That Was Then This Is Now Author:S. E. Hinton Published four years after her phenomenally successful first novel, The Outsiders, That Was Then, This Is Now confirmed S. E. Hinton's place in the canon of young adult literature. Returning to the same working-class landscape, Hinton paints a deeply-felt portrait of best friends Bryon and Mark, as they grow up and grow apart. Puffin is proud to... more » publish this award-winning classic for a new generation of readers. A mature, disciplined novel which excites a response in the readerhard to forget. --The New York Times Brutal, harsh, yet always credibleone of the best. --Publishers Weekly« less
Overview: Bryon and Mark have been as close as brothers for as long as they can remember. Now things are changing. Bryon's growing up, and thinking seriously about who he wants to be. Mark still just lives for the thrill of the moment. The two are growing apart - but holding on - until Bryon makes a shocking discovery about Mark. Then Bryon faces a terrible decision - one that will change both of their lives forever.
Review: A classic S.E. Hinton book. As good as any of her others.
Amazon.com
Ever since Mark's parents died, he has been living with Bryon. The boys are more like brothers than mere friends. They've been inseparable--until recently. Something seems to be changing between them, and Bryon can't figure it out. Is it Cathy, Bryon's new girlfriend? Is Mark jealous? Bryon is also tired of the street fighting, but Mark seems unable to quit. And where is Mark getting all of that money? In That Was Then, This Is Now, one of her most admired novels, S. E. Hinton paints a richly textured portrait of two boys at a crossroads in their friendship. With careful, intimate strokes, Hinton reveals a boy struggling over whether to protect his best friend or whether to follow his own beliefs about right and wrong. The ending will surprise readers, challenging them to puzzle over Bryon's dilemma in their own hearts.
I read this after Outsiders in 7th grade. Loved it too! A bit sad at the end if I remember, but more life lessons and you can relate to the characters.
That Was Then This is Now is the sequel to S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders but don't worry the Socs Vs. The Greaser fights aren't going on anymore. In fact only one character shows up and he doesn't really do anything.
Bryon and Mark are inseparable and as close as brothers but as Bryon spends more time with his girlfriend Cathy he and Mark srart growing apart.Then when M&M, Cathy's 13 year old brother runs away from home. What Bryon thinks has been a nice gesture towards finding M&M and earning money made by Mark horrifies him and then he makes a deision which turns his whiole life around.
I had to admit That Was Then This is Now was a very good and an easy read. I loved it but not as much as the first one of course I would recomend this book to anyone who lved the outsiders.
