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Paul Zindel
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The Pigman Paperback – March 1, 1983

by Paul Zindel (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,475 ratings
Teachers' pick
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Meet Mr. Pignati, a lonely old man with a beer belly and an awful secret. He's the Pigman, and he's got a great big twinkling smile. When John and Lorraine, two high school sophomores, meet Mr. Pignati, they learn his whole sad, zany story. They tell it right here in this book -- the truth, and nothing but the truth -- no matter how many people it shocks or hurts.
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  1. Reading age
    12 - 15 years
  2. Print length
    176 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    7 - 9
  5. Lexile measure
    880L
  6. Dimensions
    4.22 x 0.45 x 6.91 inches
  7. Publisher
    Starfire
  8. Publication date
    March 1, 1983
  9. ISBN-10
    0553263218
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0553263213
  11. See all details
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The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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."

From the Publisher

Meet Mr. Pignati, a lonely old man with a beer belly and an awful secret. He's the Pigman, and he's got a great big twinkling smile. When John and Lorraine, two high school sophomores, meet Mr. Pignati, they learn his whole sad, zany story. They tell it right here in this book -- the truth, and nothing but the truth -- no matter how many people it shocks or hurts.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Starfire; Reissue edition (March 1, 1983)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0553263218
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0553263213
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 15 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 880L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.29 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.22 x 0.45 x 6.91 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,475 ratings

About the author

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Paul Zindel

Paul Zindel

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,475 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book thought-provoking and inspiring. They describe it as funny, heartwarming, and entertaining. Readers praise the writing style as well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the great characters and the actors' exceptional work making them seem real. Opinions differ on the story quality - some find it engaging and relatable, while others consider it depressing.

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Thought provokingHumorWriting styleCharacter developmentReadabilityStory quality
35 customers mention "Thought provoking"35 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and engaging. They say it's a great life lesson wrapped up in an intriguing, funny, and sad story. The book inspires them, brings joy and tears to their eyes, and holds their attention. Many readers consider it a must-read for modern literature curriculum. It is informative and enjoyable, making reading fun for them.

"...I found these additions informative and enjoyable...." Read more

"Wow, this story was so moving. It really gives the reader a lot to think about. Were the kids wrong? Extremely well written." Read more

"...The Pigman is a great book for teenagers, it corresponds to many teenagers lives, and teaches some very strong lessons...." Read more

"Great life lesson book wrapped up in an intriguing, funny, sad, story. You hit almost every emotion on the ride this story takes you on...." Read more

14 customers mention "Humor"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor and find it entertaining. They describe it as humorous, heartwarming, and quirky. The book brings joy and tears to their eyes, inspiring them.

"Great life lesson book wrapped up in an intriguing, funny, sad, story. You hit almost every emotion on the ride this story takes you on...." Read more

"...As well as being very thought-provoking, this book is also very sad...." Read more

"...It entertains the reader and makes him live the story." Read more

"...But i loved it. Captivating, interesting and sad. Even though it's great for children's, I enjoy all the way." Read more

13 customers mention "Writing style"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the colloquial writing and societal observations made. The book is well-thought-out and detailed, with vibrant conversations that students enjoy.

"...Were the kids wrong? Extremely well written." Read more

"...He also enjoyed reading this book and it was an easy read for us both...." Read more

"...It made both of us laugh out loud because of the colloquial writing and societal observations made...." Read more

"This book is a classic and well-written, but outdated...." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters. They find the actors' portrayal of them realistic.

"...The actors did an exceptional job of making the characters become real. Very easy to follow and to get to the right spot each day...." Read more

"Really connected to the characters." Read more

"...Funny at times. I like the nick names great setting plot and great characters. I recommend this book to kids and adults" Read more

"Great characters. I felt it all. The book may be elementary but is a must read for all ages. There's also a sequel apparently." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and not too long. They say it's a good middle school book about youth and family.

"...Turns out, I couldn't put the book down. It's a quick read but an interesting tale of youth, family relationships, people and their innate..." Read more

"...I gave 5 stars to it because it's a book that can be read very fast. It entertains the reader and makes him live the story." Read more

"Short read but really good and well-written book." Read more

"I enjoyed the book. It was an easy read, not too long. This is a good middle school book." Read more

24 customers mention "Story quality"15 positive9 negative

Customers have different views on the story. Some find it engaging and relatable, with real-life scenarios and interesting tale of youth and family relationships. Others feel the ending is sad and the book gets boring at times.

"...story the chain of events begin to get unleashed and the story gets more interesting...." Read more

"...I know it's a famous book but I found it really depressing.My biggest problem was that I didn't really like either John or Lorraine...." Read more

"Great life lesson book wrapped up in an intriguing, funny, sad, story. You hit almost every emotion on the ride this story takes you on...." Read more

"...The Pigman is a short story that kids can easily relate to, plus interesting enough to hold their attention...." Read more

Great buy
5 out of 5 stars
Great buy
I used this product for a school project and I found it very nice my only issue is that the pages came a little bent inwards but just as picture
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Top reviews from the United States

