How Have You Been Affected?, Please share your stories...

Sorry, this may have been brought up before, but I am planning on doing a paper on how certain characters have affected the lives of people. I was planning on including Ponyboy from The Outsiders (feel free to suggest/mention other characters!). I know how he has affected mine. I first read the book in 7th grade and it was really overwhelming when I finally understood the true meanings of the book. I think I was pretty much the only one in my class that was literally mesmerized. I guess it got me thinking about what was really important in life, etc. So if anyone wants to help me out by sharing your story that would be awesome! Thanks, Christian

I'm not a great one to answer this as it didn't affect me that much it thought me something, it thought me not to judge people that everyone is human so to speak. I first read the book and was really hard on Darry it wasn't until I found myself pregnant and alone at 18 that I really really understood him and how much pressure he was under to raise his brothers, pay bills and keep them out of trouble.

I would have to say that yes I was affected by the characters in the movie,especially Pony Boy but I think it came over time as I watched the film. I see Pony Boy in me, Johnny Cade and definately Dallas Winston. It seems that I knew some of the Johnny Cades and Dallas Winstons in life and I think back of true situations growing up that are often played out in the film, a boy being beat up on the corner and thinking am I next since I was the new yankee boy in town from New York to Texas and then only to find that the guy was nice to me. it goes on and on.

What about Charlie Bucket from Willy Wonka. Made an impact on me when It came out I was 7 at the time. I think its second to The Wizrd of OZ.

This book actually saved my life
I was considering suiside
but then when I read this book this year in grade 8
I saw that things as cherry said
"things are rough all over"
I love this book
and i wish in a way there was another book with the gang
but thats the way it has to be
I see Ponyboy and Cherry in myself
seeing others who are liek you but not being able to talk to them cause there not what the social status calls cool
in my school I'm what S.E. Hinton was like
I'm friends with people in different social situations
I'm considered a little Eccentric
and this shows me that even teens can be authors

Never a solution! Any time you ever feel like that, please talk to somebody. I've known two people in my life who committed suicide. It is never a good idea, and things do get better, no matter how bad they seem. Life is short. Live it strong, live it well, and don't worry about anybody who can't accept you for who you are.

And like I said, talk to somebody if you feel like that again. Depression is a painful and scary thing, but you can get help for it.

Never a solution! Any time you ever feel like that, please talk to somebody. I've known two people in my life who committed suicide. It is never a good idea, and things do get better, no matter how bad they seem. Life is short. Live it strong, live it well, and don't worry about anybody who can't accept you for who you are.

And like I said, talk to somebody if you feel like that again. Depression is a painful and scary thing, but you can get help for it.

I know I'm wayyy better now
I love my life
I was just saying this book helped to see that everyone has problems

I'm glad you are doing so much better and glad you became a part of our website.
Stay Gold, Karen

oh this book has totally changed my life. changed my view on things. i used to act quickly, think slowly. but now, i really think about what im doing and i get into these deep thoughts or whatever. ive been completely different after this. everyone says so. and im more aware of my surroundings and more on my feet. i guess.
☼stay gold☼

Hi, johnnycake, that' s cool you see it that way. I don't know how old you are but venture a guess on younger than me ;-) and I am amazed how this book although out of date in almost every aspect still captivates young readers. My oldest daughter, 14, loves the book and the movie, and her younger sister, 11, just started reading the book. So, the baton is being passed on.

When i read the book and watched the movie, the story didn't affect me as much as it does now. I have friends in the lower class, and some of them think that i don't have problems because i'm part of the upper class. Honestly, I wanted to throw a copy of the book in their face and say i have just as many problems as you do. The book helped me realize that things are tough for everyone, no matter what their financial status is.

... or how old they are ;-).
And if the problems stay maybe so do the solutions. There's more to "stay gold" than just keep looking at sunsets.

yeaa i read it first in 7th grade, and now...well, let's just say i've read it a little too much. but every time i read it, i feeel it. ya know? i feel the emotions. s.e. hinton really did a good job with the descriptions and all. i have the book and i wanna keep it and keep reading it till i die. (:

it was goood. i cant even begin to explain it.