Book Review- Lost in the 90's by Frank Anthony Polito

Good Reads Summary

Kurt loves the 1990s! Thanks to his parents who graduated Hazel Park High the exact same year he was born — 1994 — he’s a walking encyclopedia of ’90s nostalgia from “American Pie” to Zima.

Dave dreams of becoming the next Kurt Cobain. But first, he has to get himself out of “Hazeltucky” — and away from the pretty cheerleader he’s had his eye on since freshman year at “Hillbilly” High.

Michelle’s got it all: beauty, brains, a popular boyfriend. The Homecoming Queen of HPHS is going places after graduation. The last thing she needs in her life is a wannabe grunge rocker — or a baby.

At his school’s “Lost in the ’90s” dance, a wild stage-dive into the mosh pit leaves Kurt facedown on the floor, unconscious. When he wakes, he meets up with Michelle. But the boy doesn’t recognize the girl as being one of his classmates…and vice-versa.

After Kurt runs into Dave at the local diner, he senses something is definitely NOT right in the state of Michigan. Is it the old-fashioned TV set showing “Mad About You” reruns during primetime? Or the fact that, suddenly, there’s a smoking over section in the corner? Or maybe the date on this week’s Metro Times is what finally tips him off: April 6-12 — 1994!

Soon, it becomes apparent Kurt has traveled back in time. Bill Clinton is President of the United States, Ace of Base holds the #1 song in America, and somewhere in the “Friendly City” of Hazel Park, Kurt’s parents are both 18-year-old high school seniors.

But where could they possibly be…and what will happen if Kurt bumps into them?

Tee's Review

I have never read any of Frank Polito's books, in fact I had never heard of him until the night I was cruising the giveaways on GoodReads and came across Lost in the 90's. It sounded like something I would enjoy so I entered the contest. I would have probably forgotten all about the book if Mr Polito hadn't contacted me about another book I was interested in, and boy am I glad I did, cause I would have hated to  have forgotten about this book and missed out on it! 


I had just finished a book at the time me and Mr Polito were speaking, Lost in the 90's had just came out, so it was the perfect time to pick it up and read it. It wasn't a long book, I mean it didn't seem like it. It was on my Nook so I am unsure of the proper paging. In fact it was such a quick and entertaining book, I found myself picking it up when I should have been doing other things. I will admit, I was a bit scared about reading it. My mind doesnt comprehend time travel at all..even Back to the Future confused me. Either the subject matter or Mr Polito's writing helped me wrap my brain around it easily.


Poor Kurt ( named for Cobain...or so he thought) in one night he finds out his ex girlfriend is pregnant and as he is singing at a concert he takes a stage dive winding up not on the floor of the Caf, but in 1994. Not only is he in 1994, he gets entangled in his yet to be dating parents life. While Kurt is the main character of the book, this book is all about his parents and how he focus's on getting them together so he will be born. Alot of what is happening in 1994, mirrors that of Kurt's life in 2012 and besides learning alot about his parents he never knew, he learns alot about the importance of friends and family.


Lost in the 90's is full of entertaining facts and music of the 90's, it also helped remind me that it wasn't that long ago that we were without all the technology that we hold so dear to us today. Each chapter is told by either Kurt, David or Michele so we hear three different voices in this book and how they deal with such things as life, growing up, sex, abortion and even the death of an idol..If you loved Kurt Cobain, Friends or the Heights this is def the book for you. If you have no idea what the heck I am talking about you would still love this book plus learn alot about a kick ass decade of great music. Well done Mr Polito, you have a new fan and I will be checking out your other books!