graduation with high profile jobs, they had a way to find each other again and realize how important each of them are to one another. This book really warmed my heart and it's just what the doctor ordered during this difficult time.
We will consider adding this title to our Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I loved this book. It was refreshing to read a positive story about three friends reuniting since childhood. This book does a perfect job taking a negative circumstance and turning it into a positive while Jo, Bianca, and Autumn find their bucket list and decided to be like the Goonies and do everything on that list to grow closer to one another. Separated after graduation with high profile jobs, they had a way to find each other again and realize how important each of them are to one another. This book really warmed my heart and it's just what the doctor ordered during this difficult time.
We will consider adding this title to our Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
April 5, 2021
"The Throwback List" by Lily Anderson was such a fun book to read. As a fan of "The Bold Type" on Freeform, I truly loved this read. The character development was quick and to the point. You understood each character for who they truly were and I can absolutely appreciate that in a book. I can honestly say I laughed, I may have a shed a few tears due to the love of these 3 girls for one another and enjoyed every minute of it. The only downfall for this book is the pricing. I do not believe that a teen would pay $26.95 for this book and with the teenagers I teach I know for a fact they will not pay this much for a book. I would recommend a lower price if possible or a paperback alternative that could lower the price significantly. Other than that this book gets a 5 star rating from me! Great job Lily Anderson!
February 21, 2022
I would rate this book 4.25 Stars. I enjoyed how the author made it three points of view and a New Adult book. I feel like it's really hard to find books where the characters are later in college or out of college only by a few years and figuring out life in your mid-to-late twenties. While I did enjoy this book a lot, I felt like Jo is still the main character. I think that the three points of view were distributed a little oddly at times. Overall this was a super fun book about friendship. I loved that this book still had romance in it but it was a secondary plot. I usually gravitate towards Romance, but I think that the focus and love that went into creating the main friendship in the trio was just amazing and so important.
Thank you Disney Publishing Worldwide and NetGalley for giving me access to an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Disney Publishing Worldwide and NetGalley for giving me access to an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2023
The Throwback List written by Lily Anderson was such a fun book to read. I really wanted to rate this book five stars because it made me laugh, and it made me cry, but there was just little to no plot, it was a bit too slow in the beginning to where I had to pick up another book, there were just too many side characters in my opinion. Once the story started picking up, it was a great book. This book hit me so hard, it brought back so many memories for me, which made me resonate with the book even more. I won't get too sappy here, but what's a review with some tears? The Throwback List touched so close to my heart. I was best friends with this one person all throughout middle school and high school, we had everything planned, to what our futures would look like, to the college we wanted to attend together, to basically hanging out together every single day, she was like a second sister to me, but once we graduated high school, it's like we both fell off the rope, there's no more communication, there's just nothing left, no matter how hard you try to reconnect. I was actually so proud of myself with this book, as there was some Spanish involved, thanks to my freshmen year of high school, Spanish comes in handy sometimes. This is a book about coming of age characters that are in their mid twenty's. Please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book.
First off, I want to thank Ingrid for buddy reading this book with me, you're a gem, girlie💟💎!!!!!!!
Former best friends, Jo, Bianca, and Autumn swore they would never leave the sleepy town of Sandy Point, Oregon, but after graduating high school they all go in different directions leaving Sandy Point, but soon in their lives they find themselves back in this sleepy town. Sandy Point, Oregon doesn't really have that much to offer, besides a home to the beach, a home to a giant anchor statue, a home to a sometimes karaoke bar, and Frosty's questionably legendary Sunday Sundae Surprise. Autumn and Jo were like two peas in a pod, they were inseparable, but Bianca felt like she didn't fit in with them, she had a hard childhood growing up, she wasn't allowed to do her hair differently than what her grandparents wanted, Bianca wasn't allowed to have any wild piercings. Jo always felt jealous of Bianca. Jo pretty much ignored Bianca and Autumn when she left Sandy Point, she never made any effort in trying to communicate with her two former best friends, so for that their friendship took a wrong turn. Now, let's introduce the characters. Also, let me just say that cover is so cute.
