That Was Then, This Is Now - Likewise Book Reviews

""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 😭"

"Much better than the film version, which copped out and gave it an upbeat ending. The protagonist makes a heart-breaking choice between his best friend and his girlfriend and ends up betraying both. A masterpiece of teen fiction."

"This book has left me speechless. It is beautifully written. I'm at a loss for words. One of the best books I've ever read. The emotions in the book and the emotions you feel are complex and it reflects the complexity of life and growing up."

"The ending felt short and was bittersweet. It made me face a certain truth. I can see how it's not for everyone, but I still enjoyed it."

"A beautiful book truly. S.E Hinton’s other books are also very good but they don’t hold the same weight as The Outsiders does but as she puts it “ The Outsiders made you feel That was Then, This is now makes you think “. That I believe represents just what That was Then, This is Now is, it isn’t The Outsiders it is a book with many similarities but much more differences that makes the book impeccable. It tackles some harder to swallow topics but also has that youthful touch that Hinton is known for. It is truly a profound piece of art and no matter how much I can say about it, it will never be enough. "

"I loved this book so much! It’s kinda underground, but it talks about racism, relationships, family problems, and more. It’s a great book, I highly recommend :)"

"GOOD! ponyboy shows up briefly <3 kinda sad and has lots of drug related issues. more mature than the outsiders, but very good "

"So heartbreaking to me, I still can't get over it. I hate it and love it so much at the same time. One of my favorites."

"It was beautiful and easy to like the characters!! "

"It made me mad and I loved it!!!"

"So actually I was not expecting to be sitting in math rethinking my life "

"Love everything!"

"I like the random change in tones"

"thanks! my favorite is definitely The Outsiders :] same author, same setting, same greatness as this book!"

"The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton for sure"

"what a sad yet complete ending "

"Makes you realize a lot of things in life"

"Loved it!"

"actually broke my heart and even though the character’s decisions are angering sometimes, they’re all understandable"

"yes definitely!!"

"3/5"

"this book has so much meaning and potential behind it, it’s just and over all amazing book. it will make you laugh but it will also make you cry."