The Collection: The Outsiders / Rumble Fish / That Was Then, This Is Now

by S.E. Hinton

Two novels reveal the realities of growing up young and poor in an Oklahoma city, the importance of family and friends during hardship, and the struggle to discover identity apart from society's perceptions.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Classics

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

S.E. Hinton, was and still is, one of the most popular and best known writers of young adult fiction. Her books have been taught in some schools, and banned from others. Her novels changed the way people look at young adult literature.

Susan Eloise Hinton was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has always enjoyed reading but wasn't satisfied with the literature that was being written for young adults, which influenced her to write novels like The Outsiders. That book, her first novel, was published in 1967 by Viking.

Reviews

[Lana Mnajjed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean i like almost every book i read but this one is seriously amazing. It has so much things that keep pulling you in to read. It has adventure, mystery, love and some comedy here and there. It is a very heart touching story that I will never forget in my life. It is a book for everyone who likes to read so i would recommend it to anyone older than 10. Again, its the best book in the world even though it started out as a school assignment so I'm telling everyone who didn't read it to pleeeeeeeeeease read it.(P.S. if i could I would rate it 10 stars and I'm talking about the Outsiders- i will read the other books though soon)

[Snow]

So apparently my library marked this particular book wrong on their website, which resulted in me reserving this collection instead of just the Outsiders. I was a bit frustrated until I realized that the second part of this collection, That Was Then, This Is Now, is sort of a spin-off existing within the Outsiders universe. It was a very pleasant surprise for me and I really loved getting to read more about the kids living in that area of the town (we assume it's Tulsa, Oklahoma) and what happens after the events of the Outsiders. It's actually quite nice getting to read these two back-to-back and seeing the difference between the socs/greasers and other kids who aren't involved.

I might write a more detailed review for each of these books if I ever get to read them separately (edit: Feb 2023: I bought the Outsiders at the book exhibition so I'll definitely be rereading it sometime!!) but for now, I'm just going to express a few feelings I had reading this collection.

"Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold."

The first time I saw the 1983 film was in theaters last March, where they were screening the Complete Novel 2021 4K Restoration at my film institute. I actually missed the theatrical release during December 2021 because I wasn't a full on cinephile back then and didn't keep up with theater release news at that time, so I was really glad I got to see the additional screening later on. I remember seeing the movie expecting it to be like Stand By Me (1986) and coming out disappointed, but the more I thought back about the movie, the more fond I grew of it (They are very different. But they are also similar. It's just something I don't really know how to explain). So of course I had to pick up this book to see why it was supposedly always a middle grade must-read book at school (we didn't have this btw, I just meant American kids mostly). It always amazes me when I remember that S.E. Hinton wrote this book when she was only 16 (started writing at 15; published at 17) because she really nails the whole tone of the book, it being Ponyboy's recollection of the recent events that happened in his life. She captures the voice of a confused little teenage boy so beautifully, and you really grow to care for these characters by the end of the book. The relationships between each character have so much depth in them, and she also raises awareness of the issue of abusive parents/adult negligence and what it does to kids during that time. I've also talked on my letterboxd about how much better the Complete Novel is at adapting the book than the original release, so I'm not going to go into specifics, but I think that the book and the film enhance each others' enjoyment when you really get to know and love the characters.

That Was Then, This Is Now on the other hand, is much darker and sadder(?), and I probably won't be rereading it anytime soon because I don't think it has enough comforting elements to make the whole depressing vibe worth it. Compared to the Outsiders, I found these characters to be much less likable, and especially Bryon, our main character (the amount of times he got on my nerves is laughable). Despite this being a story focused on character development, I still didn't really get to like Bryon that much in the end (some of the other characters were cool though). The story is about two best friends, one would even call them brothers, Bryon and Mark, and the beginnings of their growing apart. The themes of "change" is portrayed very realistically, and the ending gives off such a melancholy feeling that is so real and painful. Overall, I think that this is a very wonderfully crafted story, even though it doesn't give off the same effect it does for me reading the Outsiders, which tackles many similar topics. I did really enjoy hearing about what happened to the socs/greasers and it was a delight seeing Ponyboy's (&others) cameo (after you read the Outsiders and have stayed in his head for so long, you really get quite attached to him, especially when the new narrator isn't particularly likable; it really makes you appreciate how Pony truly is different from other kids (he's not like other girls!!)).

You know what the crummiest feeling you can have is? To hate the person you love the best in the world.

[Pablo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character of this book is Rusty James he is a rude guy that likes to play pool with his friends, and love to fiht with other groups. He always want to be like his big brother Motorcycle Boy. The theme of this is try to enjoy the live be cool but be responsible dont be like Rusty James to get in problems and maked that his big brother solved.I appreciate the author because on pg 11 Rusty James act very rude,"Whats the matter with you?Give me a cigarrete¨. And when I was reading I like can see the dialog beetween Rusty and Steve on my mind.The style of writing of this author was doing alot of diologs like in pg 12 "You been acting funny eversince the motorcycle boy left"?"He is been gone before"I said get mad. And use rude words in a fight moment.Pg8 "I wasnt afraid of fighting Biff, but I didnt see any need to be stupid about it.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

i rember reading them in 8th grade.. i could relate to the fokes in the book and i think that helped me setul in to my new live from the big city to small town living..lol some day i should dig them up again and see if i still like them as i did then..