Jo Freeman has it all together, or at least she did. Jo has a job in Silicon Valley that has to do with social media. Jo has connections to the trendiest fitness studios, she finally has a down payment on her dream condo. Jo's life is finally on the right path, or at least she thought it was. Jo is well on her way to reaching every single one of her goals before she turns thirty, but that's before she gets fired from her job and everything she has worked on has been completely wiped off the grid. When Jo gets fired from her job she finds herself right back in her childhood home with her parents and teenage sister, Eden. Jo absolutely hates Sandy Point, she hates the beach, Jo doesn't understand why people love the beach so much. When Jo is going through her childhood bedroom, she finds an old bucket list that she and Autumn created in high school, and wanted to do everything on it before the graduated, but never really got around to completing the whole thing. When Jo returns home and re-writes the bucket list, it sets the three women on a path that brings them closer to one another with each task.
Bianca Boria Birdy is a former prom queen and valedictorian, and has always been an overachiever. Now Bianca is in a currently new marriage to Dr. Birdy, who is an orthodontist. Bianca is now struggling with new responsibilities of caring for her ailing grandmother, adjusting to a new marriage, and managing the family tattoo parlor, with these responsibilities weighing heavy on Bianca's shoulders, her schedule becomes stricter than ever, with no room for disruption. What she really needs is a vacation, but not even Bianca Boria Birdy can achieve the impossible. Bianca always feels like she's failing everyone when things don't go according to plan. Bianca and her husband were supposed to go on their honeymoon, but with a new orthodontist office opening, they cancel their honeymoon for another time. When Jo returns home, her and Bianca meet in the worst condition ever, Jo's first bucket list item is to TP Bianca's house, which Jo does complete. With the bucket list to be completed, Jo decides to start an instagram account where she takes pictures of every bucket list item crossed off.
Autumn Kelly used to be an actress in Hollywood, but figured out it wasn't for her anymore, so Autumn decides to return back to Sandy Point as well. Now, Autumn teaches drama at Sandy Point High School, the one and only high school she attended. Autumn may have had to kiss her movie star dreams goodbye, but molding the next generation of performers has given her life new meaning in whole new way. That is until the sudden reappearance of her ex- best friend throws everything off balance. Jo returns to Sandy Point High School to take photograph head shots of the drama students. It completely throws Autumn off guard, she doesn't think Jo should just turn up to their own school acting like nothing happened between them. After Autumn and Jo start off on the wrong foot as well, Jo decides to show Autumn the bucket list they created in high school, and complete each task they never got around to doing. I absolutely adored the friendship bond these three women tried to reconcile. It might not have been easy, especially starting off on the wrong foot, but they definitely managed.
First off, I want to thank Ingrid for buddy reading this book with me, you're a gem, girlie💟💎!!!!!!!
Former best friends, Jo, Bianca, and Autumn swore they would never leave the sleepy town of Sandy Point, Oregon, but after graduating high school they all go in different directions leaving Sandy Point, but soon in their lives they find themselves back in this sleepy town. Sandy Point, Oregon doesn't really have that much to offer, besides a home to the beach, a home to a giant anchor statue, a home to a sometimes karaoke bar, and Frosty's questionably legendary Sunday Sundae Surprise. Autumn and Jo were like two peas in a pod, they were inseparable, but Bianca felt like she didn't fit in with them, she had a hard childhood growing up, she wasn't allowed to do her hair differently than what her grandparents wanted, Bianca wasn't allowed to have any wild piercings. Jo always felt jealous of Bianca. Jo pretty much ignored Bianca and Autumn when she left Sandy Point, she never made any effort in trying to communicate with her two former best friends, so for that their friendship took a wrong turn. Now, let's introduce the characters. Also, let me just say that cover is so cute.
Jo Freeman has it all together, or at least she did. Jo has a job in Silicon Valley that has to do with social media. Jo has connections to the trendiest fitness studios, she finally has a down payment on her dream condo. Jo's life is finally on the right path, or at least she thought it was. Jo is well on her way to reaching every single one of her goals before she turns thirty, but that's before she gets fired from her job and everything she has worked on has been completely wiped off the grid. When Jo gets fired from her job she finds herself right back in her childhood home with her parents and teenage sister, Eden. Jo absolutely hates Sandy Point, she hates the beach, Jo doesn't understand why people love the beach so much. When Jo is going through her childhood bedroom, she finds an old bucket list that she and Autumn created in high school, and wanted to do everything on it before the graduated, but never really got around to completing the whole thing. When Jo returns home and re-writes the bucket list, it sets the three women on a path that brings them closer to one another with each task.
