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The Outsiders

The Outsiders

by S. E. Hinton

4.7 (39456 ratings)
The overall top category

Published

April 20, 2006

Pages

224 pages

Language

English

Publisher

Viking Books for Young Readers

Available Formats & Prices

View on Amazon

Kindle

$8.99

Hardcover

$10.99

Paperback

$9.49

Audiobook

$0.00

Audio CD

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About This Book

Introduction

In a world divided by class and societal expectations, The Outsiders captures the raw essence of teenage life and the quest for identity. Written by S.E. Hinton, this compelling novel transports readers into the life of Ponyboy Curtis, a young Greaser trying to find his place amidst the turmoil of rival gangs and societal pressure.

As friendships are tested and loyalties challenged, young Ponyboy discovers the power of unity and the deep divides that distinguish the Socials from the Greasers. A poignant exploration of the adolescent experience, this novel remains a resonant, powerful narrative that questions the boundaries imposed by society.

Key Takeaways

Community and understanding can transcend societal divisions. Friendship plays a crucial role in adolescent identity development. Societal labels often oversimplify individual complexities.

Detailed Description

Ponyboy Curtis a teenager growing up in a divided society struggles with identity and belonging. Amidst the rivalry between the privileged Socials and the rough-around-the-edges Greasers he navigates a world full of conflicts and unexpected friendships. Despite the odds love and loyalty prevail.

In a narrative filled with tension and emotional depth Hinton explores the themes of camaraderie loss and resilience. She gives readers a close and empathetic look into the lives of Greasers who face judgment based not on character but on appearance and reputation. The Outsiders stands out as an honest and insightful book shedding light on the importance of breaking down stereotypes.

The story reveals that beneath the surface individuals from both sides seek acceptance and understanding craving more than the narrow roles assigned to them. Hinton's raw depiction of teenage challenges is woven with moments of hope capturing the struggles of clashing worlds and the emergence of true friendship and solidarity. The novel leaves a lasting impression by challenging us to see beyond differences and embrace shared humanity.

Standout Features

The Outsiders excels in portraying authentic teenage voices and emotions drawing readers in with its realistic dialogue and deep character development Hinton skillfully captures the complexity of growing up in a society full of stark social divides A strong sense of place and time grounds the story making readers feel the gritty life experiences of Ponyboy and his friends It offers a profound reflection on identity and belonging providing insights that resonate across generations Its powerful themes of friendship and acceptance set against the backdrop of social tension offer profound lessons on empathy and solidarity The novel continues to impact readers inspiring them to look beyond societal labels and recognize our shared human experiences.

Book Details

ISBN-10:

014240733X

ISBN-13:

978-0142407332

Dimensions:

5.56 x 0.6 x 8.25 inches

Weight:

8 ounces

Specifications

Pages:224 pages
Language:English
Published:April 20, 2006
Publisher:Viking Books for Young Readers
Authors:S. E. Hinton

Rating

4.7

Based on 39456 ratings

Customer Reviews

A classic

Verified Purchase
Summer
September 7, 2024

Still a great book.

A Classic - remarkable for a young author

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A. Anthony
August 19, 2024

I hadn’t read this in decades so revisited since the musical came out. It’s also set in my hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. It stands the test of time as a Youth Novel and is remarkable that Hinton was so young when she wrote it.

Such a great book!

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Jennifer Lara
July 13, 2023

Everyone is probably well aware of the coming of age classic, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Since its publication in 1967, it has become an iconic classic. It became a beloved classic film in 1983 which starred relatively unknown actors but who became household names. Actors like C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchino, Patrick Swayze and so many more. The New York Times stated, “The Outsiders transformed young-adult fiction from a genre mostly about prom queens, football players and high school crushes to one that portrayed a darker, truer world." I first read The Outsiders in 7th grade and it was the first time I read a book to analyze themes and messages. It was the first book which has stuck with me even thirty years laters! Recently, I reread The Outsiders and I was immediately transported back to the 7th grade and recaptured my love for this beautiful story. It is a beloved story of heroism, friendship and belonging. No one said life was easy but 14-year old Ponyboy Crutis is confident he has it figured out. He knows he can count on his older brothers, Darry and Sodapop. He knows he can count on his friends, true friends who would have his back for anything. He also knows he can count on trouble with the Socs, the gang of rich kids who take pleasure in beating up the “greasers” like Ponyboy and his friends. One night, after an innocent interaction with two Soc girls, the tension rises and turns deadly leaving one Soc dead and Ponyboy and his friend, Johnny, running for their lives. Convinced their version of events would not be believed, the boys go into hiding until an act of heroism brings them in the limelight. Ponyboy must learn that life isn’t always greener on the other side. The Outsiders is gritty, dramatic and remains as powerful today as it was when it was first published. It laid the groundwork for the Young Adult genre. S.E. Hinton wrote this story when she was 15 years old after she witnessed her friend get jumped by rich kids. The Outsiders was and is a controversial book and it is challenged and debated today. It was ranked #38 on the American Library Association’s Top 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of the 1990s. It has been banned for the portrayal of gang violence, underage drinking and smoking, and family dysfunction. However, the book is still a part of the curriculum at the middle and high school levels in the US schools. I look forward to introducing my daughters to this beautiful story. If you have never read The Outsiders, I highly, highly, highly recommend it! Then I recommend watching the film. The Outsiders is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook The Outsiders movie is available in Blu-ray, DVD and streaming

