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50th Anniversary of The Outsiders

by manz

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the novel The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton, which she started to write at the age of 15. Fifty years, and never out of print, the book is still relevant and read today, touching many generations.

It’s a coming of age tale narrated by Ponyboy, a teen living in small town Oklahoma with his two brothers. Living on the poor side of town and known as Greasers, they and their friends face daily run-ins with the kids from the other side of town – the Socs.

In 1983 a film version of The Outsiders directed by Francis Ford Coppola was released, starring many up and coming young actors who got their break in the film. In 2005 a new version of the film was released, which includes additional scenes that add to the story. The intense behind-the-scenes casting process also included is priceless.

Reading and watching as a kid in the 80s, it was one of the first films and books that had a profound effect on me.

Stay gold, Ponyboy, stay gold.

Comments

Wow. I can't believe it's been around 50 years! I cannot begin to count how many times I read it as a teen. I went through 3 copies of it because I read it and marked in it until pages were falling out of the first 2 copies. I still have my 3rd copy but I haven't read it in a while. Maybe it's time to get it out again and remind myself why I loved it so much!

I read it about 3 times starting in junior high. A definite classic. Who can forget Dally, Darry, and of course everyone's favorite brother...SodaPop?

this book was one of the first glimpse into the lives of young men in the 1950- they were complex and multi dimensional. They were hard and soft all at the same time. They were classism and race and faith. They made you think. It was refreshing to see that young men struggled too with life change and adolescence. I read it many times and watched tons too. The outsiders is a classic for sure.

Somehow I missed ever reading this or seeing the movie. Have been inspired by the comments to try it. Thx!
LINE393

I read the story about the author in Entertainment Weekly. Will need to check out this book.

You know, I never actually saw the movie because I loved the book *SO* much and I was afraid the movie wouldn't do it justice. Perhaps I need to give it a shot.

ValerieL,
I saw the movie a billion times in the early in the 80s before I was old enough to read such a big book. (my sibs and I were so young, yet so obsessed.) So my perception was "tainted" from the start. BUT! Reading the book in 8th grade was perfect, especially since it was right around the time The Outsiders TV SHOW aired! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outsiders_(U.S._TV_series)

Anyone else watch the show?!

In the 80s, I read several books authored by S.E. Hinton during my junior high/high school years. I especially loved Tiger Eyes! Sadly though, I've never read The Outsiders nor have I seen either version of the film yet. I shall have to remedy that in the very near future!!

One and all, please friend me: SWEET646

OK, I have got to finally sit down and read this novel!!

One and all -- please add me as a friend! My code is: SWEET646

I love these "anniversary" postings! Really sparked my interest on a few items and also gave me a chance to reminisce on others.

I read and watched the movie in 8th grade, but I don't think I ever knew that she started writing this at 15! And I had no idea they did a remake in 2005, will have to check this out!

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