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

adventurous dark mysterious sad tense medium-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

3.5

 
This was my second read of The Outsiders - the first being in seventh grade at the age of 13 or 14 and now again as I approach the age of 30. I had hoped that the experience would feel new, or at least different, and this was indeed the case. Superficially at first, since many of the trivial details of the characters and plot were lost to my memory, but also in the deeper themes and complex emotions that arose while reading. 
 
At 13, I found kinship in the character of Ponyboy, a troubled preteen, who due to no fault of his own, is a member of the outcasts of society and is a victim to a system that only perpetuates his misery. While that specific description wouldn't describe my upbringing (like, at all) I did relate to the feelings of 'life is unfair' and the petty frustrations that Ponyboy often expresses. 
 
Now in my late twenties, I can only chuckle at Ponyboy, and through him, my former self. My present self sees Ponyboy as the older characters (such as Darrel) see him. Perhaps as my teacher or even the author sees him. He's just a child. He lives in a world of chaos, violence, and horror and yet still has the same trivial frustration and complaint with life that many 14 year olds do - feeling that you are not in control of your own life. A feeling that, at 14, is impossible to know is temporary and that everyone has felt it. 
 
Overall the read was enjoyable. The plot was a bit extreme and simple, but the plot isn't what defines this book. What really makes this story special is the commentary that transcends the decade it was written. The 'Them vs Us'. The finding of purpose. The realization that we are all different and simultaneously all the same. The examples of masculinity in many forms. These are the themes that make The Outsiders timeless and, in my case, ageless. 
 
3.5 
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