The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Outsiders
Book Review: A Little Dated, But No Less Valid
Summary: 4 Stars
Viewed some 35 years down the line S.E. Hinton's "can't we all just get along" youth-targeted novel can certainly come across as a bit dated, especially in the wake of events like Columbine. However, one has to bear in mind that she (yes, it was written by a woman) was 16 when she wrote it, and its message is a timeless one, regardless of how cynical and knowing we have all become. The story is fairly straightforward, in a small town in Ohio, there are the "greasers" (lower-class teenagers from broken up households who are a step below being "hoods," that is to say, actual criminals) and the "socs" (middle-class teenagers with nice clothes and cars who are headed for college). The two literally live on different sides of the tracks and are locked in a long-standing running battle against each other. Their background and the story of what happens when a greaser kills a soc in self-defense is narrated by Ponyboy, a bookwormy, head in the clouds greaser who slowly comes to realize that while there are bad elements on both sides, greasers and socs are more alike than they both think. There's a dishy and awfully wise cheerleader girl thrown in the mix, and you can see the Romeo & Juliet and West Side Story influences shining through at times. And while it's a plea for peace and "we are the world" type of message, it's still a valid one, and one worth trying to expose kids to. Some have disparaged the book for portraying youth violence and drug use, which is kind of ridiculous because while the levels of violence and drugs (drinking and smoking) might have been shocking (although probably not) in 1967, they are fairly tame by today's real life standards. Others criticize the book for glorifying or excusing criminal behavior and violence, which seems to be missing the main point of the book.Book Review: A Must Read Book
Summary: 5 Stars
The Outsiders is a great book! It's about two groups of boys and their sturggle with racism. When I started this book I couldn't put it down. It's an easy read and I'm sure everyone could read it. I rated this book 5 stars because of the authors unique style of writing, cicular writing, and her descriptive writing. I watched the movie shortly after reading the book and the movie is not good at all when you compare it to the book.Book Review: A Reader from Eagle, Idaho.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is the best and I would never have thaught it was this book. When my teacher said we would be reading this book I thaught oh great another book like the ones we read in sixth grade. But this one is far from it. I'ld recamend this book to anyone.Book Review: A Real Outsider
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a breath taking story of unbreakable friendships, heroism, brotherly love, hardships, life, crime, and most of all, feeling like and outsider. In this book I garenty you will find something you can relate to. I fell in love with Ponyboy and all his friends and family from the begging. Even though I didn't grow up in a bad neighborhood as a greaser in the 60's, or was involved with a murder, I can see the human in Ponyboy, and I feel like I know him. I've read the book at least five times (in 1 or 2 days each) and I own the movie. Just writting about about the story gives me shivers. S.E. Hinton's writting is so beautifully descriptive, exciting, funny, and heartwarming, once you start reading this book you can't stop. This book isn't some stupid fantasy, this is a realistic story of hard, true life.I was shocked to find out S.E. Hinton was only 16 years old when she wrote this book! You'll believe and love every minute of the mind blowing diary of Ponyboy Curtis. Hopefully you'll be as thrilled with it as I was.Fondyly,
A Real Outsider
Book Review: A Really Good book for Teens
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book, I must say I don't enjoy reading much, but this book kept me reading it. A very good book to read, about life and how to deal with it.