S.E Hinton grew up in a town with endless gang violence and crime. This inspired her to write a novel about a group of boys that get into fights with rival gangs and, eventually, potential trouble against the law. What makes this story even more impressive is that Hinton first wrote it when she was 15. The book is about a boy named Ponyboy, who’s parents have recently been killed, leaving him with his older brothers (Sodapop and Darry) to look after him. He is also in constant company with his gang called the Greasers, who are in a never-ending battle with another group called the Socs, but as he takes a closer look into the Socs, he finds that it isn't so black and white. In conclusion, the book's portrayal of violence makes it an unforgettable book that everyone should read at least once. If you enjoyed this book, you may also like The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger.