The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton on Gilmore Girls

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Key Details

Genre: fiction
Sub-Genres: coming-of-age
Publication Date: 1967
Pages: 192
Themes: class, identity, conflict, found family, loss of innocence
Accolades: included in BBC News’s 100 most inspiring novels

My Rating

The Outsiders is the most-read book in our Gilmore Girls inspired book club, and I think that’s because it blends a classic with pop culture so well, which is truly the hallmark of reading like a Gilmore. It also imparts life lessons in ways that aren’t preachy and is short and easy to read for both teens and adults. This is one of those books you just need to know. Heck, even Dean references it!

Gilmore Girls Episodes

Season 2, Episode 7 (“Like Mother, Like Daughter”)

Lorelai calls Rory a “Soc” from The Outsiders when she gets hazed by the Puffs.

Lorelai: “Hey, I told you not to become a soc, but you didn’t listen.”

Best Quote

“It seemed funny to me that the sunset she saw from her patio and the one I saw from the back steps was the same one. Maybe the two different worlds we lived in weren’t so different. We saw the same sunset.”

Book Review

Plot Description

The Outsiders is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and follows Ponyboy Curtis, a teenager caught in the rivalry between two groups: the working-class Greasers and the wealthy Socs.

After a violent encounter, Ponyboy and his friend Johnny Cade go on the run, forcing them to confront the consequences of their actions.

Why It Matters on Gilmore Girls

The Outsiders oozes pop culture, which we all know the characters love to reference, from the name Ponyboy to the group the Socs.

Who It’s Best For

The Outsiders works well for readers who want a short, easy classic.

It also works well for Young Adult readers because the main characters are teens and the author wrote it as a teen.

Reading Tips

Hinton published The Outsiders at age 18. Read her (yes, her) letter to her editor.
Pair it with the 1983 film adaptation, which is directed by Francis Ford Coppola and stars Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, and Rob Lowe, or visit a production of The Outsiders musical, a Tony award winner.
Pair it with the poetry of Robert Frost, whose “Nothing Gold Can Stay” is quoted in the book, or Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, which is read in the book and referenced repeatedly on Gilmore Girls.

Aesthetic

Frequently Asked Questions

In what episode do Dean and Rory discuss The Outsiders movie?

In Season 1, Episode 9 of Gilmore Girls (“Rory’s Dance”), Dean and Rory discuss The Outsiders movie adaptation and reference the character “Ponyboy.”

What character from The Outsiders does Rory tell Dean to call her?

In Season 1, Episode 9 of Gilmore Girls (“Rory’s Dance”), Rory tells Dean to call her “Ponyboy.” Rory: “Have you seen The Outsiders?” Dean: “Yeah, I have.” Rory: “Just call me Ponyboy.” Dean: “So, Ponyboy, you happy?” Rory: “Yeah, I’m happy.”