Bianca Boria Birdy is a former prom queen and valedictorian, and has always been an overachiever. Now Bianca is in a currently new marriage to Dr. Birdy, who is an orthodontist. Bianca is now struggling with new responsibilities of caring for her ailing grandmother, adjusting to a new marriage, and managing the family tattoo parlor, with these responsibilities weighing heavy on Bianca's shoulders, her schedule becomes stricter than ever, with no room for disruption. What she really needs is a vacation, but not even Bianca Boria Birdy can achieve the impossible. Bianca always feels like she's failing everyone when things don't go according to plan. Bianca and her husband were supposed to go on their honeymoon, but with a new orthodontist office opening, they cancel their honeymoon for another time. When Jo returns home, her and Bianca meet in the worst condition ever, Jo's first bucket list item is to TP Bianca's house, which Jo does complete. With the bucket list to be completed, Jo decides to start an instagram account where she takes pictures of every bucket list item crossed off.
Autumn Kelly used to be an actress in Hollywood, but figured out it wasn't for her anymore, so Autumn decides to return back to Sandy Point as well. Now, Autumn teaches drama at Sandy Point High School, the one and only high school she attended. Autumn may have had to kiss her movie star dreams goodbye, but molding the next generation of performers has given her life new meaning in whole new way. That is until the sudden reappearance of her ex- best friend throws everything off balance. Jo returns to Sandy Point High School to take photograph head shots of the drama students. It completely throws Autumn off guard, she doesn't think Jo should just turn up to their own school acting like nothing happened between them. After Autumn and Jo start off on the wrong foot as well, Jo decides to show Autumn the bucket list they created in high school, and complete each task they never got around to doing. I absolutely adored the friendship bond these three women tried to reconcile. It might not have been easy, especially starting off on the wrong foot, but they definitely managed.
May 4, 2021
The Throwback List is a great book for those who are going through any kind of transition. Focusing on the transition of being laid off from a job, the main character has to move back home with her parents. This would be challenging for anyone, but then add to the stress by having to reconnect with people that you haven't seen in years! Shenanigans ensue. Trees are TP-ed. And relationships are repaired?
October 31, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc and arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Throwback List
Author: Lily Anderson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Black biracial bisexual MC, Filipino side character, Puerto Rican bisexual Anxiety MC, Lesbian side character, F/f romance
Recommended For...: contemporary fiction, romance, LGBT+
Publication Date: October 5, 2021
Genre: Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (Language, Sexism, Micro aggressions, Alcohol consumption, Grief, Anxiety, Drug use, Romance, Sexual content, Fatphobia, Abelism, Misogyny)
Explanation of CWs: There is cursing throughout the book. There is mentions and some slight show of sexism, micro aggressions, fatphobia, abelism, and misogyny. There is alcohol consumption, but all characters are adults. There is grief and anxiety shown. Drug use is mentioned and briefly shown with edibles. Romance and sexual content are shown, but the sex is fade to black.
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Pages: 391
Synopsis: Welcome to Sandy Point, Oregon: a sleepy beach town that's home to a giant anchor statue, a sometimes-karaoke-bar, and Frosty's questionably legendary Sunday Sundae Surprise. A town Jo, Autumn, and Bianca thought they'd left far behind when they graduated high school, finally moving on to greener pastures than the midway point for tourists heading to the Goonies house. But life seldom goes according to plan.
Bianca Boria-Birdy, former prom queen and valedictorian, has always been an overachiever. As she juggles managing the family tattoo parlor, caring for her grandmother, and adjusting to a new marriage, Bianca's schedule becomes stricter than ever, with no room for disruption. What she really needs is a vacation, but not even Bianca Boria-Birdy can achieve the impossible.
Autumn Kelly used to be an actress. Now she teaches drama at Sandy Point High. She may have had to kiss her movie-star dreams goodbye, but molding the next generation of performers has given her life meaning in a whole new way. Until the sudden reappearance of her ex-best friend throws everything off-balance.
