Reviews tagging 'Hate crime'

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

8 reviews

_ili_'s review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The novel's strength lies in its portrayal of authentic adolescent characters. At the center of this narrative stands Ponyboy, a young "greaser." Despite the stereotype associated with his leather-clad exterior, Ponyboy harbors intellectual depth. His affinity for literature and cinema adds intricate layers to his persona. Beyond Ponyboy, the ensemble of greasers—Johnny, Dally, and Two-Bit—each carries their own burdens. Their shared experiences forge unbreakable bonds, transcending societal divisions.

Through Ponyboy’s perspective, readers delve into universal struggles. The weight of familial expectations presses upon him, while the longing for acceptance tugs at his soul. His journey toward self-identity mirrors our shared inner battles. Amidst this backdrop, moral complexities emerge. Ponyboy grapples with questions of morality, loyalty, and the blurred lines that divide the greasers from the affluent socs. The pivotal event—the fatal encounter with a soc—ignites self-discovery and rebellion. What resonates most is the moral ambiguity—the blurry standards of good and evil. In reality, both greasers and socs possess virtues and flaws. When disputes arise, responsibility lies with all involved. This complexity sparks curiosity and invites contemplation.

The novel's enduring themes of class divisions, identity, and friendship resonate as powerfully today as they did in the 1960s. The message—that humanity shares fundamental experiences—holds true across generations, reminding us that our struggles and triumphs are not unique. As we witness the same sunsets, our differences fade, and bridges form, a timeless reminder of our shared humanity. The theme of 'outsiders' extends beyond the greasers; it encompasses anyone who doesn't neatly fit societal molds, a theme that remains relevant in our diverse world.

The bonds forged among the greasers—those forged in adversity—are not just a backdrop, but the heart of the story. Their loyalty to one another defies societal barriers, a testament to the power of human connection. The brotherhood they share becomes a beacon of hope in a world that often pits them against each other, a reminder of the strength we can find in each other. The mentorship between Johnny and Ponyboy, the sibling dynamics with Darry, and the camaraderie during the church hideout—all underscore the power of human connection, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Hinton's concise writing style keeps readers engaged. She doesn't squander words; each sentence resonates with emotional weight. The mood oscillates between gritty realism and moments of profound connection. The tone is both urgent and reflective. The novel's pacing mirrors the urgency of the greasers' lives, punctuated by quiet introspection.

Hinton's decision to tell the story from Ponyboy's perspective immerses us in the raw intensity of his experiences. By focusing on the greasers, she challenges us to see beyond stereotypes and recognize shared humanity. Her choice to avoid sentimentality adds authenticity to the narrative. The use of first-person narration allows readers to inhabit Ponyboy's mind, feeling the pulse of Tulsa's streets.

The novel's denouement leaves an indelible mark. As the sun sets on Ponyboy's world, we realize that the outsiders—the marginalized, the misunderstood—have stories worth telling. The ending isn't just about resolution; it's about the resilience of the human spirit.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Hate crime

Minor: Murder

If you hate someone being assaulted or even having something to do with murder, look out for the heart.

stories's review against another edition

challenging sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Readable and highly quotable. I can see why it’s a commonly chosen English text, with wide applicability. 

Realising the author was 17 when writing it also explains some elements, particularly the introduction of characters. 

Lots of slang, but surprisingly familiar and accessible given the passing of time. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Death, and Classism

Moderate: Death of parent, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Hate crime, and Blood

MCD Do not bank on a happy ending.

crazy_cellist's review

dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I loved the progression of the main character and others from the beginning to the end. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Murder, Addiction, Hate crime, Classism, Death, Bullying, Child death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Gun violence

Moderate: Cursing, Abandonment, Medical trauma, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Self harm, Infidelity, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and Stalking

Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Chronic illness, and Abortion

leila_doesnt_know_what_to_do's review

adventurous challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I cried most of this book to much tragedy for me 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Hate crime, and Drug use

melodyseestrees's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Child abuse, Child death, Murder, and Gun violence

Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Emotional abuse, Drug use, Drug abuse, Domestic abuse, Cursing, Classism, Bullying, Blood, Alcohol, Medical content, Hate crime, and Alcoholism

Minor: Death of parent and Violence

anastasiamakes's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I started this not really sure what I was getting into, but by the end can absolutely see what all the fuss is about - this is a really important book. It really makes you think: bringing gang culture to life and helping you see the stories behind those involved, how good people can get themselves wrapped up in a bad situation with no real way out.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Classism, and Violence

Moderate: Blood, Bullying, Murder, Physical abuse, Police brutality, and Alcohol

Minor: Death of parent, Gun violence, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicidal thoughts

planetshelf's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I’d never had any desire to read this book, but now. . . .This is the only book to ever make me cry. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Hate crime, Violence, Child death, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, and Classism

Moderate: Child abuse, Drug use, Suicide, Blood, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, and Death of parent

Minor: Eating disorder

sj_booksgram's review

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is definitely a comfort book for me. It was a book I was required to read in middle school and was hesitant at first because at the time it's not something I'd have picked for myself but once we started reading it I quickly fell in love with the story and the characters. I will recommend this book time and time again.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Bullying, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Hate crime, Murder, and Violence