'

Wednesday 26 July 2006

80s Wednesday

Okay, today's 80s pick isn't exactly from that decade because the books were written and published beforehand, but I didn't get a chance to experience them until I was in high school in the late 80s.

I'm talking about none other than S.E. Hinton. The writer who first made me realise that all those crazy ideas whirling around inside my head could be written into stories, no matter how old I was.

The first book I read was THE OUTSIDERS. This was actually a book we were required to read for year 8 or 9. I can't remember which, but I loved it so much I went out of my way to borrow the other three books the school had. And I absolutely loved every single one of them.

Of course I also watched the movies, which were made in the 80s and featured a bunch of up-and-coming actors. They were all pretty much unknowns in THE OUTSIDERS, but some are even around today.

Anyway, even though the movies were great... the books were better. I read one after the other and absolutely consumed every page until I got to the end. Each had a similar feel but were entirely different from each other. But the characters were so life-like, I got lost in every story.

I think she recently released a new novel. I wonder what that's like? I should check out the reviews on Amazon. Not even sure when it was published. But these young adults were brutally honest, dealt with a lot of harsh issues and were just terrific.

According to Wikipedia: The Outsiders (1967) was her first and most popular novel, which she wrote at the age of sixteen. It is the second-best selling young-adult novel in publishing history with over eight million copies in print.

She was an inspiration and provided hours of wonderful and very enjoyful reading. So she's my pick for today!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Yolanda!
Too funny, you have a blog about S. E. Hinton on your website today. I've met her, she is a sweetheart. She had a newer book titled "Hawkes Harbor" that came out within the last few years. I talked to her for quite awhile, she's very cool and it's amazing she wrote "The Outsiders" when she was in high school (16 years old). I have most of the books you have pictures of autographed at home. Hey, I didn't notice an author on your book list (at least I don't think I did), did you change it relavively recently? As I see that you have Anne Rice on there too. She autographed all of her books for me (I've met her too, long story). There is a fun Anne rice related party coming up, check out this link:
http://forum.werewolfcafe.com/viewtopic.php?id=1233
Your Pal,
Jimbo

Ann Cory said...

I love reliving the 80's. Yep, what can I say, lol. LOVED The Outsiders.

Wanted to pop in and say hi...I know, I know...don't pass out from shock, lol.

:)

Yolanda Sfetsos said...

Hey Jimbo! Where do you meet all these authors? At their book signings? Conventions? But no, I haven't updated my fave list in a while...

Have a GREAT day! :)

Yolanda Sfetsos said...

Hello Ms. Cory! How you doing? Thanks for popping by the ol' Y blog again... you're always welcome. Oh, and CONGRATS on your releases. You're amazing! How many hours are there in your day? ;)

Ah, if you like to relive the 80s -- you've come to the right place! Crazy-80s-chick lives here. Lol.

Favorites More