The Outsiders

Review
The Outsiders is a classic novel about three orphaned brothers and their gang of friends growing up in a society divided by class. The story is set in 1960s Oklahoma where income inequality has split the youth into two distinct and opposing groups: the Greasers and the Socs (short for Socials). Greasers are from the working class side of town, united by a similar fashion of long, slicked back hair and a “hood” mentality. Socs come from money and are defined by their nice cars, expensive clothes, and cool attitude. The smart and sensitive Greaser Ponyboy tells the story of this divided world, starting with an attack on the roadside that leads to a murder and a gang on the run. As the ultimate Greaser-Soc showdown looms, will anything ever be the same again? Find out in The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton.

I would heartily recommend this book to young adults who are interesting in writing. Why? The author S. E. Hinton was a young adult herself when she wrote this novel. She began the story at the age of 15 when she saw a friend of hers attacked because he was a Greaser. To read a book with such well-developed characters, important themes, and complex plot that was created by another young adult might help inspire and motivate others to work hard and stick to their craft.

If You Like This Book, Try These Ones Next

 * The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
 * Split by Swati Avasthi
 * Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

Awards

 * New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Books List - 1967
 * Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Book Festival Honor Book - 1967
 * Media and Methods Maxi Award - 1975
 * ALA Best Young Adult Books - 1975
 * Massachusetts Children’s Book Award - 1979

Check Out the Movie
The movie adaptation of The Outsiders was released in March 1983.

A Little More Information
Hinton, S E. The Outsiders. New York: Viking Press, 1967. Print.

ISBN-13: 978-0140385724

Kindle Price: $4.99

Annotation: Opposing social groups, Greasers and Socs, clash in 1960s Oklahoma with devastating results.