overall - 5 stars: this was a really funny book that actually taught me a lot and furthered my interest in learning about some of the listed historical figures and their impacts.

enjoyment - 5 stars: the main emotion i felt was humoured. i really think the concept and dialogues (and inner monologue of our main character) were so goofy. its a fun circumstance to imagine.

quality - 4 stars: i think this creative approach to teaching folks about history is really fun. it keeps people engaged with its modern feel, but actually speaks on history. the reading was easy to understand and consume, making it a quick read for myself. the feel of the book as a concept felt like a diary entry of sorts. like a working through of various thought processes and self discovery via musical daydreams. i wish it was drawn out a little more so i could feel the less silly parts more deeply. they came on and were over so quick, tho i thinknit makes sense to prevent the book from being one about black trauma exclusively- making it easier for Black reasers to enjoy, i think.

characters - 5 stars: our main character is super likeable and relatable. the historical figures were interesting choices that made sense to the story. i wonder if all the characters mentioned in the Return are based on real historical people. Moses, Quakes and Harriet were easy to place for me personally but im curious about Odessa and Buck. are they generalized examples of people that would've braced the Underground Railroad, or were they created in the image of someone specific?

plot - 4 stars: instead of a typical time travelling historical fiction where modern people go back in time, seeing folks come into our day and age was cool and funny to see. the thoughts and feelings about people pleasing and queerness (in the black community) that was explored helped shed light on topics i feel are underrepresented.

overall - 4.5 stars: this book was very well done. the characters felt authentic, as did their actions and choices. the world that was built is easy to be enthralled in and to understand. the feelings evoked are strong, at times visceral. it told a story of abuse and survival, showing the stained and ugly parts. nothing was hidden. even the beautiful parts; reminding readers that a broken home can sometimes still feel like, well, a home. would recommend, but trigger warnings for domestic abuse and grief! its laid out clearly and with nuance and room for doubts and questions that i can see as striking the nerves and heartstrings of folks (they surely got me).

enjoyment - 5 stars: this book had me feeling so many different things. i was introspective and thoughtful. my empathy was tried again and again. i found myself frustrated and anxious. even in happy moments for the characters i felt myself waiting for the other shoe to drop. i was transported into their lives (as a voyeur, but felt present there nonetheless) and felt fear for them. viewed the situations happening as a naive and worried child, walking on eggshells searching for love. definitely a taxing book, but i did enjoy it. and the sadness felt real. it did not exist in a trauma porn - exaggeratedly tragic - type of way, in my opinion.

quality - 4 stars: my main qualm with the story is the shift in perspectives. not that it didn't add layers to the, already complex, characters and depth of the story. i can see the benefit, and thought the insight was nice. the first shift had me excited, but after continuing and finishing it just didn't feel necessary for the story. nor was it consistent or expected. i think i might have preferred if the entire story remained from Leni's point of view. the other perspectives helped lay groundwork for foreshadowing, provide hope or context, or understanding to the reader, but it was almost redundant..? the story was already well-written and laid out, simply from what we learned and viewed from Leni. seeing anyone else was a nice added bonus but it felt like... idk... we didn't need that preview or extra push to be invested in those characters or their lives.

characters - 5 stars: this woman did her BIG one when writing these characters. they are complex characters with layered experiences and stories. there is so much room for nuance and understanding and empathy. as well as rage and frustration. the characters were built up in a way that felt realistic. you can see people responding to life in these ways, even if (as the reader, as an individual) you feel you'd have done differently. the decisions of the characters makes sense for them because we understand who they are, what moves them, and why.

plot - 4.5 stars: i think the descriptions of the settings almost makes the book. we know where we are and who we're with and why it's important to the happenings of the story. i think the pacing was really good - complete. i wasn't ever bored or wanting to skip something. there isn't much i feel i needed more information or time to be spent on (aside from when a change of perspective reviewed the same/similar events).