Rumble Fish by S. E. Hinton

“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

kathyvullis1's avatar

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kathyvullis1

10 responses to “Rumble Fish by S. E. Hinton”

  1. Cath Avatar
    Cath

    This sounds like a rather iconic American story, but I’ve not heard of it at all. Not sure it’s for me but I enjoyed your review, Kathy.

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  2. kathyvullis1 Avatar
    kathyvullis1

    Thanks Cath. I would say that S E Hinton is an iconic young adult author in America best known for the Outsiders. Not sure if I will end up reading The Outsiders because there are just too many books on my TBR list but Runble Fish was a good experience. Rusty-James anc his story went much deeper than I thought it was going to.

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  3. janegs1 Avatar
    janegs1

    That is a very cool cover! My kids loved The Outsiders as teens and I know my daughter read it several times. I will ask her if she ever read Rumble Fish.

    Sad books with ambiguous endings are not for me right now, but given the right frame of mind, I think this one does sound interesting.

    I enjoyed your review–good job!

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    1. kathyvullis1 Avatar
      kathyvullis1

      it is cool and the novel is about 130 pages but it makes an impression. I haven’t read The Outsiders but I think your kids might like Rumble Fish too and its for any age

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  4. Lark@LarkWrites Avatar
    Lark@LarkWrites

    The only book by Hinton that I’ve read is That Was Then, This Is Now, which I had to read in school. And I liked it, but didn’t love it. Probably why I never tried to read any of her other books.

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    1. kathyvullis1 Avatar
      kathyvullis1

      I was going to read The Outsiders and That Was Then and one day I might but for now Rumble Fish met my expectations and I’m glad I read it.

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  5. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Nicely reviewed. I like how you read so diversely, each book much different than the one before. I read Rumble Fish when I was teen … oh yeah I was caught up in SE Hinton and Rumble Fish was no exception. I can’t remember its details now (like 50 years later) but I’m glad you described it well. Most of her books include teen gangs. I hope Rusty-James can break out.

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  6. kathyvullis1 Avatar
    kathyvullis1

    its funny how we decide on books. I was watching the Pitt and heard Rumble Fish mentioned. I decided to read it and am now looking for similar books in that genre. I am diverse in my reading but a part wants to try and go on a reading journey this year where I read books in the same genre

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  7. tracybham Avatar
    tracybham

    I have not read anything by S.E. Hinton and I am not familiar with the author’s books. I don’t know whether I would want to read this but I will look into S.E. Hinton’s books.

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    1. kathyvullis1 Avatar
      kathyvullis1

      I haven’t read S E Hinton’s most famous book The Outsiders. I have only read Rumble Fish which I really enjoyed. Its a short book, a novella really. But it left me thinking and Hinton does a very good job in creating the character of Rusty-James

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