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therulerofallfrogs's review against another edition
- 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
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.
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
ceceliareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Suicide, Death, Physical abuse, Murder, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Child abuse
kiwichill's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Classism, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Medical content, Violence, Murder, Physical abuse, Suicide, Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Child death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Car accident, Toxic friendship, Child abuse, Body shaming, and Cursing
skyeshark1's review against another edition
- 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
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
moonage_daydream16's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Classism, Death of parent, Physical abuse, Death, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
inirac's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Self harm, Bullying, Grief, Emotional abuse, Violence, and Alcohol
Moderate: Abandonment, Toxic friendship, Blood, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, and Murder
Minor: Cursing and Vomit
dewalt335's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It seems as if everyone I know read the book in high school (my brother did which is why I have it) but the curriculum switched before I got to read it.
I COMPLETELY understand why this book is considered a classic because it’s timeless. Unfortunately in our society, there will always be “haves” and “have-nots”. Also, I think it adds to the appeal that the author was the same age as the characters when she wrote the book because who understands kids/teens more than each other?!
It really was a great read and I’m glad I dove into it.
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Suicide, Child death, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Drug abuse
itsjadenbaby's review against another edition
- 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
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
theenbybookworm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I generally enjoyed the book. Perhaps it was how I read it - it was required for my 8th grade English class -, but I feel like I might have enjoyed it more had I had better circumstances to read it under. Nonetheless, it is a very heartfelt and deep story. My favorite character was definitely Johnny - I love a good character-development. Overall, would recommend to someone who likes morals and angstier(?) stories about living in a difficult situation.
Graphic: Murder, Classism, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Child death
Moderate: Gore, Drug use, Death of parent, Cursing, Medical content, Medical trauma, Suicide, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Police brutality
Minor: Abandonment, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Police brutality, and Domestic abuse
So many things that people need to be cautious about with this book.jonssweater's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Child abuse, Classism, Physical abuse, Child death, Murder, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Domestic abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Blood, Bullying, Gun violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts