"The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton

I first read this book when I was about 13; that would have been about 1971. It was still a pretty new book; published in 1967. I know it's not great literature, but it touches me each time I've read it; but no time more than this time.
Over the past year I've had the opportunity to take care of and make friends with a patient at the hospital; a girl just 16 years old, who is dying of ovarian cancer. We have similar tastes in music, movies and books. Over the last few months we've shared our favorites with each other. One of the last times I took care of her I told her about this book and that S.E. Hinton was just about her age when she wrote it. I hadn't read it in several years and had forgotten many details; like Johnny's age when he died, and the line on page 107 "Sixteen years ain't long enough." When I read it this week I cried with regret at having given the book to her; thinking it would add to her hurting. But perhaps it might have been okay, knowing that even a fictional character felt what she is feeling.
So many things I love about this book; the relationship of the three brothers and their group of friends, Ponyboy's love of poetry and sunsets, Darry's feeling of responsibility, Johnny being like a "southern gentleman" (pg 106), the correct use of the phrase "I couldn't have cared less." (pg 141) I guess that's one of my pet peeves, but S.E. got it right.
I hope you who read it have enjoyed it. And I'm dedicating this family book club reading of it to Karlee.

The Diary of Anne Frank

Ok. I didn't post at the beginning of December, but I think we all knew that "The Outsiders" was the book for December and January. So, we are just about half way through with that time. I am posting to let everyone know that the book that we will be reading in February and March is "The Diary of Anne Frank" I love this book. I hope you will all enjoy it if you have not already read it. Well, that's it, we will be discussing "The Outsiders at the end of January. Hope you are all doing well and I love you all very much. XOXOX

~Heidi~

Time to review

Well, it is the beginning of December already, and time for us all to share our thoughts on "The Swiss Family Robinson". I suppose I will start...

I must admit that I did not finish the book. Sorry Ben. This has been a very crazy and stressful time for me. Anyway...I was very impressed with the bravery of the whole family. The parents at the beginning. When they realize their situation, they are calm and collected even though they are afraid for their lives and the lives of their children. They stayed calm to make it easier for their children. I hope that I would be able to do the same for my kids in a serious situation.

I also liked that they saved the Captain's Great Dane. At least I think it was a Great Dane. I can't remember for sure now.

I love that they made a home for themselves on the island. They were very resourceful. I was impressed with how much the Father knew. He was a very smart man. I have often thought that I would like to live on an island with my family(extended family also) the way the Robinsons did. We would all have our own houses of course, but we would work together so we would all have what we needed. And we would all be together which would be SO great!! I think that is my idea of paradise. And of course we would have no run-ins with pirates.

Well, thanks so much everybody for participating in our book club. Thanks especially to Ben for choosing our last book. And to my Johanna(Mom) for choosing our next one.

Love to you all,

~Heidi~