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claireelyse06's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I have no words for what this book did to me emotionally. Hear me out with this one.
This is the book that most American middle school students read in school. I feel like that's just a collective experience we all have. I read this book in fifth grade. I remember that I liked it but didn't absolutely love it the way some people did. I read this book again because I'm going to see the musical in a couple of weeks. And holy mother of God I had no clue what I was missing out on. And now I am even more obsessed with the musical recording than I was before (sorry to the people who live with me for the person I am going to be for the next two or three months). Also, the finale for the musical just cuts even harder now, and it cut to begin with. If you love this book please give the cast recroding a chance. I've heard there have been some problematic changes between the book and the musical but I am still willing to give it a chance since Hinton approved of it (Don't read, spoiler: allegedly they cut out Steve Randle and Dally jumps in front of a train instead of getting shot by the police).
First of all, what is incredibly impressive is that S. E. Hinton wrote this when she was a junior in high school. So please, don't expect writing the quality of Great Gatsby. But it didn't bother me. The story was just so incredibly profound and meaningful. Plus, not to spoil it, but it makes sense when you get a revelation at the end about the narration. Just trust the process. Trust me.
First of all, I felt so much love and empathy for the characters. Like Jane Austen is quaking in her boots right now in terms of good character crafting (in my humble opinion). I almost felt the pain that the characters went through. Like I feel like they are my brothers at this point and I want to give all of them a hug. Can we just talk about Soda and Sandy for a second? If you don't want potential spoilers just skip this paragraph. Can someone please explain if Sandy is supposed to be pregnant? Because I feel like that was pretty implied at the end and I tried googling it but the sources I looked at seemed to be conflicted. It feels like an unscratched itch and now I feel really bad for Soda.
I found myself relating to Ponyboy a lot. The way he looked at sunsets and got lost in books. The dreamer in him with the imagination. I really felt that. Like I feel like I could be friends with him. I truly do think everyone can find a piece of themselves in this book. Even if you're not a Greaser from tough circumstances like the main characters. It's more about the emotions and feelings and hopes and dreams that come with living life.
The topics/themes that are covered in this book just are so profound for someone who wrote this in eleventh grade. There are issues of class, family, grief, and all kinds of things. I think I'm going to need to read this book a bunch more times. I feel like I'm in a daze (I just finished it like five minutes ago).
Before you read this book, you should know, there is going to be death. If you don't like guns and knives and blood maybe don't read it. But man oh man it is so good. It's the story itself that just makes it so good. I'm just in awe and I don't know how to express that. At this point I'm just rambling.
The book feels so very human. At its core that is what it is and that is what I think truly makes a good book. A book that is purely human. I am reminded of that quote by Ernest Hemingway in Midnight in Paris (maybe he said it in realy life I'm not sure) but it goes like this: "It was a good book because it was an honest book". And The Outsiders truly embodies that quote. That I think is my review summed up. If you are looking for a book that is true to the human experience this is a good one. You'll cry, you'll feel for the characters, and you might just find yourself quoting a Robert Frost poem for the rest of your life. Also, bonus, the movie version (AFTER YOU READ THE BOOK) has an all star cast. Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, C. Thomas Howell, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise, and Emilio Estevez.
I don't think there's anything else I can say. Currently sitting in bed writing this with the finale for the musical on repeat at a loss for anymore words. So please read this book. It's worth it. It really is.
This is the book that most American middle school students read in school. I feel like that's just a collective experience we all have. I read this book in fifth grade. I remember that I liked it but didn't absolutely love it the way some people did. I read this book again because I'm going to see the musical in a couple of weeks. And holy mother of God I had no clue what I was missing out on. And now I am even more obsessed with the musical recording than I was before (sorry to the people who live with me for the person I am going to be for the next two or three months). Also, the finale for the musical just cuts even harder now, and it cut to begin with. If you love this book please give the cast recroding a chance. I've heard there have been some problematic changes between the book and the musical but I am still willing to give it a chance since Hinton approved of it (Don't read, spoiler: allegedly they cut out Steve Randle and Dally jumps in front of a train instead of getting shot by the police).
