3 min read

The Outsiders: Summary

Everything you need to know about William Thorndike's The Outsiders, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying The Outsiders by William Thorndike in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying The Outsiders by William Thorndike
The Outsiders is a coming-of-age novel by William Thorndike that follows the story of Ponyboy Curtis, a teenage greaser from the wrong side of town. He and his brothers struggle to stay true to themselves as they navigate their way through family struggles, class divisions, and the rivalry between their gang, the Greasers, and the wealthier Socs. In this gritty yet heartfelt story, Ponyboy learns that strength comes from within and friendships can be found in unexpected places.

Want to know more?

The Outsiders: Key Points

  1. The Outsiders is a coming-of-age novel by S.E. Hinton, published in 1967. It tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and his struggle to find his place in a society divided between the wealthy “socs” (short for Socials and the poor “greasers”.
  2. The novel explores themes of class conflict, loyalty, and family relationships, as well as themes of justice and injustice.
  3. One of the main characters in the novel is Johnny Cade, who is seen as a hero by Ponyboy for his loyalty and bravery.
  4. Another major theme of the novel is that of brotherhood and friendship, which is exemplified by Ponyboy's relationship with his two brothers, Darry and Sodapop.
  5. In addition to exploring themes of class conflict and loyalty, The Outsiders also examines how individuals cope with loss and tragedy.
  6. The novel ends with the greasers' victory over the Socs in a rumble, but also with an understanding that violence is not always the solution to problems or conflicts.

What to say about The Outsiders

  • "The Outsiders by William Thorndike is an excellent example of a coming-of-age novel with strong themes of loyalty, identity and family."
  • "Reading The Outsiders provides insight into the struggles of adolescent life and the difficulties of growing up."
  • "Thorndike's characters are engaging and memorable, creating a powerful story that resonates long after the book has been put down."
  • "The Outsiders explores how difficult it can be for adolescents to find their place in society, especially when confronted with class divides."
  • "Thorndike's writing style brings to life the harsh realities of growing up in poverty, while also exploring the power of friendship and hope."
  • "The Outsiders is a timeless story that speaks to readers of all ages, encouraging reflection on important themes such as compassion and justice."
  • "Thorndike's narrative is both thought-provoking and captivating, making it an essential read for any serious student of literature."
  • "The Outsiders offers readers a glimpse into the lives of teenagers growing up in an often unforgiving world."
  • "William Thorndike's novel expertly combines compelling characters with a powerful plot to create a memorable story about finding courage in adversity."
  • "The Outsiders is an important work that encourages readers to challenge the status quo and stand up for what is right."

What to post on LinkedIn or Twitter about The Outsiders

  • Great read: The Outsiders by William Thorndike is an engaging look into how companies are changing the way they do business. Highly recommend!
  • Just picked up a copy of The Outsiders by William Thorndike and am diving in. It’s an exploration of what makes some companies successful while others fail to thrive.
  • Going to be spending my weekend reading The Outsiders by William Thorndike. It’s a great book that explores the importance of taking risks and being agile in business.
  • Looking forward to exploring The Outsiders by William Thorndike and discovering why some companies stand out from the competition.
  • Recommending The Outsiders by William Thorndike to all my professional network members looking for an insightful read on business success in today's fast-paced world.

Top 5 Quotes from The Outsiders

  1. "Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold."
  2. "Things are rough all over."
  3. "It seems like you're trying to make something right that once went wrong."
  4. "I lie to myself all the time. But I never believe me."
  5. "We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that's all."

Other books by William Thorndike

  • The Outsider's Edge: Eight Essential Elements to Compete and Succeed in the New World of Business
  • The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success
  • HBR’s 10 Must Reads on Leadership (with Peter Ferdinand Drucker, John P. Kotter, Linda A. Hill
  • The Equity Risk Premium: The Long-Run Future of the Stock Market
  • Catalyst: How to Change Anyone's Mind
  • The CEO Pay Machine: How It Trashes America and How to Stop It

Did you know?

💬

The Outsiders was ranked number 21 on the American Library Association's list of the 100 Best Books for Young Adults in 2012.