“Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold …” (S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders) 

This quote emphasizes the loss of innocence of a child that’s had to grow up faster and no longer be able to have faith in the society that’s turned their back on him and his friends. The Outsiders is a realistic fiction written by S.E. Hinton is a novel of teenagers trying to survive the social class conflicts with the uselessness of violence, while trying to preserve innocence and caring hope amidst hardships. Told through a boy named Ponyboy whose life changes in less than two weeks. 

Synopsis:

The story follows Ponyboy Curtis who is 14 years old, struggling with the rights and wrongs in a society in which he believes he is an outsider. But he’s pretty sure he got things figured out. One thing for sure is counting on his brothers, Darry and Sodapop, who’ve stepped up to raise him after the death of their parents. Along with counting on his friends-true friends that will do anything for him, like Johnny and Two-Bit. However, when it comes to the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids that run their town. Who enjoys beating up “greaser” like him and his friends-luckily they got his back. But one night someone takes things too far, that ends up bringing Ponyboys upside down.

Review:

I will say this book was definitely at a good pace with not being too rushed in between climatic moments. However I will say the chapters did tend to be a bit longer than what I usually read, yet it felt just right with how Hinton would describe each scene with Ponyboy. Also showing Ponyboy slowly losing his innocence in every single chapter when facing these obstacles. But showing the bond between both him and Johnny grows as they are forced to hide and enjoy the small things shared in life. 

Ponyboy is relatable to anyone who felt cast aside on the lower class of society like many of us. Throughout the novel you see him slowly growing up faster than before after witnessing everything that has happened. Yet he does have his moments where he can’t take it, and needs a moment. That some readers can relate too when dealing with their own stuff. 

The main themes in The Outsiders were primarily focused on loss of innocence and socioeconomic conflict. Throughout the book Hinton often highlights the intense conflict between the rich Soc and the poor Greasers, their struggle is rooted from class differences, poverty, and societal prejudice. In addition to this the story explores the harsh realities of growing up, especially for the Greasers who’ve been forced to confront death, violence, and a sense of hopelessness. 

The plot was definitely original and there were moments that shocked me. Especially the fate these characters are put under. Which as a reader you hate seeing when something goes wrong, but it teaches us that not every character can have a happy ending. I did feel there were some scenes that did drag for a brief moment, but overall everything was structured right and paced well. 

I loved seeing the friendship between both Ponyboy and Johnny grow so much throughout the novel. Both boys have lost so much in life, but find comfort in one another and don’t turn on each other when faced with this new challenge. Especially the dynamic between all the Greasers who are a big family, offering companionship, support, and mutual protection in their harsh world. 

I honestly loved this book so much. The only thing I didn’t like was the fates of certain characters, but it was done to show the impact of their choices and sacrifices. 

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking at the social class divisions between gang rivalries and the friendships stronger during the most challenging moments. I do recommend having those tissues in reach, because this novel is a real tear-jerk. 

I’d give this book a 📚📚📚📚 for showing me that not all gangs are villains but human (4/5). 

Love, Gia

GFB Ambassador