First of all, what is incredibly impressive is that S. E. Hinton wrote this when she was a junior in high school. So please, don't expect writing the quality of Great Gatsby. But it didn't bother me. The story was just so incredibly profound and meaningful. Plus, not to spoil it, but it makes sense when you get a revelation at the end about the narration. Just trust the process. Trust me.
First of all, I felt so much love and empathy for the characters. Like Jane Austen is quaking in her boots right now in terms of good character crafting (in my humble opinion). I almost felt the pain that the characters went through. Like I feel like they are my brothers at this point and I want to give all of them a hug. Can we just talk about Soda and Sandy for a second? If you don't want potential spoilers just skip this paragraph. Can someone please explain if Sandy is supposed to be pregnant? Because I feel like that was pretty implied at the end and I tried googling it but the sources I looked at seemed to be conflicted. It feels like an unscratched itch and now I feel really bad for Soda.
I found myself relating to Ponyboy a lot. The way he looked at sunsets and got lost in books. The dreamer in him with the imagination. I really felt that. Like I feel like I could be friends with him. I truly do think everyone can find a piece of themselves in this book. Even if you're not a Greaser from tough circumstances like the main characters. It's more about the emotions and feelings and hopes and dreams that come with living life.
The topics/themes that are covered in this book just are so profound for someone who wrote this in eleventh grade. There are issues of class, family, grief, and all kinds of things. I think I'm going to need to read this book a bunch more times. I feel like I'm in a daze (I just finished it like five minutes ago).
Before you read this book, you should know, there is going to be death. If you don't like guns and knives and blood maybe don't read it. But man oh man it is so good. It's the story itself that just makes it so good. I'm just in awe and I don't know how to express that. At this point I'm just rambling.
The book feels so very human. At its core that is what it is and that is what I think truly makes a good book. A book that is purely human. I am reminded of that quote by Ernest Hemingway in Midnight in Paris (maybe he said it in realy life I'm not sure) but it goes like this: "It was a good book because it was an honest book". And The Outsiders truly embodies that quote. That I think is my review summed up. If you are looking for a book that is true to the human experience this is a good one. You'll cry, you'll feel for the characters, and you might just find yourself quoting a Robert Frost poem for the rest of your life. Also, bonus, the movie version (AFTER YOU READ THE BOOK) has an all star cast. Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, C. Thomas Howell, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise, and Emilio Estevez.
I don't think there's anything else I can say. Currently sitting in bed writing this with the finale for the musical on repeat at a loss for anymore words. So please read this book. It's worth it. It really is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Child death, Alcohol, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, and Child abuse
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, and Vomit
therulerofallfrogs's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’m not one to hand out five star ratings like bread to ducks, but this is one book I didn’t have to second guess for a moment.
Most people read the Outsiders in middle school, but I was only introduced to the book in January of this year. (For context, I’m about to graduate my junior year in high school as of writing this). Since first reading it in two or so sittings, I’ve now read it four more times in five months (twice for personal enjoyment, twice aloud to two different siblings, and once for a style study). I have never connected so quickly with a set of characters, nor truly felt with them the way I did in this book.
The plot was definitely simple, but it was fast paced and I wasn’t bored for a second. The characters as well as their development and dynamics were truly the highlight of the book, however. The main character, Ponyboy, is an engaging narrator full of real life feelings and goals and anxieties. I find myself to be very picky with main characters, particularly in first person books, particularly YOUNG characters in first person books- but he had me interested since page one.
The rest of the gang are full of life as well. I was particularly fond of Sodapop and Dallas. Soda, a joyful boy with a spring in his step and a true excitement for life, added a well needed dose of optimism and warmth to such an emotional story. (Though, as we learn, he has his own major struggles lying underneath the surface.) Dallas is the opposite, he is a cold character with a hostility born from a horrid childhood and a lack of love and empathy from those who had raised him. Yet, even he held love in his heart. Spoilers ahead.Dally’s relationship with the Johnny was the only reason I cried during this book. Their connection was my favorite character dynamic by far, and I swear it hurt me.
The whole way through The Outsiders, I was laughing and contemplating and tearing up. The fact that this book is assigned to middle schoolers and managed such a feat astounds me. (This is coming from someone who has to force their way through YA most of the time, I hate being talked down to). I felt as if the narration was a teenager speaking to himself, not an adult speaking to a teenager in a superior or condescending manner. Of course, some of this has to do with the author’s age.