Jo Freeman has it all together. With a cool job in Silicon Valley, connections at the trendiest fitness studios, and a down payment on her dream condo, she's well on her way to reaching every one of her goals before thirty. Or she was, before she got fired and landed right back home with her parents and teenage sister.
When Jo finds an old bucket list in her childhood bedroom, it sets the three women on a path that brings them closer to one another with each task. And it just might lead to a life none of them could have planned.
Review: I really enjoyed this book! I didn’t expect it to love it as much as I did but it was such a fun book! I loved the character development and the multiple POV worked for this book. I really liked all of the commentary on beauty standards, natural hair, and “success�, as well as the slight commentary on capitalism. The world building was also well done and the book is well plotted.
The only issue I had with the book is that the ending isn’t a very true “happy� ending. The characters got what they mostly wanted, but some of the issues remained. I wanted to see more of them resolved and I didn’t like to see how a character went back into the workforce even though most of the book focused on her exploring other options outside of traditional work, but it’s fairly good as is.
Verdict: It’s good!
Book: The Throwback List
Author: Lily Anderson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Black biracial bisexual MC, Filipino side character, Puerto Rican bisexual Anxiety MC, Lesbian side character, F/f romance
Recommended For...: contemporary fiction, romance, LGBT+
Publication Date: October 5, 2021
Genre: Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (Language, Sexism, Micro aggressions, Alcohol consumption, Grief, Anxiety, Drug use, Romance, Sexual content, Fatphobia, Abelism, Misogyny)
Explanation of CWs: There is cursing throughout the book. There is mentions and some slight show of sexism, micro aggressions, fatphobia, abelism, and misogyny. There is alcohol consumption, but all characters are adults. There is grief and anxiety shown. Drug use is mentioned and briefly shown with edibles. Romance and sexual content are shown, but the sex is fade to black.
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Pages: 391
Synopsis: Welcome to Sandy Point, Oregon: a sleepy beach town that's home to a giant anchor statue, a sometimes-karaoke-bar, and Frosty's questionably legendary Sunday Sundae Surprise. A town Jo, Autumn, and Bianca thought they'd left far behind when they graduated high school, finally moving on to greener pastures than the midway point for tourists heading to the Goonies house. But life seldom goes according to plan.
Bianca Boria-Birdy, former prom queen and valedictorian, has always been an overachiever. As she juggles managing the family tattoo parlor, caring for her grandmother, and adjusting to a new marriage, Bianca's schedule becomes stricter than ever, with no room for disruption. What she really needs is a vacation, but not even Bianca Boria-Birdy can achieve the impossible.
Autumn Kelly used to be an actress. Now she teaches drama at Sandy Point High. She may have had to kiss her movie-star dreams goodbye, but molding the next generation of performers has given her life meaning in a whole new way. Until the sudden reappearance of her ex-best friend throws everything off-balance.
Jo Freeman has it all together. With a cool job in Silicon Valley, connections at the trendiest fitness studios, and a down payment on her dream condo, she's well on her way to reaching every one of her goals before thirty. Or she was, before she got fired and landed right back home with her parents and teenage sister.
When Jo finds an old bucket list in her childhood bedroom, it sets the three women on a path that brings them closer to one another with each task. And it just might lead to a life none of them could have planned.
Review: I really enjoyed this book! I didn’t expect it to love it as much as I did but it was such a fun book! I loved the character development and the multiple POV worked for this book. I really liked all of the commentary on beauty standards, natural hair, and “success�, as well as the slight commentary on capitalism. The world building was also well done and the book is well plotted.
The only issue I had with the book is that the ending isn’t a very true “happy� ending. The characters got what they mostly wanted, but some of the issues remained. I wanted to see more of them resolved and I didn’t like to see how a character went back into the workforce even though most of the book focused on her exploring other options outside of traditional work, but it’s fairly good as is.
Verdict: It’s good!
September 25, 2021
The Throwback List fell short for me.
The book is broken down into chapters focusing on each protagonist: Jo, Autumn and Bianca. Though written consistently in third person, the chapters explore the experiences and perspectives of the three very different women who come back together in more ways than one.
