Have you ever read a book that touched your heart forever?That Was Then, This Is Now is most definitely one of thosebooks.

Bryon and Mark have lived together since Mark's parents died whenhe was nine. They are best friends and basically brothers. This incrediblyrealistic story explores a year where everything changes in their lives. The bookjacket asks: "Does growing up have to mean growing apart?" You'll findthe answer in this vivid tale of two city boys.

This wonderful bookaddresses issues of racism, drug abuse and the importance of the love of afamily. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys realistic fiction about teenagers. Ifyou have liked other books by Hinton, I'm sure you will enjoy this one, too. Itis certainly one of my favorite books, if not my all-time favorite. You willlaugh and most definitely cry reading it. In the end, if you're like me, you willgain a whole new outlook on life.