[Abigail Gilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

finished this book in the span of one night, best worst mistake i’ve made. this book follows friendship, griefs, love and so much more. I love how hinton wrote this book, her way of describing emotions needs to be studied.

that was then this is now is easily one of the most sad books ive read so far. (which I have long ways to go since im only 12) usually, I dont cry over books. but this book really got me in my feelings. I was sobbing for atleast half an hour, this novel made me feel something I haven’t felt before. this book will probably stay with me forever.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that all three books were very good. The Outsiders was my first S.E. Hinton book and now I am in love with her books! That was then, this is now, is a really good book too! The way that book took a turn with M&M was crazy. Rumble fish is one I read recently. I was not expecting the ending, but overall an amazing book. I would definitely recommend these books to anyone that enjoys action/fiction/drama!

[chris small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a HUMONGOUS loyal fan since I was about the age of 8 years old-ish and I wish you could publish a NEW ANYTHING PLEASE YOU ARE SUCH AN AMAZING AWESOME CREATIVE WRITER AND KEPT ME DRAWN INTO YOUR "WORLDS" PER SE. THANKS FOR YOUR WRITINGS! SINCERELY, MS. KAREN BEATY
29 WOOD DUCK ROAD
MARSTONS MILLS, MASSACHUSETTS
02648?

[Serena Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrecked me in ways I didn't know I could be wrecked the ending was honestly insane with mark ending up in jail and the break up I definitely recommend check-in it out if you a outsiders fan looking for a young adult slice of life

[Sabrina Morgan]

Read all her books back in 1986. The outsiders was one of my favorites.

[Peter Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear M&M will.never forgrt him.

[Darryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still and we forever be the B E S T book ever written and my all time favourites

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

probably shouldn’t have been reading this in grade 8

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending makes me question whether everything in his life would’ve ended differently if it he would’ve waited 15 minutes and talked about it.

[Cj Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 **

[ashley leon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but I didn’t love the ending :(

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very hard to forget

[Maddy Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loveddd this book!! this book got me back into reading ❤️

[Story Revolution]

Published four years after her phenomenally successful first novel, The Outsiders, That Was Then, This Is Now confirmed S. E. Hinton's place in the canon of young adult literature. Returning to the same working-class landscape, Hinton paints a deeply-felt portrait of best friends Bryon and Mark, as they grow up and grow apart. Puffin is proud to publish this award-winning classic for a new generation of readers. A mature, disciplined novel which excites a response in the readerhard to forget. --The New York Times Brutal, harsh, yet always credibleone of the best. --Publishers Weekly

[Krait · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Outsiders explores concerns all teens experience. Violence, alcohol, social class differences, what it means to stand up for your mates, death, brotherhood, heroism and cowardliness, and more.

The language is harsh and realistic, but I sometimes struggle with the fact that at 14 years of age, Ponyboy is portrayed as so cynical, yet innocent and dreamy too.

The story is the classic coming of age theme that sees Ponyboy grasp the reality of life, while also realising that he can follow his dreams and "stay gold" at the same time.

[Shayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Omar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is by far the best book I have ever read in my 13 year old life and I am sure that it is the best book S.E. Hinton wrote. It gives you a mixture of genres which are:
Action
Thriller
Murder
This book shows you the life of teenagers as rough as it could get, killing, hiding and fighting.
I would recommend this book to 13-17 year old teenagers.

[Sandra Bassett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I REALLY liked these books as a teenager. They are about teenaged boys who have rough beginnings but learn about life in that stage that we all hope to learn, our teens. They are very rugged and solitary. I always found it fascinating that they were written by a woman.

[Jlacyfraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books I taught in my role as 8th grade Honors English teachers where the cool kids were black and the white kids were bussed in. We all feel like outsiders at some time-- especially as adolescents.

[XANAXUSER07 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I REALLY LIKED READING THESE BOOKS

[Elizabeth]

THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW by S.E. HINTON (1974)

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

S.E. Hinton: the Collection: The Outsiders / Rumble Fish / That Was Then, This Is Now
Hinton, S.E.
a growing up story in rural america

[Sarah]

who hasn't read this one? It was ok, but i read it in school cos i had to...

[Louisakra · Rating 1 out of 5]

I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedddddddddddddddddddddddd IT! Thanx Mrs.Lowry

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book and I am excited to read the other books she has written. I recommend this book to all my friends because it teaches life lessons that everybody shoudl know.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

greatest dam book evaaarrr !!!!!! it is soo realistic lol if you are ever bored you should just read it honestly :)