  • John McKeon
    5.0 out of 5 stars John, Lorraine and The Pigman
    Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Having read this book in high school many years ago, I decided to reread it and I am glad I did. The late Paul Zindel tells the story of 2 High School sophomore's in Staten Island named John and Lorraine who are prime examples of adolescent angst living in troubled homes and trying to find themselves. Through a phone prank John and Lorraine pass themselves off as charity workers and upon invitation go to the home of Mr. Pignatti the "Pigman". Mr. Pigman is a lonely man looking for companionship.I found the story which is told alternately in chapters from John and Lorraine often times humorous and ultimately sad as life is for many. This story touches on friendship , loyalty and love. These three characters meet through fraudulent means but ultimately grow to love and need each other . There are life lessons in this short story for everyone regardless of their age. The copy I read is the 50th anniversary edition and contains a Q & A with the author, trivia and 2 chapters of the followup to this book, "The Pigmans Legacy." I found these additions informative and enjoyable. Life is full of lonely people like Mr. Pigman and troubled youth like John and Lorraine and everyone has Pigman moments in their life Reading this book by Paul Zindel will make you think and be worth your while. Recommended .
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Piano Teacher
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
    Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Wow, this story was so moving. It really gives the reader a lot to think about. Were the kids wrong? Extremely well written.
    Helpful
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  • martin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nice price
    Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Book arrives in great condition
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  • Y. Mammon
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Pigman Book Review
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    The Pigman by Paul Zindel is a young adult novel, told over by two trouble making teenagers. The book is told over by two narrators, John Conlan & Lorraine Jensen, in their own perspectives. Both of them take an oat at the beginning of the book, to only write down the facts of the story and their experiences with Mr. Angelo Pignati.

    John and Lorraine, and their two other friends, Norton Kelly and Dennis Kobin, meet up and decide to make prank phone calls. Lorraine picks out Mr. Pignati and pretends to be calling from a charity. Mr. Pignati agrees to give them a donation of $10. John and Lorraine decide to go to Mr. Pignati's house to collect the donation. From the first time they meet Mr. Pignati they become great friends, and Mr. Pignati takes up a great role of being a father-figure for them.

    John and Lorraine visits become very frequently, and they adapt a very strong relationship with Mr. Pignati. One day John and Lorraine discover documents that prove the death of Mrs. Pignati, and that she isn't just on vacation, which Mr. Pignati had told them previously. John and Lorraine decide to tell Mr. Pignati the truth about them not really being in need of any charity, and Mr. Pignati tells them that his wife had really died, a short time before.

    Mr. Pignati care for them, and treats them like his own children. The three of them create a really strong relationship, and Mr. Pignati helps them discover the true meaning of friendship. Mr. Pignati helps John and Lorraine discover the love that they have for each other, and what love is. Mr. Pignati helps these troubled teenagers, and cares for them truly.

    Throughout the story the chain of events begin to get unleashed and the story gets more interesting. John and Lorraine write the book to tell over all the good times that they had with Mr. Pignati, and to cover up some of the guilt which they feel.

    The Pigman is a great book for teenagers, it corresponds to many teenagers lives, and teaches some very strong lessons. I suggest you to read The Pigman, there is a lot to learn from this book.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • E.C.M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great life lesson book wrapped up in an intriguing
    Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Great life lesson book wrapped up in an intriguing, funny, sad, story. You hit almost every emotion on the ride this story takes you on. I found it when I was only 13 and it grabbed my attention like no other book had. I did a book report on it and we had to read our review/report out loud in front of the class. Everyone was enthralled in my report and you could have heard a pin drop in the classroom! It was the first time I felt important and had people listening to me. I think it makes a great choice for young teens and especially for kids that say they do not like to read. I didn't think I liked to read either and this book changed that.
    15 people found this helpful
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  • S.R.S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars I am a mom who really liked this story
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I am a mom who decided to read this book, as it was required for my son's 8 grade language arts class. I'm always interested in what he brings home and the very first glance had me hooked. He also enjoyed reading this book and it was an easy read for us both. The Pigman is a short story that kids can easily relate to, plus interesting enough to hold their attention. I can see why this book is so popular and is given as a class assignment. I gave The Pigman 5 stars because it impressed me while also teaching a lesson too.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Mrs. Fitz
    3.0 out of 5 stars Just OK...
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I read this because my son had to read it for his 8th grade English class. I know it's a famous book but I found it really depressing.
    My biggest problem was that I didn't really like either John or Lorraine. I didn't like them so I didn't care what happened to them. I felt they were mean to Mr. Pignati. They are just two bratty teens, who play a prank on a sad old man and end up sorry at the end of the story.
    Not the worst book I've ever read, but not much fun either.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Beryl
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Pigman
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent for young adults to read.This book has several different meanings to get across and make an eighth grader think. Think about their future, what they say and how it may affect others, how they should not waste their free opportunities to get an education, etc. Sad at the end but none does see how there còuld have been no other ending to this book.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Jade
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
    Reviewed in Canada on November 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Read this book in middle school, I am super exited to read it once again
    Report
  • Andrea
    5.0 out of 5 stars super
    Reviewed in Germany on October 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    wird für das Abitur gebraucht. Wie in der Beschreibung,klasse
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  • Joshua
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 8, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    My dad told me to read this as he said he loved it as a kid so I gave it a go and I finished in a day I couldn't stop reading. 5Star
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Australia on December 23, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I love pigs!
    Report
  • cyura
    5.0 out of 5 stars love john
    Reviewed in Japan on August 18, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    ハンサムなＪｏｈｎが私のお気に入りなんです。

    アメリカで英語の授業に使っていたもので、現在はそれを英語の授業で使ってます。高校生程度の単語や文法に他に日常の言い回しなど、ネイティブが
    使っている英語なので、お勧めです。

    中級程度の英語力があれば、スムーズに読めると思いますが、初心者には、
    ちょっと難しいかもしれません。でもトライしてみる価値はあると思います。
    Report