Rumble Fish

By: S. E. Hinton

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte

Rusty-James wants to be just like his big brother, the Motorcycle Boy. He wants to be the toughest streetfighter on this side of the city, to keep his cool when things get dangerous, and to laugh when gang members challenge him to fight. Rusty-James isn't book-smart; he depends on his fists more often than his brains. So far, the Motorcycle Boy has bailed him out when his fists have gotten him into trouble.

But one night when Rusty-James ventures out of his neighborhood turf, his world is shattered by an explosive chain of events. And this time, the Motorcycle Boy isn't around to pick up the pieces.

©1975 S. E. Hinton (P)1995 Recorded Books, LLC

Kind of depressing but when you think about it it’s super impactful

Rumble Fish is a sharp, moody look at a kid who’s drifting through life without really understanding who he is. The narrator of the audiobook comes off a little too monotone at times, but it actually works — Rusty-James himself is disconnected, dulled by his environment, and almost emotionally numb, so the flat delivery ends up matching his mindset.

The story’s meaning sits in that numbness. Rusty-James is trying to live up to a legend he doesn’t understand, trapped in a cycle of fighting and identity confusion. The Motorcycle Boy tries to break that cycle, but his death forces Rusty-James to finally see that violence and reputation don’t lead anywhere. The book is ultimately about how a person shaped by chaos has to lose everything before realizing who they don’t want to become

Hmm

Not real sure what this was even really about. The story kept me listening but it was like I was waiting for something to actually happen that never really did.

What an odd book

I enjoy some of SE Hintons books and this was interesting but idk if I’d say enjoyable.

Great book. Short but sweet.

The story is really only over the course of a few days, but it's pretty easy to get sucked into it and really connect with the characters. Without a doubt the protagonist is really just a common bully, but the story makes you feel like you can absorb his struggle too.

Book lovers review of rumble Fish

This is an amazing story, but the plot twist at the end will leave you in tears. I love all of Essie Hendon’s books. I read the outsiders, which is why I wanted to read this and it did not disappoint.