A review by katie0528
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • 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

3.5

This was a classic I missed growing up, but being a big musical fan, I wanted to read the orginal before exploring the new Outsiders musical. The story follows Ponyboy as he and his brothers and friends, who are all "Greasers" struggle to get by while being harassed and attacked by the wealthier "Socs." After meeting a soc girl names Cherry, and realizing she has a lot in common with him, Ponyboy and his friend Johnny are attacked by Cherry's boyfriend Bob and his friends. After Johnny stabs and kills Bob in self defense, the greasers find themselves involved in gang warefare, while Johnny and Ponyboy have to figure out their next moves. It's not an easy read, but I can see why it's a classic. Ponyboy is a bit angsty for my adult brain, but I could see teenage me sympathizing deeply with him and his gang.
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