Book Review: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

[Ariella McManus]

Title of the book: The Outsiders
Authors: S.E. Hinton
Series: No
Genres: fiction, modern classic

Short summary of the story: Told from the perspective of Ponyboy Curtis, it is a riveting commentary on classism,as well as a reminder that the 'good old days' of the 1960's weren't really all that good. There are two main rival factors, the Socs (rich kids) and the Greasers (poor kids), and the animosity between them leads to very tragic circumstances.

Here is what Goodreads has to say about the book:

According to Ponyboy, there are two kinds of people in the world: greasers and socs. A soc (short for "social") has money, can get away with just about anything, and has an attitude longer than a limousine. A greaser, on the other hand, always lives on the outside and needs to watch his back. Ponyboy is a greaser, and he's always been proud of it, even willing to rumble against a gang of socs for the sake of his fellow greasers--until one terrible night when his friend Johnny kills a soc. The murder gets under Ponyboy's skin, causing his bifurcated world to crumble and teaching him that pain feels the same whether a soc or a greaser.

My feelings on the book: This has to be one of my favorite books of all times! I cannot even remember how many times I have read it, and this is one instance where the movie was just as good as the book. in a sense, it reminds me of Rebel Without a Cause, which is another story of the 'real' story behind classic Americana of the 50's and 60's. Behind all the white picket fences and June cleaver smiles, there is something dark which tends to get hidden underneath hoop skirts and nostalgia. That is ultimately what drew me to the book.

I usually do not like stories written in the first person, but this one is definitely an exception. Additionally, for as much as this is a story about tragedy, it is also a story of hope. The relationship between the three Curtis brothers (Ponyboy, Darry, and Soda Pop) is also a core part of the book, and the roller coaster ride tugs at your heartstrings as you watch the trio grow throughout the course of the book. There are quite a few hidden gems beneath the surface of the story, which even includes a poem by Robert Frost. You simply can't beat that

[Emily Spencer]

Title of the book: The Outsiders
Authors: S.E. Hinton
Series: No
Genres: fiction, modern classic

Short summary of the story: Told from the perspective of Ponyboy Curtis, it is a riveting commentary on classism,as well as a reminder that the 'good old days' of the 1960's weren't really all that good. There are two main rival factors, the Socs (rich kids) and the Greasers (poor kids), and the animosity between them leads to very tragic circumstances.

My take:

Admittedly, this is not my normal genre at all. But, the tables turned this time, and my daughter urged me to read it (usually it’s the other way around). She was really enthralled by it, even though it was an ‘older’ book, but wanting to humor her, I agreed.

Color me surprised, I actually ended up enjoying the book way more than I expected to do. The characters seemed so very real; Ms. Hinton really knows how to draw the reader into the story. After awhile, it wasn’t even like they were characters in a book, but actual friends. Yes, they were that well written. I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried a time or hundred during the reading of this book. My daughter was gracious enough not to say ‘I told you so’ as I sobbed my eyes out during one particularly heart wrenching scene.

Emotions aside, the book was a rather profound study in classism and the harm it can do. It may have been written many years ago, but I honestly feel that it is still relevant today and I would highly recommend it to anyone who asks. Don’t let the fact that it bills as a ‘teen drama’; it is o much more than that, I promise you. Admittedly, I have not read any more books by S.E. Hinton, but if I run across one, I would definitely be willing to give them a try.

[Amy Darvill]

My review: I was lent this by Emily after she finished and I looked at her like she was ridiculous. I don't typically read books set in this time period and especially not a high school setting. But I've been in a major reading slump and it didn't look all that long, so I thought it might snap me out of the reading slump. I also did not understand the box of tissues.

Cue me finishing the book and the box of tissues at roughly the same pace. Like Emily said, this book is so well written that you forget that you're reading a book. These are your friends that you're talking to, listening to their tales. While it's all from Ponyboy's perspective, he gives you such an insight into the group of boys he's always with that you get to know them too. And as someone who loves poetry, the way 'Nothing Gold Can Stay' by Robert Frost is incorporated, will make sense and break your heart. Just trust me on this. Very much worth the read, but make sure you have tissues.