The Outsiders

Before I started actively seeking them out on Goodreads, I had never heard a negative review of this book. Every person who ever talked about it–grad school classmates, teachers, colleagues, high school students, etc–has sung its praises. I read about non-readers becoming hooked by page 20, reluctant readers becoming readers for life, blah blah. I know I'm in the minority when I say: I don't really get it.

The kids in the book don't seem real. I get that it's about love among a gang of boys, but they are just so lovey with each other, it doesn't ring true. There were parts I liked, of course, especially near the end. I might even bump it to 4 stars if I reread it at another time of my life. Definitely going on the reread list, if only to understand the appeal a little better.