The Pigman
by Paul Zindel
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Book Summary Information
Author: Paul ZindelEdition: Paperback
Published: 2005-04-01
ISBN: 0060757353
Number of pages: 192
Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: HarperTeen
Book Reviews of The Pigman
Book Review: A touching if not altogether happy relationship.
Summary: 5 Stars
A few years ago my little sisters kept going on and on about this book, which they were reading for some English class or another. The book must have been introduced into the high school curriculum after my time. Finally, last week, whilst going through one sister's room, we stumbled upon her old copy ad I thought "hey, my sisters loved this book. Why not give it a try?"
And since I don't like to think of myself as a morose person obsessed with deep and depressing thoughts and sad stuff, I didn't think I would take to this book.
But Zindel's writing is grabbing and full of character even if outdated. That alone instantly drew me into the story, a surprisingly good one that relies more on the decisions of the characters than the force of Zindel's pen. His characters are real, and it was only garrish details of 60s life that reminded me that this was not in fact taking place in the contemporary age. I think that is a pretty good sign of a timeless story. These kids are probably now my parents' age but I think I related to them well when I was that age.
I guess the story appealed to the soft spot of my heart, for I am a sap like that. It never makes the cheese factor--instead it is a thoroughly honest story about friendship, growing up, and the choices we make. Yes, that makes some roll their eyes, but I will happily call those people cynics who are completely out of touch with humanity.
Summary of The Pigman
For sophomores John and Lorraine, the world feels meaningless; nothing is important. They certainly can never please their parents, and school is a chore. To pass the time, they play pranks on unsuspecting people. It's during one of these pranks that they meet the "Pigman"--a fat, balding old man with a zany smile plastered on his face. In spite of themselves, John and Lorraine soon find that they're caught up in Mr. Pignati's zest for life. In fact, they become so involved that they begin to destroy the only corner of the world that's ever mattered to them. Originally published in 1968, this novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Paul Zindel still sings with sharp emotion as John and Lorraine come to realize that "Our life would be what we made of it--nothing more, nothing less."A Most Unusual Friendship
When sophomores John and Lorraine played a practical joke a few months ago on a stranger named Angelo Pignati, they had no idea what they were starting. Virtually overnight, almost against their will, the two befriended the lonely old man; it wasn't long before they were more comfortable in his house than their own. But now Mr. Pignati is dead. And for John and Lorraine, the only way to find peace is to write down their friend's story -- the story of the Pigman.
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