A++

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Jadesey Jade
September 17, 2024

my favorite book for all time ever

A classic

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Christina Christensen
September 13, 2024

My kiddo had to read this for school, and I was disappointed in myself that I didn't already own it as I thought I did. A classic, and a must read for anyone and everyone.

The Miraculous Work of S.E Hinton: The Outsiders

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magentacat
October 31, 2017

Growing up is difficult. The desire to fit in is pitted against the encouragement to be unique and different. A person’s actions as well as the influence of family, friends, and society helps to form a person’s identity. And, this isn’t all kids need to worry about: they will face and deal with bumps in the road and times where they’re down. Ponyboy in The Outsiders thinks his life is figured out, until one night his world is flipped upside down. S. E. Hinton thoughtfully crafted The Outsiders out of her own experiences. A story written in 1965 is still relevant today and captivates the reader with a youthful, slangy writing style which allows the reader to bond with the characters. The Outsiders, written in 1965 Oklahoma, displays the struggle between two gangs in a town. The narrator, Ponyboy Curtis, his brothers, and friends make up the Greasers. This rag tag group of impoverished guys stick by each other's sides no matter what. They are up against the rich, snooty, Socs. These guys drive around in their expensive cars and jump Greasers to appear cool and intimidate them. In a constant battle between the Socs and Greasers, Ponyboy Curtis discovers there is good and bad in everyone. The story displays a conflict between two gangs who think they are very different: “Greasers are almost like hoods; we steal things and drive old souped-up cars and hold up gas stations and have a gang fight once in a while” (3). On the other hand, “[Socs] jump greasers and wreck houses and throw beer blasts for kicks and get editorials in the paper for being a public disgrace one day and an asset to society the next” (3). It isn’t safe for a Greaser to walk around alone, for the Socs always pull up in their convertible, hop out, and jump them. The Greasers despise the Socs and the Socs despise the Greasers. This is the case for Ponyboy too until he meets Cherry, the toughest Soc’s girlfriend, he realizes that Socs aren’t all that different after all. Cherry and Ponyboy share many similarities, especially their love for sunsets. With the help of Cherry, Ponyboy realizes the greasers, including himself, misjudged the Socs. Yes, they do get drunk and beat up Greasers for no good reason, but they are human and they have lives outside of how well they can fight. Will Ponyboy get everyone else to see the Socs true colors? Can this ever get better? The conflict remains relevant to society fifty years after it was written because there always seems to be this in-group and out-group. Not only is the story relevant to society, but it also maintains a young, slangy tone that allows the reader to connect with the characters. S. E. Hinton commented that “these characters are really kind of universal without losing their individuality.” The story, written when the author was only fifteen years old, is told from Ponyboy’s perspective. Ponyboy is a fourteen year old kid living with his two older brothers, Darry and Sodapop. Sodapop is sixteen and Darry is twenty and has custody of Sodapop and Ponyboy since their parents died in a car crash. Ponyboy’s young and optimistic, so his narration draws the reader in. Initially, Ponyboy feels very self-conscious and vulnerable: “I was wishing I looked like Paul Newman- he looks tough and I don’t” (1) He’s the youngest of the gang and looks up to his older, tougher brothers and friends. Within the first few pages, Ponyboy walks home from the movie theater alone and is stopped by Socs. “Need a haircut, greaser?” they ask him, “How’d you like that haircut to begin just below the chin?”(5) His brothers find him, fight back and save him. In Darry and Sodapop’s eyes Ponyboy is still young and fragile. But, as the story advances Ponyboy fights hard to prove the gang wrong. He grows stronger as he learns to be courageous, defend himself, and later in the process meets death face to face. S.E Hinton said “When I write, an interesting transformation takes place. I go from thinking about my narrator to being him,” and this is also how I felt while reading this. Ponyboy is forced to grow up in order to fit in, and as this happens the reader gets to grow with him and see him both thrive and grieve. With help from family and friends, growing up can be much more manageable and even fun. When reading The Outsiders I could never put the book down. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for an easy read with a timeless story and a powerful message.