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38 pages 1 hour read

Rumble Fish

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1975

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Book Brief

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S. E. Hinton

Rumble Fish

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1975
Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Unknown City • 1970s

Publication Year

1975

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

680L

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Super Short Summary

Rumble Fish by S. E. Hinton follows Rusty-James, a troubled teenager struggling with identity and direction after meeting his old friend Steve. Set in a rough neighborhood, the story explores Rusty-James's admiration for his older brother, the "Motorcycle Boy," and his involvement in gang life. Rusty-James faces ongoing challenges, including conflicts, familial issues, and the harsh realities of his environment. Themes of violence, substance use, and family strife are present.

Gritty

Melancholic

Mysterious

Dark

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

25,732 ratings

64%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

S. E. Hinton's Rumble Fish garners mixed reviews. Critics praise its compelling characters and realistic portrayal of youth struggles. The narrative's depth and emotional resonance appeal to many readers. However, some find the plot underdeveloped and the pacing uneven. Overall, it is considered a poignant if imperfect exploration of adolescence.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Rumble Fish?

Readers who enjoyed The Outsiders or That Was Then, This Is Now will find Rumble Fish captivating. Ideal for teens and young adults, this book explores themes of identity, family, and the struggles of adolescence. Fans of realistic, character-driven stories like The Catcher in the Rye will also appreciate its depth and emotional resonance.

4.2

25,732 ratings

64%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Unknown City • 1970s

Publication Year

1975

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

680L

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