Thoughts on The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
Hello readers! In this blog, I will be reviewing The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. Hinton was known for writing this book when she was only in high school. I can say that this helped her develop the realistic emotions of the characters. I read this book in 2021 and I still remember being intrigued by the captivating plot of the "greasers" and the "socs."
The Outsiders tells a story between the drastic differences in social status of teenagers living in the same city. The "greasers" were a community of a lower class, while the "socs" were people belonging to a higher class. The main character, Ponyboy Curtis, a 14 year old "greaser" who lives with his brothers, Darry(oldest) and Sodapop(middle child). Readers follow his narration through the events that he experiences in only a couple of weeks of his life as a "greaser." Many of those experiences include the "socs" making harsh comments and threats against the "greasers." Even in situations which the "greasers" were just minding their own business, they would physically harm them.
An example of one of the attacks would be the scene where Ponyboy and his friend Johnny got jumped by a group of "socs." One of the "socs" holds Ponyboy's head underwater, attempting to drown him with no mercy. Struggling to fight back, both Johnny and Ponyboy lost consciousness. Upon waking up near on the floor of a park, both Johnny and Ponyboy were hurt terribly. What made the "socs" leave the two boys? Johnny had done something that no 12 year old should ever have to do. Read the book to find out what happened!
This book is definitely one of the best books I've ever read. The author does a fascinating job of fully incorporating the realistic complex emotions. You experience heartfelt situations as you read, sometimes sympathizing with the story and the characters as they live their lives with the harsh conditions forced upon them. I highly recommend reading this book if you enjoy a good drama and complex emotion packed novel!
Thanks for reading!
Helen
Hi Helen! I remember reading this book in sixth grade, however I forgot most of what happened. It's pretty immpressive that the author was so young when she wrote the book because I think that a complex plot would be hard to write. After reading your review, I think it might be worth re-reading!
ReplyDeleteHi Helen! I remember back at CMS, in sixth grade, our teacher read this book to us. It was very fun to listen to, and the plot line was pretty fun. I do recommend watching the movie too, as there are many funny parts (especially when ponyboy gets his hair dyed blonde). I enjoyed your review; it gave a clear, concise picture of what a reader should expect without giving away too much.
ReplyDeleteThis book reminds me of those "nerd versus bullies" scenarios. Judging from what I know about those types of scenarios, the nerd finds a way to outsmart the bullies using some secret technique which makes me curious about what Johnny does. After this, I might read this book during my own free time.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me think of Grease when the groups had their fun nicknames. I know it's not the same thing, but it just crossed my mind. By the way, why is that kids' nickname is Sodapop? Does he drink a lot of soda, or? - Joey
ReplyDeleteHelen, this review was so compelling! I have heard great things about The Outsiders, and your review just proved them to be true. I think it's super interesting how the book only spans a few weeks of Ponyboy's life and is still so detailed and dramatic, and it's so cool how the author was still in high school when she wrote it. I love how you described the complex emotions and plot of The Outsiders too. It must be hard to review -- much less write -- a book with so many layers, but you did a great job! I loved this review and I will definitely give this book a read :)
ReplyDeleteHi Helen! I liked how you described the story and made it sounds interesting and compelling. Since I first read the Outsides in 7th grade, it was nice to be reminded about what I liked about it and how interesting it was.
ReplyDeleteI like how you set the premace of the book so simply and from what I see from the other people in this section it is a very complicated book. I like how you ended with the cliffhanger but not leaving out so much information that that you end wondering what the book is about.
ReplyDeleteHi Helen! You did a great job with this review. I loved the raw look at these characters and their experiences and what they must go through together in this novel. Your reviews are always so full of life and I enjoy every second of reading them. I might need to read this because of your review!
ReplyDeleteHi Helen, I think that formatting your blog post by giving us the beginning of the story was a great way to get the reader interested. There was a great deal of complexity with giving us the anecdote.
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ReplyDeleteHi Helen,
ReplyDeleteI remember reading this book in Mr. A's class with you. It was such an amazing book and pushed us to think about the effects of class differences. What I remember the best about our class discussions was how the socs were depressed because they had nothing to work for and immediately got what they wanted, and the greasers were depressed because no matter what they did they remained on the bottom and were always put into bad situations. It was a powerful and entertaining book to read.
-Sasha
Hi Helen, this books sounds interesting because of the way it deals with social issues. The way you wrote this blog also makes me want to know more about what happens, because of the way you wrote cliffhangers. The way you wrote the book makes me willing to read it, as I like reading books that make the reader think.
ReplyDeleteHelen, great review! I also remember reading this book with you in 7th grade, and it was definitely and eye opener for me. I like how you included how well the author invokes emotion in the readers, which is definitely true considering how much empathy I felt for the characters throughout the book.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, you did a great job describing the book and it sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteHi Helen, Great review. I haven't read this book before so this was new for me. I have been looking for a book like this so I am excited to read this. I like the way that you told us about parts of the story without revealing too much.
ReplyDeleteHi Helen, I liked how engaging this review was. I also like the fact that you added a factor of suspense which makes me want to read the book and find out what happens myself. Great review!
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