Common Sense Note
Many teenagers and reluctant readers recognize and appreciate this realistically written story of a kid with no hope, living in a world of violence where only the tough survive.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Monica Wyatt
Readers who enjoyed S. E. Hinton's much-loved The Outsiders usually want to read the rest of her books. RUMBLE FISH stands as one of her best efforts, a book of higher quality than her first novel, that nevertheless succeeds with reluctant readers.
This spare portrait of a juvenile delinquent who has no desire to better his life allows readers to see Rusty-James as he cannot see himself. Readers experience Rusty-James's dangerous life, but they also see more.
Hinton reveals what brought Rusty-James to his status as juvenile delinquent. We see that the furniture in their apartment consists solely of a mattress shoved against the wall in the living room. The refrigerator holds booze for their father, an educated lawyer who turned alcoholic when the boy's mother abandoned them for a life of fun in California. Rusty-James has been so deprived that he's lost the capacity to see that he's deprived. Only when he loses his brother does he crumble.
Rusty-James, despite his thoroughly deserved status as a bad boy and a thief, nevertheless comes across as a recognizable and sympathetic character. His toughness does raise him above his peers. His joyful acceptance of his apparently miserable life allows us to accept him. He partially succeeds in his goal to be just like Motorcycle Boy, another well-drawn character, but in the end readers see clearly that Rusty-James has no way out. This is an impressive effort from the woman who virtually created the young-adult genre.
From The Book
Now, I hate fighting hopped-up people. They're crazy. You get crazy enough in a fight without being doped up. You fight some cat who's been washing down bennies with sneaky pete and they can't tell if you kill 'em. You only advantage is a little more control. I never do dope, as a rule. Dope ruined the gangs.
Plot Summary:
Fourteen-year old Rusty-James reigns as the toughest kid in his rough, depressed neighborhood. He worships his older brother, who was the leader of a gang. But his brother drifts aimlessly, and Rusty-James lives only for the excitement of fighting. A realistic, engrossing portrait of a kid with no talents and no future. Great for reluctant readers.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentTwo brief descriptions of heavy necking, with kissing only. |
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ViolenceDescriptions of a knife fight and mugging, with resulting injuries. A boy is shot and killed by the police. |
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Social BehaviorThe main character fights and steals, smokes and drinks, with no guidance from parents or his school. He is, however, opposed to drugs. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoDrinking and smoking. |
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