The Outsiders

Reader reviewed by Kate

We had to read this book in school as a novel study. I finshed it in like 5 days.
I cant really remeber the detalails of this book because I read it a long time ago, but its about two gangs of teenagers. Greasers - poor, from bad famaly's, usually with no parents and I dont remeber the name of their gang but teenagers who are from rich famaly's and think very highly of them selves. The two groups are always in fights, serious fights with knifes. Later in the book two of the main charectors die.
This book is really deep and sad. It made me think about stuff, how not fair the world is sometimes, how people get judged by pointless factors.
Our teacher told us that S.E. Hinton wrote this book when she was in high school and how she saw things like that happening alot.
I would defenetly recomend this book to evryone! READ IT! IT'S THE KIND OF BOOK THAT WILL LEAVE YOU THINKING ABOUT THINGS.

Reader reviewed by Justine

At first, when I had to read this for class, I was like, no way will I read this. This is about gangs from the '60s. ew. Well, boy was I wrong. This was beautifully written and I did cry at the end. A must read for guys and girls. Trust me girls, it is worth the read.

Reader reviewed by Samuel

The Outsiders was written by S.E. Hinton and published by Viking Press. The author of the book, Susan Erica Hinton was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in July 22, 1948. She wrote this novel when she was only 19 years old! She wrote this book based on her high school, which was divided in two groups, Socs and Greasers, just like the book. Another reason Susan may have written this novel was because she wanted to show the theme, love. The groups in the school probably didnt love each, so they most likely wouldnt risk their lives for others. A premise for this fascinating book might be: Even small people who are scared can become brave heroes. I think Susan Hinton showed this theme clearly in this novel. The book even gave the reason why the small person, in this book, saved some strangers.
This story begins with two divided groups of people, the well-off, unfeeling Socs and the poor, tough Greasers. The Socs were a group of teenagers who beat up Greasers who were alone, just for the fun of it! The Greasers were tough and unforgiving because of their harsh, cruel lives. The lives of the main character, Ponyboy, and the supporting character, Johnny, are shown in the novel, which takes place in a town in Oklahoma, U.S.A sometime in the 1960s.
There was one night when Ponyboy and Johnny went outside. Suddenly a Mustang drove toward them, and a group of Socs came out. Because of their hatred for Greasers and their alcohol, they planned to kill the two boys. Because Johnny was so scared and angry, he got out his knife and killed the Socs leader. The rest of the group were terrified and ran off to inform the police about this incident. Ponyboy and Johnny didnt want to be killed for this crime, so they ran away to an abandoned church. At this unfamiliar place, Ponyboy and Johnny saved several kids from a fire. While they were doing this, a large piece of burning wood hit Johnny on the back and broke his backbone. The ambulance came rushing and immediately took Johnny to the hospital. Will he survive, or will he embrace the coming of the abyss? If you want the answer to this question, you will have to read the rest of the book for yourself. This intriguing novel will draw to a close in the dramatic ending.
This book was absolutely astounding! Hinton described the characters and the plot so clearly, that the story seemed to be true. The plot had loads of twists and turns I didnt expect, so I had a real wild ride while reading this novel. Even though my favorite types of books arent classical, this book really pulled me into the story! I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to travel back in time and see life as a 14-year old Greaser. The Outsiders was totally breathtaking!

Reader reviewed by Bradley

The Outsiders is undoubtedly one of the most well written books I have ever read. It is about Ponyboy, a young gangster in an American town over forty years ago. He struggles against himself and the Socs, who are the rich kids on the other side of town. I think that this book is suitable for nearly all ages and has a message for everyone.

Ponyboys problems begin one night when he and Johnny are caught by a group of Socs. Johnny is driven to murder for the sake of Ponyboy who is being drowned. To where can Ponyboy escape so that he can hide himself from the horror?

The theme of the book is basically friendship which S.E. Hinton portrays beautifully through her numerous characters. Whether it is Two-Bits carefree attitude or Dallass bitter, hateful grin you can imagine their personalities shining through people that you meet in you everyday life. The story is so realistic and the information is so thorough that you begin to doubt that it is a work of fiction.

I thank S.E. Hinton for this fabulous masterpiece which I find playing on my mind nearly every day. If you havent read this book, get it quickly so that you can applaud the author alongside everyone else.

Reader reviewed by f00lishchick

this was a very good book. i liked the idea of socs and greasers because it made me think A LOT of the greasers in grease. i think that the book was well read because everything seemed to connect back to the beginning when ponyboy was writing his paper for his english class. i think that even though some characters died, it brang out the inner personality of other characters, such as Dally. i recommend this book for all people to read, but mostly from preteens to how ever old because i dont think kids under the age of 10 will understand the book.

Reader reviewed by peacechik

i had to read this book over the summer for school. i was reluctant to read it at first because no offence, but, i thought it was just about a whole lot of white people doing something. but after i was forced to read it, i found out how wrong i was. ponyboy, the main character's story was really inspiring. some of the parts made me want to cry and others were just heartthrobing. one of the best books ive read. only reason it gets a 4 instead of a 5 is because the ending is so sad. if u want to kno more watch the movie...or better yet read the book:)

Reader reviewed by Dancerdork

The outsiders is a clasic book read by millions. altho it is required by most public school i would recomend it to those who dont have to read it because it is a great book that isnt a million pages long. I would call it one of those books you dont want to put down utill your done. It has very extrodinary characters that are therowly explained and because it includes both punks and preps all will feel like they could be part of the story.

Reader reviewed by nadia

a very mich must rad .this book will keep you up all night reading youll love it.sit down, relax and go.wants you start yu wont be able to stop.lets see.ponyboy.yep thats his reall name .hes a greaser.with long greay hair.him and his best buddy johny get into some some troble in a fight.them to on the road of what happens.one day there a crimianal the next day there a hero.ponyboy sure donsent feel that way when johny dies thought....

Reader reviewed by Rachel

This book was an option to read in my 8th grade class. But I didn't get the chance to read this book until my freshman year I wish I would have sooner. The Outsiders will leave an impression on you forever. Describing how people are segregated due to money and looks makes this book relateable to anyone. This is one book that will be on my book shelf forever and passed on to all my friends.

Reader reviewed by Blake

This is one of the books i have read that i actually finished once i got in to it i couldnt stop i finished before the whole class did this is my idea of a good book action packed and exciting i think it is amazing that best friends and brothers can bond together to form a family this is a good book i would recemend it !