The crux of the story is that Jo finds an old bucket list in her childhood bedroom. It sets the three women on a path down memory lane while bringing them closer together. Jo, with the help of her friends, decides to accomplish all the items on what she dubs the “Throwback List� and post about it on social media. This book is filled with lots of pop culture references and relatable nostalgic content, but it lacks any thrilling drive or gripping storyline. There is very little drama, no strong climax and one must read about three quarters of the way through the book to learn why the impact of the Throwback List might be important. In the early and middle chapters, I also found it very hard to like Jo, the main protagonist, because her seeming entitlement to her fancy life goes unchallenged and she remains largely dismissive of her small hometown and anyone else’s life and commitments. This made it difficult to care about her and what she set out to achieve until very late in the story.
Despite my reservations, there is some interesting commentary about the way we live our lives in today’s society and how we each can view things differently. The following excerpt is a good example of this:
"Jo found the idea of reading social media without participating unsettling, a digital form of peeping. Jo loved the mini-community in her comments, the people cheering her on and sharing their own happiness honeypots, but now she saw all the comments through Wren’s inherent disapproval: strangers partaking of a false intimacy, leaving their approval in misspellings and meaningless emojis."
The roles that social media play are ripe themes for a coming-of-age story and though this book touches on it, it did not explore it in any great depth. The diversity of character backgrounds and lifestyle preferences is also excellent. Those in a time of transition in their lives (whether professional, personal or otherwise) in which they may be feeling uneasy or insecure may also find some comfort in this story. Some quotes that I found worthwhile to reflect on were as follows, though I ultimately wanted more from The Throwback List.
"What if all her life needed was a fresh coat of paint? What if she could preserve what was precious and still move forward?"
"Just because its nostalgic doesn’t mean it’s good. Or that you need it."
"If you are looking for the meaning of life, I haven’t found it. What I have found is that the most fun thing about being alive is the scariest damned part. You get to be whoever you want to be."
"My priorities changed and that changed how I fit into the world."
The Throwback List is set to be released on October 5th, 2021.
The book is broken down into chapters focusing on each protagonist: Jo, Autumn and Bianca. Though written consistently in third person, the chapters explore the experiences and perspectives of the three very different women who come back together in more ways than one.
The crux of the story is that Jo finds an old bucket list in her childhood bedroom. It sets the three women on a path down memory lane while bringing them closer together. Jo, with the help of her friends, decides to accomplish all the items on what she dubs the “Throwback List� and post about it on social media. This book is filled with lots of pop culture references and relatable nostalgic content, but it lacks any thrilling drive or gripping storyline. There is very little drama, no strong climax and one must read about three quarters of the way through the book to learn why the impact of the Throwback List might be important. In the early and middle chapters, I also found it very hard to like Jo, the main protagonist, because her seeming entitlement to her fancy life goes unchallenged and she remains largely dismissive of her small hometown and anyone else’s life and commitments. This made it difficult to care about her and what she set out to achieve until very late in the story.
Despite my reservations, there is some interesting commentary about the way we live our lives in today’s society and how we each can view things differently. The following excerpt is a good example of this:
"Jo found the idea of reading social media without participating unsettling, a digital form of peeping. Jo loved the mini-community in her comments, the people cheering her on and sharing their own happiness honeypots, but now she saw all the comments through Wren’s inherent disapproval: strangers partaking of a false intimacy, leaving their approval in misspellings and meaningless emojis."
The roles that social media play are ripe themes for a coming-of-age story and though this book touches on it, it did not explore it in any great depth. The diversity of character backgrounds and lifestyle preferences is also excellent. Those in a time of transition in their lives (whether professional, personal or otherwise) in which they may be feeling uneasy or insecure may also find some comfort in this story. Some quotes that I found worthwhile to reflect on were as follows, though I ultimately wanted more from The Throwback List.
"What if all her life needed was a fresh coat of paint? What if she could preserve what was precious and still move forward?"
"Just because its nostalgic doesn’t mean it’s good. Or that you need it."
"If you are looking for the meaning of life, I haven’t found it. What I have found is that the most fun thing about being alive is the scariest damned part. You get to be whoever you want to be."
"My priorities changed and that changed how I fit into the world."
The Throwback List is set to be released on October 5th, 2021.
