3-15-2012 07:14 AM

Dear Mr. Paul Zindel,
I think your book, The Pigman is amazing, although there are a few complicated parts. I liked John's character because he is very realistic. You can relate to him, especially if you are a teenager.
I think the older setting made things less understandable because it is not our time frame. If it was more modern maybe it would be better.
I think the story would be better if The Pigman didnt die and adopted the kids. I can relate to the story because of the primary age group.
A section you could clarify would be their first trip to the zoo, that is complicated and confusing to me. Insteaad of having a sad ending, have a happy one, everyone likes those.

3-15-2012 07:14 AM

After reading the book, the Pigman, I have thought deeply about some things. The character that I like most would be John, because when I look at his life it makes me think of mine. The setting of the story goes magnificent with the backround story. The conclusion of the book was excellent. It did not end "happily ever after" like most books. It had a realistic ending. I can relate to the theme of the book because it is mostly about family and friendship, and how important they are in our lives. Also, one of the themes, "live life to the fullest",relates to me because I have tried my best to live my life to the fullest. Although this book is magnificent, I think you should have added how the wife died. It would have made the book even more intresting then it already is. Over all this is an excelletn book, and one of the best books I have ever read.

3-15-2012 07:14 AM

Dear Paul,
I recently read your book "The Pigman". The book contained good meaning and life lessons. I enjoyed the book but there are some things I would have done differently if I had written the book. I really like how the book was from two different points of view so you got to see how situations are viewed from the eyes of a reckless boy, and a conservative girl.
With all due respect,
Sydney

3-15-2012 07:14 AM

Dear Mr.Zendel,
After reading the Pigman, I had the following thoughts:
I liked the Pigman's character because he treated Lorraine and John so nice. I mean, why would anyone buy things for practically strangers? Not me!

I also liked how you made the setting of the story be about two teenagers. It's important to show the views of many different people.

I did not like the conclusion. It seemed a bit rushed, as we find out Bobo dies, and then right on the spot, Mr. Pignati dies too! It made me feel like you just killed off the characters just to end the story.

I can relate to how lonely people are brought together. When I'm lonely and have no one to talk to, I usually end up finding someone who feels the same way! Then I gain a new friend, and I'm not lonely anymore.

I was confused by why John's mother was always acting so wierd. She acted like a complete maniac!

I wish you would have told us what happened to John and Lorraine after Mr. Pignati died. It would make the ending seem not so abrupt.
Thanks!

Sincerely, Mackenzie

3-15-2012 07:08 AM

Hi Paul,Your book The Pigman was very good. If I could change anything about the story it would have been the ending. I wish you would have shown how John and Lorraine coped after the pigman died. I also wanted to know if Lorriane and John ever became more than just friends.Other than the ending i thought the book was very good and entertaing.

3-15-2012 07:06 AM

Both my 7th & 8th grade students have read The Pigman this year. They enjoyed the story and many commented that they couldn't put the book down. Not only did the book teach the literary elements of characterization, plot and theme, but I felt the novel held some valuable life lessons for adolescents.

3-15-2012 07:04 AM

Dear Mr. Paul Zindal:
My Language Arts chose your book as our class novel and I’m not an avid reader, but I really enjoyed your book. It was really hard for me to put it down after I finished the chapters that were assigned for the night. I was able to relate to many themes in your book, but the one that I related to the most would probably have to be not to lie. When I was little I used to lie all the time and thought that wasn’t a bad thing. I soon realized that that wasn’t good. After reading your book it helped me with telling the truth is the nobler thing to do.
John Conlan would have to be the character that I enjoyed the most. I always was anxious to read the chapters where he had wrote them. He is also like many people in our society today who helped me connect to this book better. I think that without him in this book it would be hard for people to see what kids in the 21st Century are like. He had a real impact on the conflicts of the story, which helped me stay interested.
I’m really glad that our classed chose this as our class novel and I hope that in the future my English classes will decide to read more of your books. I assume that they will be as intriguing as The Pigman. So one of your other books is next on my list of books to read.

3-9-2012 02:16 PM

Dear Paul,

I miss you terribly. You were the most extraordinary teacher and friend. I refer to all the notes I took from class and our emails. I can never thank you enough for all that you taught me.

Judy Crozier
USC - Master of Professional Writing


PS - David - thank you so much for creating this website. I wanted to contact you and your sister after your dads passing - but just did not know what to say. I am so very sorry for your loss.

3-8-2012 09:26 AM

Dear Mr.Zindel
Our second block class enjoyed your book The Pigman. 0ur teacher, Mrs.Davis, read the book to us which let us comprehend it a whole lot more. The book touched all of us in an emotional way. Most of us could really connect to the characters in some personal way also. We just wanted to write you and say thanks for writing such an amazing book. But before we end this letter we do have a question: where did you get the idea for Bobo the baboon?
Sincerely, Mrs.Davis' second block class

3-6-2012 07:24 PM

I knew Paul Zindel at Wagner College. I was saddened to hear of his passing. RIP Paul.

