THE OUTSIDERS

Susan Hinton's ground-breaking book is arguably the most widely read of young adult novels since it first appeared in 1967. Unfortunately, it loses much of its grit and energy in this presentation. Spike McClure's Ponyboy doesn't sound "tough" at all; the good-hearted youth beneath Pony's carefully-tended "tough-greaser" image is exposed from the start. McClure brings little emotional range to the part, and the measured pacing fails to convey the drama of knife fights and other rumbles. McClure misses his chance to bring potentially colorful characters to life. Young people who have read the book will likely be disappointed, and this Ponyboy, with his "gee whiz" wholesomeness, will win few new admirers among today's teens. D.M.L. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JAN 94]