The book ”The Outsiders” is a novel about youths i America in the 1950-1960s. The story is told by, and seen through 14 year old Ponyboy Curtis’ eyes. His parents was killed in a car accident, so he and his two brothers, Darry and Sodapop, are on their own. Ponyboy has got a better relationship with Soda, than with Darry. He tells us he has never loved anyone like loves his brother Soda. Soda is only two years older, and he always stick up for Pony. Ponyboy often quarel with Darry, he doesn’t feel like knows him that well. Darry is twenty years old. He is tall, broad-shouldered and muskular. He’s though, cool and smart. He could have gone to college, but he has chosen to stay at home and work to take care of his brothers.

The three brothers have a group of friends they often hang out with; Johnny, Steve, Dally and Two-Bit. Dally is the tough one, he is tougher, colder and meaner than the rest. His eyes are blue and ice cold. In the end of the book, we find out the only thing he ever loved was Johnny. Steve is 17 years old, and he’s Sodas best buddy. He’s tall and lean, cocky and smart. Two-Bit is the oldest one, 18 and a half years old. He likes blondes, school and fights (they all do). Two-Bit is famous for his funny remarks and shoplifting. Johnny is the youngest (next after Pony), and the smallest. His eyes are big and black with a suspicious look. Ponyboy compares him with a puppy, that has been kicked to many times. He is the gangs pet. Ponyboy himself is a smart daydreamer, and maybee a bit naive.

They are called greasers. Thats because of all the hair grease they use. And because they live i a bad neighbourhood, in a poor part of town. They are always in trouble with the socs; socialists. Through Ponys mind and thoughts we get a picture of the history, and the fights that has been fought between the greasers and the socs earlier. Among other stories we’re told about one time Johnny really got beaten up by the socs.

One night Pony come home later than he should, and he and Darry start a big fight. Pony goes looking for Johnny, when he find him he decide they’re going to run away. On their way some socs stop them, there are the same socs who beat up johnny. One of them almost drown Ponyboy, and Johnny kills him. They have to run away, they call for Dally and he helps them. Pony and Johnny hide in a church for a week. When Dally get there to take them too a new hiding-place, Johnny has decided he’ll turn himself in. While they all are of eating, a fire starts in the church. When they get back Johnny and Ponyboy run into the church to save some children that’s in there. On their way out burning roof falls on Johnnys back, and destroy it. Dally also get hurt by trying to save Johnny.

They all end up in a hospital. Suddenly Johnny is a hero instead of a wanted murder. The damage from the fire kills him. When he dies, Dally run out and robb a store. When the police get there, he pull out his fake gun. The police kill him, and that’s probably what he wanted.

I really liked this book. I felt like I got to know the characters and their life. I felt their feelings and understood their (sometimes strange) behaviour. I got a good insight into the close, special relationship between the boys in the story. And how much that relationship ment for them.