You can expect my utter surprise upon finding out that while writing this story, S.E. Hinton was a girl around my age. (Much less that she was a girl at all!) As a young writer, I am thoroughly inspired, and can say with full certainty that this book has changed my life. It has empowered me to write with such new vigor and excitement.
I’m truly glad my mom recommended The Outsiders to me while we skimmed through a little library. It’s the first good book I’ve ever found in one, and it’s most certainly the first that has tampered with my worldview.
Most people read the Outsiders in middle school, but I was only introduced to the book in January of this year. (For context, I’m about to graduate my junior year in high school as of writing this). Since first reading it in two or so sittings, I’ve now read it four more times in five months (twice for personal enjoyment, twice aloud to two different siblings, and once for a style study). I have never connected so quickly with a set of characters, nor truly felt with them the way I did in this book.
The plot was definitely simple, but it was fast paced and I wasn’t bored for a second. The characters as well as their development and dynamics were truly the highlight of the book, however. The main character, Ponyboy, is an engaging narrator full of real life feelings and goals and anxieties. I find myself to be very picky with main characters, particularly in first person books, particularly YOUNG characters in first person books- but he had me interested since page one.
The rest of the gang are full of life as well. I was particularly fond of Sodapop and Dallas. Soda, a joyful boy with a spring in his step and a true excitement for life, added a well needed dose of optimism and warmth to such an emotional story. (Though, as we learn, he has his own major struggles lying underneath the surface.) Dallas is the opposite, he is a cold character with a hostility born from a horrid childhood and a lack of love and empathy from those who had raised him. Yet, even he held love in his heart. Spoilers ahead.
The whole way through The Outsiders, I was laughing and contemplating and tearing up. The fact that this book is assigned to middle schoolers and managed such a feat astounds me. (This is coming from someone who has to force their way through YA most of the time, I hate being talked down to). I felt as if the narration was a teenager speaking to himself, not an adult speaking to a teenager in a superior or condescending manner. Of course, some of this has to do with the author’s age.
You can expect my utter surprise upon finding out that while writing this story, S.E. Hinton was a girl around my age. (Much less that she was a girl at all!) As a young writer, I am thoroughly inspired, and can say with full certainty that this book has changed my life. It has empowered me to write with such new vigor and excitement.
I’m truly glad my mom recommended The Outsiders to me while we skimmed through a little library. It’s the first good book I’ve ever found in one, and it’s most certainly the first that has tampered with my worldview.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, Violence, Classism, Child abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Child death, Addiction, Blood, Police brutality, Sexism, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, and Bullying
Moderate: Death of parent, Confinement, and Racial slurs
Minor: Car accident and Abandonment
skyeshark1's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Child death, Alcohol, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Child abuse, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, Physical abuse, Murder, Gun violence, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, and Grief
kuzaico's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Gun violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Child abuse
katreena's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Grief, Classism, Child death, Cursing, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, War, and Vomit
claire_leibovitz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Alcohol, Bullying, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Cursing, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Pregnancy and Death of parent
underscoresyd's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Child abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Death of parent
cadybooks's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, Blood, Child abuse, Death of parent, Gun violence, Child death, Classism, Racial slurs, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Addiction, Car accident, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Murder, Violence, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexism, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
stories's review against another edition
challenging
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Readable and highly quotable. I can see why it’s a commonly chosen English text, with wide applicability.
Realising the author was 17 when writing it also explains some elements, particularly the introduction of characters.
Lots of slang, but surprisingly familiar and accessible given the passing of time.
Realising the author was 17 when writing it also explains some elements, particularly the introduction of characters.
Lots of slang, but surprisingly familiar and accessible given the passing of time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Classism
Moderate: Death of parent, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Hate crime, and Blood
MCD Do not bank on a happy ending.itsjadenbaby's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. I always struggle reading things that have a lot of hype around them. I’m lucky I found this book in a used book sale for really cheap to give me the push to buy and read it. The characters are well-developed and so very lovable. The plot kept me engaged and was just the right amount of sad but hopeful. I will definitely be keeping this one on my shelves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Classism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Addiction, Alcohol, Death of parent, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment, Alcoholism, and Police brutality
Minor: Murder, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Bullying, and Car accident