Susan Eloise Hinton, who was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, July 22, 1948, and first began writing in her junior year at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa.

She was inspired to write The Outsiders, her first and most popular novel, because of the two divided gangs in her high school, the Greasers and the Socs. The Outsiders was published by Viking in 1967, and it became the second-best-selling young-adult novel in publishing history, with more than 8 million copies.^[1]Hinton's publisher suggested she use her initials instead of her first name so that male reviewers would not ignore the novel for having been written by a female

Rumble Fish is an excellent book about a boy growing up in a tough neighborhood in a rough family. The boy idolizes his older brother and emulates him in any way that he can; he wants to be just like his brother. The problem is that he's not like his brother--he's an individual, but he doesn't realize it.

 

This book took me on a rollercoaster ride, where I would be laughing aloud one minute, and have tears on my cheeks the next minute. The end of RUMBLE FISH had such a tremendous effect on me-- it blew me away. The story stirred many emotions inside me and I know that it is forever encased in my heart and I will remember it always.

 

I've read several books by S.E. Hinton and she is, by far, the best author I have ever read. On my third read of her book, THE OUTSIDERS, I still had tears twinkling in the corners of my eyes.

 

RUMBLE FISH should be a must-read for young adults, especially those that are searching for themselves right now, or those that have become followers, and are not their own person. This book teaches a valuable lesson; you have to search a little to find it, but it's there

Posted by Daniel Henein

at 5:47 AM

0 comments

First review (4 out of 5 stars)

Readers who enjoyed S.E. Hinton's much-loved The Outsiders usually want to read the rest of her books -- and RUMBLE FISH stands as one of her best efforts. This spare portrait of a juvenile delinquent who has no desire to better his life allows readers to see Rusty-James as he cannot see himself. Readers experience Rusty-James's dangerous life, but they also see more.

 

Hinton reveals what brought Rusty-James to his status as juvenile delinquent. Rusty-James, despite his thoroughly deserved status as a bad boy and a thief, nevertheless comes across as a recognizable and sympathetic character. His toughness raises him above his peers, and his joyful acceptance of his apparently miserable life allows us to accept him. This is an impressive effort from the woman who virtually created the young-adult genre.