One of my all-time favorite YA reads is The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.
Not only did I love the book for its gritty story, but I was fascinated as a young adult that the author, S. E. Hinton, wrote The Outsiders when she was only 17. This inspired me and I wanted to follow her example and write my own novel that addressed social issues — and I wanted to accomplish it by age 17.
Regrettably, I was unable to duplicate her graphic style or rich storytelling, though not for a lack of trying. Most of my creative writing from about age 10 to 14 had characters similar to hers: individuals dealing with gangs and drug problems–even though I had no personal familiarity with such events — and they all had memorable monikers, though none like ‘Ponyboy.’
The Outsiders is often criticized as being too “preachy” or overly concerned with social ills–however, these criticisms fall flat when one considers the fluid and vigorous prose, filled with energy, verve and emotion.
When I reread The Outsiders, I feel like I am right there, witnessing the battles between the Greasers and the Socs, and every time that Johnny dies in the novel I feel so sad – hoping that, this time, he won’t (and yes, I even do feel this way as an adult).
Despite its dated story material, I think The Outsiders stands up very well today and could still be of interest to contemporary YA audiences – especially if the book got a new contemporary cover….or if they made a new movie of The Outsiders with some of the Twilight cast (Robert Pattison might make a good Ponyboy).
I agree. I think The Outsiders is a phenomanal book. And actually, S.E. Hinton started it when she was 15. It’s my favorite book of all time! And Johnny is my favorite character. I feel the same way you do. When I reread it, I hope that this time he doesn’t die. I cry hysterically every time I read it as well. And I don’t cry at much.
I actually just wrote a blog entitled “How To Tell When A Book Is Your Favorite”. It’s all about The Outsiders.
However, I don’t think they should make a new movie. I feel that the original movie was terrific and the cast was perfect for the characters. It just wouldn’t be the same.