Book Review: The Pigman by Paul Zindel

The Pigman
Author: Paul Zindel
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Classics
Released: January 7th 2014 (first published 1968)
Review Source: Harper Teen

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.

I am not sure if I was ever assigned to read The Pigman during my high school years, but I think this is very appropriate to read this book while in high school. And with this in mind, I was hesitated to read this. LOL, you know you’re guilty as well. No one wants to read books that are required to read during high school, so do don’t blame me. Anyway, I would consider this book as a classic. And well it has been re-released with an adorable cover!

So I’ve mentioned I hesitated to start this book but the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put it down! The story is just plain adorable. Anyone ever watched the animated movie “Up” by Disney? If you have, I’m sure you felt in love with it because it’s that type of movie that you have to fall in love with. I mean, who wouldn’t fall for a grumpy old man but then he warms your heart with his dorky-ness as time passes by? Well, this is the same type of feeling you get while reading The Pigman. It just felt right and it was simply a wonderful story to read.

The Pigman start off with an oath signed by John and Lorraine. Then, the story alternates between the two because they both start telling you the story of how the meet Mr. Pignati. It started as a game, which the object was to keep a stranger talk on the phone as long as possible. When Lorraine first speaks to Mr. Pignati, she pretends to be from a charity. Mr. Pignati, lonely and good-hearted agrees to make a donation. The only thing is – they have to go to his house and actually get the money. This is how their adventures begins.

This book states the perfect example of how being kind to other will impact others. Mr. Pignati was sweet, pure and a kind hearted. I loved his character so much. And even though he was betrayed, he stayed true to himself. The Pigman is such a heartwarming story and people of all ages would easily fall in love with it.