This is a useful book when you are overwhelmed by some very serious reading beforehand. ( )

This book was second in my S.E. Hinton obsession and while it took me a long time to 'get it' since I was very young when I read it for the first time, it's one of my all time favorites.

The brotherly admiration Rusty James has for The Motorcycle Boy is misguided but sweet. He believes in his brother even when his brother doesn't believe in himself.

He's nostalgic for things he only thinks he remembers and tries so hard to be something ... anything ... to make his brother notice him.

It's a quick read but totally worth reading. ( )

Motherless, with a drunken father, and a brother who is always on the run, Rusty James' future looks pretty bleak. For now, however, he is the king of the hill. His brother built up a reputation as the toughest, baddest, and most indifferent fellow to ever walk his streets. With few role models to look up to, Rusty James does everything in his power to emulate Motorcycle Boy.

Despite being able to take a knife to the side, drink like there is no tomorrow, and get with any girl he wants, Rusty James just cannot be his brother. His brother is in a league of his own. He is apathetic to the world. He sees in black and white and hears nothing. After a series of tragic events culminating in Motorcycle Boy's unnecessary death, Rusty James' wish finally comes true. He has become Motorcycle Boy. When all is said and done, though, and the scar tissue has formed, Rusty James is unhappy. Yes, he has become his brother. But in doing so, he has become a ghost. ( )

Rusty James wants to be exactly like his older brother, Motorcycle Boy. So, Rusty tries to make himself as tough and cool as his brother. In doing so, Rusty gets into fights and is kicked out of school. What Rusty does not realize, is that becoming like his brother could be a big mistake. Rumble Fish is another winner from S.E. Hinton. Rusty James does not have the innocence or insights of Pony Boy, but he is still a fascinating character that reader's will feel for. The plot revolves around Rusty's relationship with his brother and Rusty's attempts to be like Motorcycle Boy. The setting is the urban city during the 1970s. There are a few elements which are outdated, but I do not think that this should be necessarily classified as historical fiction. There is a sense of tragedy and remorse to the story because Rusty does not realize that in wanting to be like his brother, Rusty is ruining his life. The book begins with a short chapter of Rusty in the future and then it is a flashback to when Rusty was 14. This book is a page turner and should appeal to both middle and high school readers. Recommended. ( )

6.0