September 20, 2021
This is a story about home.Ìý Jo left her home in Sandy Point, Oregon, a small beach town, for Stanford and then a high powered job in Silicon Valley doing social media for a tech company.Ìý She has a plan to meet all of her professional and life goals by 30.Ìý But then, out of nowhere, she is laid off and forced to move back home.Ìý While back in her childhood home, she finds a bucket list that she and her childhood best friend, Autumn, developed back in high school. Ìý
Jo decides to launch her own personal social media campaign -- documenting her efforts to complete the bucket list on her Instagram account, which she calls "The Throwback List." ÌýAs part of this project, she reconnects with Autumn, a theater nerd who is now the drama teacher at the high school she and Jo attended, and Bianca Boria-Birdy, Jo's neighbor, a former valedictorian and sometime rival of Jo in high school, and now Autumn's best friend, who runs her family's tattoo parlor in town.
The three make an unlikely trio, given their complicated history.Ìý But they find themselves and their families drawn more and more into The Throwback List, leading each to question some of their long-held beliefs about themselves and their future.Ìý Jo is surprised by how much she enjoys being back in the hometown she couldn't wait to leave.Ìý Bianca is surprised by how much she enjoys being part of a close group of friends, who help her see how to loosen up.Ìý And Autumn is surprised by how doing the project gives her confidence to stand up for herself and ideas at work. Ìý
This was an enjoyable read!Ìý Each of the three main characters were well developed.Ìý It was interesting to see the three women of the same age but, in many respects, at different stages of life.Ìý The supporting cast, especially each of the character's families, were also delightful.Ìý The author did an excellent job of creating a strong sense of the small town, its charms and its limitations.Ìý I left the book with warm feelings about Sandy Point, and wanting to at least visit if not move there.
Recommended!
Jo decides to launch her own personal social media campaign -- documenting her efforts to complete the bucket list on her Instagram account, which she calls "The Throwback List." ÌýAs part of this project, she reconnects with Autumn, a theater nerd who is now the drama teacher at the high school she and Jo attended, and Bianca Boria-Birdy, Jo's neighbor, a former valedictorian and sometime rival of Jo in high school, and now Autumn's best friend, who runs her family's tattoo parlor in town.
The three make an unlikely trio, given their complicated history.Ìý But they find themselves and their families drawn more and more into The Throwback List, leading each to question some of their long-held beliefs about themselves and their future.Ìý Jo is surprised by how much she enjoys being back in the hometown she couldn't wait to leave.Ìý Bianca is surprised by how much she enjoys being part of a close group of friends, who help her see how to loosen up.Ìý And Autumn is surprised by how doing the project gives her confidence to stand up for herself and ideas at work. Ìý
This was an enjoyable read!Ìý Each of the three main characters were well developed.Ìý It was interesting to see the three women of the same age but, in many respects, at different stages of life.Ìý The supporting cast, especially each of the character's families, were also delightful.Ìý The author did an excellent job of creating a strong sense of the small town, its charms and its limitations.Ìý I left the book with warm feelings about Sandy Point, and wanting to at least visit if not move there.
Recommended!
July 8, 2023
This book was so amazing. I loved everything about this book from the hardback artwork under the dust jacket to the list and the self discovery of the characters. I loved watching Jo grow as a person and seeing her friendship with Autum and Bee grow and change. I liked how as they went through the throwback list Jo found herself and learned that her little hometown wasn’t so bad after all. I liked Autumn and her drive to build a theatre program in a tiny high school. I loved how Bee was dedicated to her family and preserving the legacy they designed into the skin of the community. I hated Wren and I guess she was designed that way but oh goodness was she a lot. I’m a teacher and Wren was giving the worst kind of administrator possible. She was so self righteous and pretentious about everything. She hated the tiny town and wanted the big city life yet she chose to come back to the high school she went to to teach because she could get ahead faster. The audacity is strong and irony was not lost. Jo was too good for her. Wren could let Jo take some time to grieve her loss and learn to find a new place instead of questioning her drive to succeed. It’s the digital age and social media is here to stay. I absolutely loved when Bee brought the door home as decoration for Lita. Watching her grow and accept help for Lita made me so happy. When Jo messed up I appreciated that she apologized and the other characters didn’t just automatically say it’s all good. They took the space they needed and then got back together. Flo was another great character and I was rooting for him to have a bigger love interest moment. I wanted to read this book at all times and then when I got to the last 20 pages I was upset it was almost over. Part of me hoped that Jo learned to stay and help build the social media for the town but I liked that she created a place to come back to when she needed and the family she was born into and the one she made for herself was there to support her. It ended perfectly though. I need to get more Lily Anderson books ASAP 💖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2021
The Throwback List is a new adult contemporary by author Lily Anderson. The Throwback list is the perfect, relatable read for elder millennials (like me). I really enjoyed this story, these characters, their friendships and the journey that they each went on. Our story takes place in Sandy Point, Oregon, a small town where each of our three main characters grew up. This story is about growing up, figuring out who you want to be, and friendship.
