Book or Movie Review Southwestern Region

Literature in My Hometown: Tulsa and The Outsiders

When I was younger than I am now, growing up as a literary person in Oklahoma seemed to be a dead end. I dreamed of being able to read stories that seemed plausible in my suburb of Tulsa. Everything changed in the eighth grade.

S.E. Hinton‘s The Outsiders, notably set in her hometown of Tulsa, OK, was a major force in creating the young adult literature scene, and personally, in showing me that there was much hope to be had for the literary girl in the middle of the nation. The novel, published in 1967, launched Hinton into literary success. The book was wildly popular among young people at the time of its publication, and still is today.

The Outsiders was made into a movie in 1983. It was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and served as a launching pad for many young actors in the film. It was shot on location in Tulsa and in other parts of the state. This year I finally set a day aside to visit The Outsiders House Museum. The house sits in the middle of a Tulsa neighborhood. It is filled with wonderful volunteers who know the rich history of the house, as well as The Outsiders.

It was an emotional day for me as I walked in the setting of one of my favorite books, looking at the place I lived in a completely different light. The house reminded me of my own. The floorboards creaked and the bathroom seemed small, but it was a place I loved.

Toward the back of the house there is an Outsiders gift shop filled with fun merchandise as well as some manuscripts and memorabilia from the movies.

When I spoke to one of the volunteers, I was reminded of the spirit of The Outsiders. He grew up in my hometown of Sapulpa, just about twenty minutes away from the house. He went to high school with my parents. When I chose to look at the place I lived through a different lens, I began to see one of the wonderful things about where I live: people love literature. They have preserved the house so that people can experience the story through their own eyes, giving lovers of The Outsiders, both the book and the film, a place to visit.

S.E. Hinton said, “The Outsiders is definitely my best selling book; but what I like most about it is how it has taught a lot of kids to enjoy reading.”

The Outsiders surely helped me to enjoy reading, but also inspired me to love and explore my hometown that is rich in love.


MJacksonMorgan Jackson
Student Representative, Southwestern Region, 2021-2022
Chi Delta Chapter
Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK

 


Sigma Tau Delta

Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to

  • Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
  • Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
  • Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
  • Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
  • Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
  • Serve society by fostering literacy.

With over 900 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,000 Faculty Advisors, and approximately 9,000 members inducted annually.

Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.

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