Rumble Fish

Set in the late 1960’s/early 1970’s, Rumble Fish by S.E. Hinton is a young adult fiction novel about Rusty-James, a teenager who has to navigate his life with an alcoholic dad, idolizing his older brother, the Motorcycle Boy.

In the beginning, Rusty-James runs into his old friend, Steve. As they were talking, Steve mentions the scar along Rusty-James’ side, prompting him to flash back to when they were younger.

The rest of the book takes place in that flashback, showing how Rusty-James’ life was six years earlier. The younger version of Rusty-James tries to act tough and fit in.  The book details his rather large friend group, including his then girlfriend Patty.

Rusty-James’ brother, The Motorcycle Boy (his real name is not in the book, as Rusty-James only calls him by that nickname), is colorblind and partially deaf. He expresses an interest in Siamese Fighting Fish, or as he calls them, Rumble Fish, from which the title of the book comes from. Rusty-James depends on his brother, idolizing him and wanting to live up to The Motorcycle Boy’s legacy. Rusty-James is still interested in rumbles and fights, whereas The Motorcycle Boy was calmer and more cautious about getting in fights.

What I liked about this book is how it felt relatable but intriguing, keeping me immersed in the story and interested in the characters and story. I would recommend this to anyone who likes The Outsiders and is interested in S.E. Hinton’s other books