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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
cadybooks'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
4.0
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
amaranthpalmer'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? It's complicated
4.0
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism
beautifulpaxielreads'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
And I kind of spoiled myself by looking up clips from the film version, which was something I really should have avoided doing.
But ultimately I felt that the ending saved it.
Sorry this review is a bit weird, I'm typing it from my phone, I might update it at a later date.
Graphic: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Violence, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Gun violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, Misogyny, and Police brutality
Minor: Racial slurs, Infidelity, Forced institutionalization, and Racism
Details to come.emmonsannae'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
Moderate: Bullying, Gun violence, Misogyny, Child abuse, Classism, Grief, Violence, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Blood, Car accident, and Racial slurs
ruthmoog's review against another edition
5.0
It's a cult classic about friendship, and the futility of rivalry and prejudice.
Graphic: Violence, Classism, and Death
Moderate: Murder, Child abuse, Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Bullying
Minor: Racial slurs and Death of parent
kallio08's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Violence
Minor: Racial slurs
thewoodlandbookshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Blood, Bullying, Classism, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Medical content, Suicide, and Violence
Minor: Racial slurs and Ableism
michaelion'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? Yes
3.25
It really does feel like it was written by a teenager in the best way. If you're not a teenager you know what I mean. It also makes me understand the whole "He was written by a woman" trend that was happening a few months back. Men don't give this level of attention to detail to other men, unless they are fruity.
I sympathize less with them because they're white. If they weren't white? 5 stars. If they weren't white and were gay? This would be the greatest book to ever hit the shelves. However, despite them being not gay and not people of color... the book is still iconic.
I'm itching to look at the fics for this on AO3.
Graphic: Child death, Death, Classism, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Bullying, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Blood and Murder
Minor: Alcohol, Car accident, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Racial slurs
milcahh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Child death, Gun violence, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Cursing, and Bullying
Minor: Vomit and Racial slurs