Lazarus Guestbook

tterrag tdniwhcs

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:01:25 +0000

It was a good book but i dont really like reading a book that my teacher make me read!:(

michael kroll

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:54:38 +0000

your book is good and i hopr that you still wright good books like the pig man

gage brooks

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:12:46 +0000

why do so many people like books i think every book is boring i cant stand to read it sucks. peace peace didy dog

bryce lehner

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:12:29 +0000

your book is a good book

Chris

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:47:26 +0000

I read your book in 1978 and was thinking about it today. Has it been made into a stage play?

Zoey H

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:38:02 +0000

My language arts class just finished reading oone of your books, "The Pigman". I thought it was a very good book and felt that I could relate to it.
My favorite character out of the whole book might have been John Conlan. I guess this is because in some ways i see similarities between us. Like he tries to be strong and not let others see his emotions or how he feels. I am the same way, try to keep things inside adn to myself. John also has soem bad habits and i do too. Just not as bad as drinking and smoking.
One thing that I found surprising was that this book was written in the 1960's. It just shocked me because a;; pf what John and Lorraine was going throuqh seemed so familiar. Like that even kids today go through things like that. It showed me that whatever the time difference, there is always someone who is going through hard times.
Also another thing that has been on my mind is the conclusion. At first I thought it was so sad and shouldn't of happened. Then I thought about it some more and decided that it was actually good. Maybe you should of added a second book about what happened to John and Lorraine. Or maybe of given at lwast a little more info on how things were after Mr.Pignati died.
I think that making Pigman and Bobo die was a great way of showing a lesson or a theme. Like life is what you make of it, nothing more and nothing less

T. Kersey

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:30:00 +0000

My Language Arts class read the Pigman and at first it looked dumb, but it turned out to be pretty good. I like how John and Loraine are close to our classe's age. We could relate to them. Of all of the characters in this book, I like John the best. I like how he's carefree and wild. He doesn't give in to conformity. John always tries to be himself. The setting for this book worked perfectly. New York is a very busy city and when the Pigman died, it went well with one of the themes. Nobody wanted to be around the Pigman until he was dead at the zoo. The conclusion to this story wasn't that great. I wanted to know how John and Lorraine felt about the Pigman's death and their mistakes. I also would've liked to know how John and Lorraine's relationship went (Did they stay friends or become more?). One of the themes in this book was friendship. John, Lorraine, and the Pigman were all outcast. They didn't socialize with other people because they felt like outcasts, but they realized that in one another and became friends. One part of the book that I need clarification in was the part about John and Lorraine being charity workers. Did Mr Pignati know they weren't workers the whole time and just go along so they'd hang out with him? If one part could be added to this book, I'd add something about how John and Lorraine went throughout their daily lives after the incident. The ending was like a cliffhanger to how they both coped with the affect of his sudden death.

T. Kersey

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:29:50 +0000

Jared

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:28:19 +0000

Dear Mr. Paul Zindel,
I have just finnished The Pigman. It was a great book. The Pigman was my favorite character because he was very nice and open hearted. I did not want him to die but I think it made the book more interesting.
The teens in your book acted like a lot of teens do now days. John was a wild boy who drank and smoked. Lorraine was a nice girl who was also sneaky.
The book was straight forward and easy to read. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading another one of your books.

Skyler

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:27:27 +0000

I read the Pigman and I loved it. It showed some of the true lifes of teens and what they may go through today. My favorite character is John. I like him for the simple reason that he is not scared. He's not scared to say what he thinks or to say his opinion. He speaks his mind. Even though he does have a lot of trouble in his life he still handles it as though I would have myself. He isn't scared to do what he thinks is right.
The setting of the pigman was in New York. Lorraine and John mostly spent most of their time in the book at the Pigman's house.If I was though to add anything I think I would have added some more detail to the setting in the book, and to the end. I enjoyed the end though because it did give a mystery to the whole story. It made you wonder what is going to happen to Lorraine and John when they get home.
The theme of the story realated to me in a odd way. The theme that I related to was "Enjoy the little things." Lorraine and John both in the the book didn't have much. A simple phone book and a phone made them happy. I try my best in life to enjoy the things that God gave me and live life to the fullest with them.
The one thing I wanted to know more about though was the kiss between Lorraine and John. Even though the kiss was awkard, and the author did speak some about it I still wanted to know where the realtionship ever went in their situation. I loved the book, but I just thought that he should added little more.

