[Review] That Was Then, This Is Now - A Classic Coming-of-Age Novel By S.E. Hinton

“That Was Then, This Is Now” by S.E. Hinton is an enduring classic that has captivated young readers for generations. As a coming-of-age story about two boys growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it speaks to anyone who has ever felt the tension between their past and present selves. The book follows Bryon Douglas and Mark Jennings as they navigate the complexities of friendship, loyalty and independence. Themes of identity, responsibility and love are explored through an honest portrayal of teenage life. From its relatable characters to its timeless message, “That Was Then, This Is Now” is an excellent example of why S.E. Hinton’s stories remain popular today. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the book’s Key Features, Product Details, and Pros and Cons to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Table of Contents

That Was Then, This Is Now Review

That Was Then, This Is Now: A Classic Coming-of-Age Novel

“That Was Then, This Is Now” by S.E. Hinton is a classic coming-of-age novel that follows two teenage boys as they grow up and explore their changing friendship. The novel delves into the difficult issues of young adulthood and explores how growing up can change relationships in unexpected ways. It’s both a timeless classic and a modern reminder of the importance of friendship.

Key Features:

An exploration of the difficult issues of young adulthood

A timeless classic about the changing dynamics between two friends

Explores how growing up can change relationships in unexpected ways

A reminder of the importance of friendship

Mixed with humor, pathos and insight, “That Was Then, This Is Now” follows Bryon and Mark as they navigate their lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma during the late 1960s. As the two boys grow up and go their separate ways, they must confront changes to their relationship while learning to accept themselves and each other. Along the way, they discover that growing up isn’t an easy process but one that sometimes comes with unexpected rewards.

This coming-of-age novel is a must-read for any fan of S.E. Hinton’s work or anyone looking for an honest story about friendship and growing up. With its exploration of important themes like love, loyalty and self-discovery, “That Was Then, This Is Now” is sure to leave readers moved by its touching story.

Product Details

Product Name	Author	Publisher
That Was Then, This Is Now	S.E. Hinton	Puffin Books
Description
A story of two boys growing up together in a small town, and how their friendship is tested by violence, poverty and other pressures.
Other Details
ISBN-10:	0140389660
ISBN-13:	978-0140389663
Format:	Paperback, 272 pages
Published:	January 1st 1985 by Puffin Books (first published 1971)
Language:	English

That Was Then, This Is Now Pros and Cons

1. Pros:

This classic novel by S.E. Hinton is a must-read for any teen coming of age.

The story follows two teenage boys, Mark and Bryon, as they explore life’s challenges.

The book offers an honest look into teenage life and the struggles that come with it.

It explores themes like friendship, loyalty, growing up, and learning to accept change.

2. Cons:

The language used can be difficult for younger readers to understand.

The plot does not move very quickly at times.

If you’re looking for an inspiring story about two best friends coming of age in a rapidly changing world, then That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton is the book for you! With its honest look into the lives of teenagers and their struggles to fit in, this classic novel packs quite a punch. From exploring themes like friendship, loyalty, and growing up to learning to accept change, this book has something for everyone. While the language can be a bit challenging for younger readers, the slow-moving plot is sure to keep you captivated until the end.

Who are They for

That Was Then, This Is Now, by S.E. Hinton, is a classic coming-of-age novel about two best friends growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma during the 1960s. The story follows Bryon Douglas and Mark Jennings as they confront the trials and tribulations of adolescence, from their first jobs to their first loves. Despite their strong friendship, Bryon and Mark must ultimately make decisions that will lead them down different paths – That Was Then, This Is Now.

Hinton’s writing is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as she captures the unique bond between teenage boys on the brink of adulthood. The characters’ struggles are real and relatable, making it easy for readers to sympathize with them as they navigate through life’s complexities. Even when faced with difficult choices, these characters manage to remain true to themselves and ultimately find the strength to move forward.

