“I was going somewhere, I just didn’t know where.” – S.E. Hinton

I always assumed that if I ever got around to reading S. E. Hinton I would begin with her classic novel, The Outsiders (1968). It’s a book I have been hearing about since high school. But last Thursday I was watching The Pitt and Rumble Fish (1975) was mentioned and I decided to start there.

Rumble Fish is the story of 14 year old Rusty-James who narrates the novel. Rusty lives in a rundown urban city with his father and older brother, Motorcycle Boy. His father is an alcoholic who cannot provide much guidance. And so Rusty-James looks up to his older brother and wants to be just like him.

Motorcycle Boy at 18 is a legend in the neighborhood. Handsome, smart, confident. When he was younger he was the leader of the local gang and respected by all. Motorcycle Boy got bored with gang life and has moved on.

But Rusty-James has found a sense of family and purpose in being part of a gang. He loves to fight, drink, play pool, make out with his girlfriend Patty. He has no plans for the future. Can Motorcycle Boy give Rusty the guidance he needs? That’s the way these novels usually go but Rumble Fish suprised me. Motorcycle Boy despite the intelligence and charm is damaged. There is something off about him which Rusty-James senses but cannot name.

The ending of Rumble Fish is sad and readers are left wondering what will become of Rusty-James? Is he capable of taking a hard look at his life and the circumstances he grew up with? Can he save himself? The novel leaves that an open question. As for me this is a memorable read. 4 stars