(This article first appeared at blogcritics.org on 7 Dec 2012)

Do you remember that famous line from S. E. Hinton’s novel, The Outsiders, where Johnny says, “Stay gold, Ponyboy,” before he dies? It’s a powerful line that has resonated with readers for decades. The message behind it is about holding on to our innocence, even in the face of adversity.

Hinton’s book was a game-changer in the world of young adult fiction. It broke away from the traditional, squeaky-clean narratives and delved into a gritty, realistic portrayal of teenage life. The Outsiders captured the emotional turmoil and isolation that comes with being a teenager, and readers couldn’t get enough.

What’s even more impressive is that Hinton was only 16 years old when she wrote the book. At the time, publishers were hesitant to reveal that she was a girl, fearing it would detract from the book’s authenticity. But her understanding of the boys’ world and her ability to write with such insight is truly remarkable.

Perhaps her upbringing played a part in shaping her perspective. Hinton has spoken about her abusive mother and how it impacted her writing. She had a unique ability to empathize with those who felt like they didn’t fit in, and she drew on her observations of young boys in her neighborhood to create authentic and relatable characters.

But it wasn’t just Hinton’s understanding of teenage struggles that made her books so powerful. It was her writing style. Her crystal-clear, unmuffled voice immediately draws readers in and makes them feel like they’re having a conversation with a trusted friend. That’s the magic of reading S. E. Hinton.

In a world where teenagers often feel misunderstood and alone, Hinton’s books provided a much-needed refuge. Even those who were skeptical of books found solace in her words. Finding guidance as a teenager isn’t easy. Adults offer clichés about finding your place in the world or dismiss it as a temporary phase. Psychologists delve into the science behind adolescent brain development, but often fail to truly understand the emotional struggles that come with it.

Perhaps we need a different approach. Australian biologist Jeremy Griffith suggests that what we need is a deeper understanding of why we are the way we are. He describes the concept of “resignation,” which refers to the point in our lives when we give up on trying to understand the deeper issues and settle for a superficial existence. According to Griffith, this denial of our true selves is a kind of death.

While Griffith’s idea may not fit traditional scientific frameworks, it offers a fresh perspective on the human condition. Understanding our flaws and struggles could be the key to overcoming them.

Susan Eloise Hinton and other writers like her have been our guiding light in the absence of such profound understanding. Poets like Robert Frost, with his poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” also touched on the transient nature of beauty and the inevitability of change.

As we navigate the complexities of adolescence, it’s important to hold on to our true selves and remember that, like nature’s fleeting golden hues, nothing gold can stay.

Read more: Fecomic