The Margin Book Review: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Every fortnight, the girls of Margin will be reviewing a new book that's available at our Frances Compton Library. This week, Emily reviews classic gangland YA story, ​The Outsiders.

Review by Emily Innes

"The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton is a real eye-opener. Be sure to brace yourselves for a trip back to the '60s with some seriously cool ‘Greasers’ and ‘Socs’.

Why read it? 
First off, Hinton's writing style is so easy to dive into. I felt like Ponyboy Curtis was right there, telling me his story. It's a raw look into his thoughts and feelings, which makes the whole book super relatable. The characters are incredibly well written: Ponyboy, Johnny, Soda, and Dally are like brothers to one another, each with their unique quirks and struggles. You'll totally feel for them as they navigate a world divided by social classes. This is a book about friendship and loyalty and is truly heartwarming. The rivalry between the greasers and the socs is intense – when things spiral out of control, you'll be holding your breath, fingers crossed, hoping for the best. 

But be ready for some heavy stuff. The book touches on some deep themes such as class, violence, and family. It's a reality check that shows how unfair life can be.

In the end, "The Outsiders" is a gripping story about finding your place in a messed-up world. I loved how it made me think about how people judge each other based on appearances and backgrounds. If you're up for an emotional rollercoaster with a touch of nostalgia, definitely give this one a shot – it might be an older book, but its message still hits home.

Rating:
4♥️/5♥

Want to read? Pick it up from the Frances Compton Library!