I read this book in 8th grade and didn't really like it. I read it again in high school (don't bother to ask why) and LOVED it. I think I just was not ready for the more teenage themes at 14. This book follows Ponyboy Curtis and his friend Johnny as they start making grown up decisions. They are "Greasers" in a world run by "Soc's." Mostly they just live their lives with only minor skirmishes here and there. Then one night things go horribly wrong and Johnny kills a Soc in defence of Pony. Now they have to decide who they are and where they stand. Amidst tragedy and heartache Ponyboy finds the power to make his own destiny, no matter what others have done.
Audience
S.E. Hinton said she wrote this book to have high school fiction that was not all about prom. This is a book for teenagers about facing fear and identity on the wrong side of the track. I could have read it in 6th grade, but it had no meaning for me until I started worrying about some of the same things.
What I Love About This Book
I can relate to every character in here. The point of the author is to show that life is hard on both sides of the tracks. One of Pony's epiphanies is that the rich kids need the same love and security he himself is craving. I also love the family theme. Families sacrifice for each other and reach out to each other, even when they frequently do not get along. Pony comes to see the value in having that kind of family.
1) There is profanity in this book. More than a little.
2) This is a tear-jerker for me. Every single time I read it I bawl my eyes out.
3) Drinking and sex are talked about as being part of life
4) As part of the premise there is plenty of violence.
my older sister calls my brother ponyboy. i haven't read it, just seen the movie...
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