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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
liliana_b's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Violence
ceceliareads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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
i loved this book. the ending blew my mind literally
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Suicide, Death, Physical abuse, Murder, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Child abuse
kingkiller99's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
fallnginluve's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
this got me so bad 😭
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Murder, Child abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Death of parent
cloe52's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
To be honest I didn’t expect the sudden death of the characters, and kids getting jumped. Although, since I have experience in being jumped in the past, It draws me in more and I could relate to the kids a little more than others would have. It was really sad that some of the main characters died, but I think because of those, I could be emotionally drawn into reading more.
I also liked the foreshadowing that was written from time to time. It made me excited or scared to read the next parts but without them I would have been a little bored.
The characters are all very different, they each have unique parts in the gang and that makes the group even stronger. I really love how the characters grew over time and learned to think more maturely. (especially ponyboy)
There was a lot to put in the theme identity, I think most of the book is just part of it. The kids go through a terrible traumatic experience but still know what their identity is and their identity is the most important part of their lives and relationships.
I have also seen a lot of cycles of violence. It’s something people can’t really help, someone who had experienced child abuse, sadly usually does it to theirs, bully victoms become bullies. Although I liked that ponyboy didn’t continue that and stayed the pure boy he always was.
Other than that I liked the way the story went really fast, it was also very fun to annotate. The story was somewhat realistic and believable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Blood, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
_ili_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The novel's strength lies in its portrayal of authentic adolescent characters. At the center of this narrative stands Ponyboy, a young "greaser." Despite the stereotype associated with his leather-clad exterior, Ponyboy harbors intellectual depth. His affinity for literature and cinema adds intricate layers to his persona. Beyond Ponyboy, the ensemble of greasers—Johnny, Dally, and Two-Bit—each carries their own burdens. Their shared experiences forge unbreakable bonds, transcending societal divisions.
Through Ponyboy’s perspective, readers delve into universal struggles. The weight of familial expectations presses upon him, while the longing for acceptance tugs at his soul. His journey toward self-identity mirrors our shared inner battles. Amidst this backdrop, moral complexities emerge. Ponyboy grapples with questions of morality, loyalty, and the blurred lines that divide the greasers from the affluent socs. The pivotal event—the fatal encounter with a soc—ignites self-discovery and rebellion. What resonates most is the moral ambiguity—the blurry standards of good and evil. In reality, both greasers and socs possess virtues and flaws. When disputes arise, responsibility lies with all involved. This complexity sparks curiosity and invites contemplation.
The novel's enduring themes of class divisions, identity, and friendship resonate as powerfully today as they did in the 1960s. The message—that humanity shares fundamental experiences—holds true across generations, reminding us that our struggles and triumphs are not unique. As we witness the same sunsets, our differences fade, and bridges form, a timeless reminder of our shared humanity. The theme of 'outsiders' extends beyond the greasers; it encompasses anyone who doesn't neatly fit societal molds, a theme that remains relevant in our diverse world.
The bonds forged among the greasers—those forged in adversity—are not just a backdrop, but the heart of the story. Their loyalty to one another defies societal barriers, a testament to the power of human connection. The brotherhood they share becomes a beacon of hope in a world that often pits them against each other, a reminder of the strength we can find in each other. The mentorship between Johnny and Ponyboy, the sibling dynamics with Darry, and the camaraderie during the church hideout—all underscore the power of human connection, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
Hinton's concise writing style keeps readers engaged. She doesn't squander words; each sentence resonates with emotional weight. The mood oscillates between gritty realism and moments of profound connection. The tone is both urgent and reflective. The novel's pacing mirrors the urgency of the greasers' lives, punctuated by quiet introspection.
Hinton's decision to tell the story from Ponyboy's perspective immerses us in the raw intensity of his experiences. By focusing on the greasers, she challenges us to see beyond stereotypes and recognize shared humanity. Her choice to avoid sentimentality adds authenticity to the narrative. The use of first-person narration allows readers to inhabit Ponyboy's mind, feeling the pulse of Tulsa's streets.
The novel's denouement leaves an indelible mark. As the sun sets on Ponyboy's world, we realize that the outsiders—the marginalized, the misunderstood—have stories worth telling. The ending isn't just about resolution; it's about the resilience of the human spirit.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime
Minor: Murder
kiwichill's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
This book was made into an iconic movie when I was a teenager. The themes of brotherhood, loyalty and social standing are still relevant today. Life is precious and can be gone in the blink of an eye, something the characters are well aware of.
Content Warnings
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
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
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