1-28-2012 11:23 AM

When I read "The Pigman", I was stunned. I had never read such a powerful book that was depressing yet comforting ever before. I almost broke out into tears when I had read the ending, but was happy that I knew the Pigman was back with his wife and Bobo again.

Last night, I just finished "The Pigman and Me" and found it just as great. I'll start reading "The Pigman's Legacy" when I have a chance. Thank you, Mr. Zindel for providing the world with such classic novels.

12-6-2011 08:09 AM

Thanks for the recommendations

11-10-2011 08:36 AM

i am reading the doom stone beacuse my friend grayson told me to and i love it

11-9-2011 06:07 PM

i just found some awsome pictures of you and stuff and im putting them on my report

11-9-2011 08:48 AM

dear mr zindel i am doing a report on reef of death and i loved it its one of the best books i have ever read

11-5-2011 04:42 PM

I really need to put up a site like this one. It really is nice.

11-2-2011 07:26 PM

Dear Mr. Zindel, 11/3/11
Iam writing you this letter to let you know how much I enjoyed your book "The Pigman. I am currently a 9th grade student and I have finished reading your book for a book report. This book was recommended to me by my mother who also read it back in high school.Once I began reading the first chapter I was hooked. One of the questions I would like to ask you is: What inspired you to write about an old man who was picked on by two teens? I look forward to reading more of your books! Sincerely, Cydney

10-27-2011 07:56 AM

WHO WS IN THE ORIGINAL CAST OF THE PLAY "EFFECTS OF GAMMA RAYS ......?
i SAW IT WHEN IT WAS ORIGINALLY PRODUCED AND WILL SEE IT AGAIN AT ITS REVIVAL HERE IN FLORIDA, BUT WONDER WHO WAS IN IT. i SEEM TO REMEBER WOODY ALLEN.
AM I CORRECT?

10-22-2011 01:03 PM

Iam so happy to have read this awesome book the pigman, Iam not a fan of reading, but when I read this book back in high school, I really enjoyed reading it! Now that I have a daughter in high school I have since introduced this book to her for an up coming book report, I get choked up when I read it again beause it brings back memories of when I read the book, Thanks again! You will truely be missed Mr. Zindel

10-19-2011 09:57 AM

I am in need of 30 paperback books of The Pigman--The budget cuts in western pa.hurt ---- I would like to begin the reading on 10/24/2011 --- any help please and thank you

9-20-2011 04:51 AM

WOW, i too was wondering if he had been writing anything more and am shocked to see that he has actually passed i read and loved all his books growing up....truly a great writer and i will be sad nothing further will be coming.

9-12-2011 10:57 PM

Great Site!!

8-21-2011 12:50 PM

I discovered Paul Zindel and the book The Pigman when I was in 9th grade at Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, Ca. I read several of his books in high school and loved everyone of them. Recently I moved and found the books in a box of old books. I reread them and still enjoyed them, then I wondered if Mr. Zindel was still writing. I was disappointed to find that he had passed eight years ago. Thank you Mr. Zindel for your works.
R.I.P Paul Zindel
xoxoxoxo amber

8-17-2011 01:23 PM

"The Pigman" rescued me as when I was a lonely and bullied teenager in Jr. High & High School. I also enjoyed "My Darling, My Hamburger". I have been waiting for YEARS for "The Effect of Gamma Rays" to be issued on dvd. My patience is running out. It is one of my favorite movies. I have even called the Newman Food Empire to ask Nell Newman ("Nell Potts") when the movie would be released. No one has an answer. So sad. Paul Zindel was a great author.

8-8-2011 06:05 AM

Nice guestbook friend... congratulations!!!

7-30-2011 02:31 PM

The Pigman became my most favorite book by the time I finished it. It was just amazing work! I know a lot of people have said this but when I first picked it up, I could not stop reading it I almost finished it in a day but I decided to leave more for the next day since I did not want it to end. After i finished I read it again this time I actually finnished it in a day, and I cried jaja. Well I'm 13 and I love reading and writting and I can not wait to read more of his books.

7-30-2011 02:26 PM

The Pigman became my most favorite book by the time I finished it. It was just amazing work! I know a lot of people have said this but when I first picked it up, I could not stop reading it I almost finished it in a day but I decided to leave more for the next day since I did not want it to end. After i finished I read it again this time I actually finnished it in a day, and I cried jaja. Well I'm 13 and I love reading and writting and I can not wait to read more of his books.

7-29-2011 03:31 AM

great work dude! your site is imposible.

6-23-2011 06:08 AM

to this day I always wondered who the girl was in Chem class that inspired Paul to write the book. I was honoered to have him as a teacher in Tottenville HS He even subed one of the classes I was in (Biology class) He this time had taken out his guitar and was struming it in the class, and we all thought that was great. we all loved this teacher. I was in the class of 1963 he was truly a gem. You have never been forgotten.

5-29-2011 10:27 PM

I read and loved Paul's writing back whilst in high school during the 70s - I was drawn in by his writing. My memories are strained about characters and story lines - I just remember bits a pieces. . .chocolate covered ants (of all things). . .I want to share the joy of this memory with my thirteen year old niece. . .is she too young for The Pigman and My Darling My Hamburger?