Book One: The Outsiders

Title: The Outsiders 
Author: S. E. Hinton
Genre: Teen Fiction
Age of Interest: 13+


Preview of Story (as written on back cover of the book):

One of them laughed, then cussed me out in a low voice.  I couldn't think of anything to say.  There just isn't a whole lot you can say while waiting to get mugged, so I kept my mouth shut.
"Need a haircut, greaser?" the medium-sized blond pulled a knife out of his back pocket and flipped the blade open.
I finally thought of something to say.  "No."  I was backing up, away from that knife.  Of course I backed right into one of them.  They had me down in a second.  They had my arms and legs pinned down and one of them was sitting on my chest with his knees on my elbows, and if you don't think that hurts, you're crazy.  I fought to get loose, and almost did for a second, then they tightened up on me and the one on my chest slugged me a couple of times.  So I lay still, swearing at them between gasps.  A blade was held against my throat.
"How'd you like that haircut to begin just below the chin?"


Summary (written by me):
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1966, you're one of two things; a low class, poor, reckless greaser, or a high-class, rich, respected Soc.  If you're a Soc, then you've got money, cars, fancy houses, and everything else your heart desires.  If you're greaser, you don't have anything but your friends to rely on, and your life to fear for whenever you leave the house.  To fourteen-year-old Ponyboy Curtis-a younger greaser who favors dreamy things such as reading, drawing and sunsets-this is reality he's accepted since he was little, and that has become even harsher since his parents died in a car accident, and he has been left in the custody of his brothers; twenty-year-old Darry, and sixteen-year-old Sodapop.  With nothing in the world but two brothers and best friends, Pony accepts his life, and has so far learned to make the best of it.
But one night, a night that seems no different or more dangerous than any other night, a twist of fate drags Ponyboy and his closest friend, sixteen-year-old Johnny Cade, into something they never imagined they'd face; murder.  Knowing they can't stay there long without getting pulled into jail, charged with murder and possibly killed, they go to another friend of theirs-Dallas Winston.  He manages to get them out, to a place where they should be safe.
But this place is very lonely, and the two boys soon long for contact with the outside world.  When Dallas comes to check up on them, they leave their hiding place to go get something to eat.  As soon as they return, however, they find disaster has struck, endangering the lives of young children.  Now, greasers may they be, Ponyboy and Johnny know they have to help, and that's just what they do.  Endangering their own lives, the two young boys jump in to help save the children, only to have Johnny seriously injured in the process.
The two are returned to their home town-Johnny residing at the hospital-but are once again faced with the murder that happened on that fateful night.  Now, with fear of being taken away from his brothers, fear of losing a best friend, and fear of being charged with murder, Pony's world has turned completely upside down, seemingly beyond help.  This is a story of bravery, determination, and above all, friendship.

Review:
This story is a must-read for any teenager, especially one feeling alone in the world.  It portrays the meaning of what's really important in life, without making it too heavy.  It tells a story of what it really feels like to be a teenager, growing up and being confused.   Though the names are different, and the titles and labels are different, it keeps a universal sameness to all teenagers.  Anyone wanting to feel like they belong, or just wanting a good read they can relate to should definitely read this book.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Extras (WARNING, SPOILERS!);

Great Quotes:
"Listen greasers, we've got four more of us in the back seat..."
"Then pity the back seat," Two-Bit said to the sky.


"Hate to tell you, buddy," Steve said, still flat on the floor, "but you have to wear clothes to work.  There's a law, or something."


"Stay gold, Ponyboy... Stay gold..."


Songs I recommend for this book or movie:

Almost anything by Daughtry

The City is at War by Cobra Starship

The Outsiders by NeedtoBreath

Stay Gold by Stevie Wonder

Little Wonders by Rob Thomas

Me Against the World by Simple Plan

Movie:

Here's a link to the movie trailer for those of you who finish the book and want to watch this equally AWESOME movie.   ...Or for those of you who are too lazy to read it and just want to watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4YHJEownF4