Throwback
Dave Conifer
(Guest Reviewer - Rosemary Rainbolt)
2004 iUniverse
ISBN: 0595340067

After failing his one chance on the varsity team, Ben finds a way to restart his wrestling career.

Guest Reviewer Rosemary Rainbolt writes:

A year later, the pain he feels over the way it ended is as strong as ever. He rationalizes that he's entitled to another season & embarks on an amazing journey back to high school. After acquiring bogus paperwork he moves to another state & taking on a new name, becomes a relocated high school junior who happens to be a pretty good wrestler.

Before long Ben realizes there is more to what he's doing than wrestling. Rather than conform to the cruel social norms of high school as he did the first time, he has the confidence to do the right things regardless of what others are thinking.

Besides intervening in some bullying situations, Ben teaches lesser-noticed students that the world shouldn't revolve only around the world of sports. Eventually he meets Judy, an honor student who plays the lead role in the school play. As Ben piles up victories on the mat, he's increasingly tormented by guilt over what he's done. He's also confused by his feelings for Judy, as well as realizing he may have returned to high school for all the wrong reasons. By then, though, it's too late to turn back.

Throwback contains many positive messages about peer pressure. With the confidence that comes from an extra year of maturity, Ben mentors classmates, encouraging them to recognize & be proud of who they are & their own inner strengths.

Wrestling fans will love this book too. Every match is described in “excruciating” detail. Dave Conifer obviously knows it well, & the result is a story that brings across both the glorious & the agonizing aspects of this ancient sport.
(06/05/05)

Guest Reviewer - Rosemary Rainbolt
2005©Rosemary Rainbolt