That Was Then, This Is Now

That Was Then, This Is Now follows foster brothers Mark and Bryon in 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma as they navigate their teenage years together. The brothers hustle pool at a local bar to make money while their family faces mounting financial pressure. When Bryon and Mark's paths begin to diverge, their deep brotherhood is tested by new relationships, changing values, and hidden activities. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of a changing America, where the simple rules of childhood no longer apply. The novel connects to S.E. Hinton's other works, featuring appearances by characters from The Outsiders, including Ponyboy Curtis, while standing as its own distinct narrative. Like other Hinton novels, That Was Then, This Is Now explores the complexities of loyalty, morality, and the inevitable loss of innocence that comes with growing up. The story examines how time and circumstance can transform even the strongest bonds between people.

Readers often compare this book unfavorably to The Outsiders, noting it has a darker tone and less likeable characters. Many connect with the complex friendship dynamics and coming-of-age themes about growing apart. Readers appreciated: - The realistic portrayal of teen relationships - Strong character development, especially Bryon's internal struggles - The Vietnam War era setting and social commentary Common criticisms: - Slower pacing than The Outsiders - More difficult to emotionally connect with the characters - Abrupt ending that leaves questions unanswered Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (88,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,100+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Shows how childhood friendships can dissolve" - Goodreads reviewer "Not as engaging as The Outsiders but more mature themes" - Amazon reviewer "The relationship between Bryon and Mark feels authentic" - Scholastic review "Too depressing compared to Hinton's other works" - Barnes & Noble reviewer

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton A tale of rival gangs and brotherhood follows working-class teenagers navigating loyalty, violence, and survival on the streets.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie A Native American teen leaves his reservation school to attend an all-white high school while straddling two worlds and facing loss.

Monster by Walter Dean Myers A 16-year-old boy on trial for murder documents his experiences through a screenplay format while examining truth and justice.

Looking for Alaska by John Green Two teenagers at boarding school form bonds and face tragedy while seeking meaning in their lives.

Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks A teenage runaway encounters danger and forms unconventional friendships while searching for his place in the world.

🔹 S.E. Hinton wrote "That Was Then, This Is Now" when she was just 21 years old, following the massive success of her debut novel "The Outsiders" 🔹 The novel shares the same fictional universe as "The Outsiders," with Ponyboy Curtis making a brief cameo appearance as a supporting character 🔹 The book was adapted into a 1985 film starring Emilio Estevez, who also wrote the screenplay - marking his first screenwriting credit 🔹 Like many of Hinton's works, the story was partly inspired by real events and people she observed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she grew up and still lives 🔹 The author chose to use her initials (Susan Eloise) rather than her full name because her publisher worried that readers wouldn't believe a female author could write convincingly about teenage boys