That Was Then, This Is Now

""I rolled over and got up and went for a drive. I couldn't talk to Mom, especially when she was telling the truth." That was then, this has now heavily impacted me when I read it in middle school, and just as much at age 19. A coming-of-age story about brotherhood and freedom, it dives into relationships and the complications that arise from them. But it's more than that, it's a grotesque and therefore fairly accurate representation of so many dark parts of humanity. A scene that absolutely resonated with me was when Bryson was talking to Mark about how it feels like whenever you let your guard down you get destroyed. That coupled with the story the kid in the hospital tells Bryson about why he gets beat up will always be profound to me. I'm going to read everything this woman published. (Besides maybe puppy sister lol.) Primarily read because: I love S.E Hinton. (ATY #44)"

"Really makes you think about what you would do if you knew a loved one was harming other people in some way"

"It was deep for sure, I personally believe that this book is better than the outsiders. 4.5/5!"

"Great coming of age book"

"I feel like Zuko reading Firelord Sozin’s last testament: “That can’t be it. Where’s the rest of it?” I’ll admit, I was anticipating a more climactic… well, climax. Maybe a physical confrontation between the brothers. I was kind of disappointed. However, I will say I emotionally connected with this one on the whole more than “The Outsiders.”"

"I have a lot of different things to say about this book. Going into this book I had high expectations because of reading the outsiders and it is a good book. It is very real about things that still happen today and I feel like this book just shows how growing up and division in the world can influence people into doing things without thinking and how things change and it really had me reflecting after reading this book because of how well it was written. I also started reading this book and instantly felt connected to the outsiders book again being in the scene and atmosphere was really a fun part of the book."

"It was so so good and I would definitely recommend to people who enjoy sadder books"

"I loved this book but the ending was a surprise "

"Quick read, but kinda forgot everything that happened as soon as I finished it. That’s probably my fault though "

"The ending is so sad 😭"