That Was Then, This Is Now is an unforgettable novel that has become a modern classic in American literature. With its memorable characters and powerful themes of loyalty, courage, and transformation, this book remains one of S.E Hinton’s most beloved works. It is an essential read for anyone looking to explore the timeless themes of growing up in America.

My Experience for That Was Then, This Is Now

I was only a teenager when I read That Was Then, This Is Now. It was the perfect way to understand what it means to grow up and transition from childhood to adulthood.

It didn’t take me long to realize that life isn’t always as simple or straightforward as we would like it to be. The story follows two teenage boys, Bryon and Mark, who are best friends but come from very different backgrounds.

Bryon is the wild child who loves to cause trouble while Mark is more of a rule-follower and has his future planned out. As they begin their journey into adulthood, their friendship is tested by the realities of growing up and living in a broken home.

That Was Then, This Is Now is an inspiring novel about friendship and finding your way in life. It teaches us that no matter how difficult things may seem, with hard work, dedication and courage you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

The book also provides insight into understanding our emotions and facing the consequences of our decisions head-on. After reading this book I realized that although life can be unpredictable, there is always hope for a better tomorrow and that’s something worth fighting for!

What I don’t Like

1. Lack of character development: The characters in That Was Then, This Is Now are not as developed or fleshed out as they could be.
2. Plot holes: There are some plot holes in the story that can make it difficult to follow along with the plot points.
3. Themes may be too mature for younger readers: Some of the themes explored in the book may be too mature for younger readers, making it inappropriate for children under a certain age.
4. Slow pacing: The pacing of the novel is slow at times, which can make it difficult to stay engaged with the story.
5. Ending feels rushed: The ending of the novel feels somewhat rushed, leaving some questions unanswered and making the overall resolution unsatisfying.

How to Foster Mutual Respect with That Was Then, This Is Now

In That Was Then, This Is Now, author S.E. Hinton captures the struggles and growing pains of two best friends, Mark and Bryon. As they enter their teenage years and are faced with increasingly difficult choices, they must learn how to foster mutual respect in order to maintain their friendship through the tumultuous times.

This novel is a great resource for teens who are looking for guidance on how to foster mutual respect in their own relationships. It offers insight into the importance of open communication and understanding between two people, even when faced with conflicting opinions.

The first step to fostering mutual respect is open communication. When faced with a disagreement, it’s important for both parties to openly express their point of view and listen attentively to one another without judgement or assumptions. By listening to each other without interruption, both sides can gain a better understanding of the issue at hand and work together towards a compromise that respects everyone’s needs.

Another way to foster mutual respect is being empathetic. Empathy allows us to understand someone else’s perspective and helps us see things from their point of view. In That Was Then, This Is Now, Mark and Bryon have different ways of looking at the world but still find common ground by being understanding and supportive of one another’s individual perspectives. Taking the time to put yourself in someone else’s shoes can help build lasting relationships based on trust and understanding.

Finally, it’s important that we avoid making assumptions. Making assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and create unnecessary tension between two people. Instead, it’s important to ask questions and be curious about one another’s beliefs in order to better understand each other’s point of view.

By following these tips inspired by That Was Then, This Is Now, you can learn how to foster mutual respect in your relationships. Through open communication, empathy, and avoiding assumptions, you can build strong relationships that will last through any challenge life throws your way!

Questions about That Was Then, This Is Now

What is That Was Then, This Is Now?

That Was Then, This Is Now is a novel by S.E. Hinton published in 1971. It follows the story of two teenage boys who are best friends, and their struggles to stay together as they grow up in an ever-changing world.

Who is the author of That Was Then, This Is Now?

The author of That Was Then, This Is Now is S.E. Hinton. She wrote the book when she was young and it was her first published work.

What themes does That Was Then, This Is Now explore?

That Was Then, This Is Now explores several themes including friendship, growing up, and identity. It also looks at how things can change quickly and how hard it can be to keep up with those changes.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.