The Outsiders

"Two of my friends died that day; 
one a hero and the other a hoodlum"

The Outsiders is one of my favorite books, and has been for a very long time. It's also probably the book I have read the most.  I recently re-read it and I guess I just didn't realize how short it is; it's been a while since my last read. But I still loved it. And maybe it's short length is part of its charm. I love a book that I can just sit down, read, cry, and leave. It's like a good crying movie in book form. 

This book is traditionally read by 8th graders; it can be such a poignant novel for those kids, if they let it be. I hope they do. Because this was a life changing book for me. I love it. It's a coming of age story laced with the conflicts of socioeconomic status, inability to get out of poverty, and love of sunsets. Read it. Love it. I do! 

That Was Then, This Is Now

"Things used to be simple and now they weren't"

"I wish I was a kid again, when I had all the answers"

When I first picked up this book I had high hopes, but I also knew that they could be shattered quickly. Hinton did amazing with The Outsiders - it's one of my favorite books - but I was not as fond of Tex. So I just didn't know. (Also, I didn't realize how many books Hinton has written!)

That Was Then, This Is Now is a coming of age book that could be said to be a companion to The Outsiders.  It takes place in the same town. Ponyboy Curtis and some of the Shepherds make appearances, even playing a small role in the story line.  The story is about Bryon and  Mark, best friends who are closer to brothers. Mark has been living with Bryon and his mother for years.But of course, as they get older, things start to change and it starts to lead the boys in different ways. And this book tells their story.

I did rather enjoy this novel.  It is not The Outsiders. It did not make me cry. It did speak to me though. I did like it. And I do recommend it!