In The Throwback List we meet our three main characters- Jo, Autumn and Bianca. Even though they all went to high school together, they were not always the best of friends. But the one thing they did always have in common, that they each thought they were going to leave Sandy Point after school. Well, that didn't happen- Bianca's family kept her in town, Autumn went out to California to try and become and actress but she soon found herself back home acting as the new drama teacher, and Jo thought she had it made with her fancy California social media job, but even she ended up back in Sandy Point. And Sandy Point is where their story really takes off. When Jo finds herself back in her childhood home, she discovers an old bucket list, and decides she needs to complete all the items on it, since she missed out on so many of them in high school. This brings our three main characters together in ways they never could have imagined.
I liked all of the girls. The Throwback list is told in alternating POVs between each of the girls, and I have to say that I related to Bianca's storyline the most. She just hit home with me, with too much on her plate and trying to be too many things for too many people. I feel you Bianca- I feel you! I really enjoyed The Throwback List. Once I picked it up I could not put it down, I had to know where our girls were going to end up. If you are in the mood for a feel good and relatable read, check out the Throwback List. I think a lot of millennials will be able to connect with this story.
In The Throwback List we meet our three main characters- Jo, Autumn and Bianca. Even though they all went to high school together, they were not always the best of friends. But the one thing they did always have in common, that they each thought they were going to leave Sandy Point after school. Well, that didn't happen- Bianca's family kept her in town, Autumn went out to California to try and become and actress but she soon found herself back home acting as the new drama teacher, and Jo thought she had it made with her fancy California social media job, but even she ended up back in Sandy Point. And Sandy Point is where their story really takes off. When Jo finds herself back in her childhood home, she discovers an old bucket list, and decides she needs to complete all the items on it, since she missed out on so many of them in high school. This brings our three main characters together in ways they never could have imagined.
I liked all of the girls. The Throwback list is told in alternating POVs between each of the girls, and I have to say that I related to Bianca's storyline the most. She just hit home with me, with too much on her plate and trying to be too many things for too many people. I feel you Bianca- I feel you! I really enjoyed The Throwback List. Once I picked it up I could not put it down, I had to know where our girls were going to end up. If you are in the mood for a feel good and relatable read, check out the Throwback List. I think a lot of millennials will be able to connect with this story.
October 21, 2021
I really liked the premise of this book. Jo loses her job and is forced to move back home for financial reasons, while going through her room she comes across a bucket list she and her best friend wrote back senior year of high school. Jo, looking for a way to keep up her social media presence, decides to check off all the items now as a 26 year old. She reconnects with high school friends and competitors to help her with the bucket list.
Jo, along with friends Autumn and Bianca have to figure out how to navigate their jobs and families as adults when some of parents only think of them as kids. Social Media, especially Instagram play a large part in the story.
The Throwback List is light and the atmosphere of the Oregon coast is tantalizing. My assumption is that the content would resonate more with a younger reader. I found myself connecting with the parents of the girls and even one grandmother. The angst of starting careers and trying to figure out where they fall in the world is in my distant past.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jo, along with friends Autumn and Bianca have to figure out how to navigate their jobs and families as adults when some of parents only think of them as kids. Social Media, especially Instagram play a large part in the story.
The Throwback List is light and the atmosphere of the Oregon coast is tantalizing. My assumption is that the content would resonate more with a younger reader. I found myself connecting with the parents of the girls and even one grandmother. The angst of starting careers and trying to figure out where they fall in the world is in my distant past.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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