Kensley S.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:25:28 +0000

After reading the book "The Pigman" I have the following thoughts.
I liked how John and Lorraine are opposites with completly different personalities but are still very close friends. They help each other realize things that they would not otherwize discover on their own.
I liked the setting in New York. John and Lorraine were mostly at the Pigman's house and the zoo when things happened. The Pigman's house was described well and it seemed like John and Lorraine liked it. They were at their homes at night to sleep but that was pretty much it, they left when they could.
I liked the way that the book ended. I knew that Mr. Pignati was going to die and I liked the way he ended the relationship between John and Lorraine, it was sweet.
I think that take reponsibility for your actions is a good theme for the novel "The Pigman." I can relate to this theme because I don't always admit to what I do and this book has made me realize that I need to.
I thought that the book was pretty clear and easy to follow/understand. It went in order and it was not at all confusing. He did a great job.
"The Pigman" needed some chapters from the Pigmans perspective. That way we would know what he though, felt, and wondered about John, Lorraine, his wife, his heart attack, the party, etc.

Patrick-B

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:23:56 +0000

Dear Paul,
I think The Pigman has an accurate potrayal of teenage life. John and Lorraine lying to their parents, skipping school, and drinking all portray the rebellious side of every teen. The point of view in the book was very interesting. You could have one opinion in one chapter and the next one would give you a completely different opinion.I understood just about everything pretty well. I think it was very well layed out.Overall, this book was a literary masterpiece.

Nicole :)

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:21:30 +0000

I enjoyed reading The Pigman. It taught me some valuable lessons that are needed for everyday life. I really loved how the characters were layed out so that people could connect with them. Lots of people have family issues like John and Lorraine did.

Something that i would like was if there was another book that either continued on or went back into Mr. Pignati's past. Also I want to know how Conchetta died, which goes along to what I said before about writting another book.

I really think the book kind of ended abruptly, there should have been a funeral for Mr. Pignati. Also I think John and Lorraine should have developed some kind of relationship (other than being just friends) before it ended.

The Character I enjoyed the most was John. He was always layed back and easy going. He lives life to the fullest and enjoys life pretty much. Lorraine on the other hand kind of got on my nerves, she was really picky, and almost nerdy, but i felt sorry for her. Mr. Pignati taught almost everyone who read the book to be happy even on the worst of days, because he was always smiling, but on the inside he could have been suffering over missing is wife or something else.

Overall this book was really great! It taught me lessons that I am going to try to keep for the rest of my life! :)

Emily B

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:21:03 +0000

Dear Paul,
Our class recently read your novel, "The Pigman". The book had many great life lessons that were easy to relate to. I loved how you had two narrarators. This allowed me to get multiple perspectives of the events that took place. I really wish that Mr. Pignati lived,that is the only thing I would've changed. Other than that this novel was excellent for teen and adult readers.
-Emily

Min K.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:17:32 +0000

Dear Paul Zindel,
My favorite character in your book was John because he was a "bathroom bomber." He cared about the action and he was care-free.
In my opinion, the setting went well with what happened in the book. The conclusion of the book was good. I didn't enjoy the fact that Mr. Pignati died though.
The theme of the book was depressing for me, as death isn't particularly "fun." The theme did not take away from how good the book was.
I did not understand how Mr. Pignati believed that John and Lorraine were actually charity workers, and I would like to know what happened to John and Lorraine after this incidence with Mr. Pignati.

Spell

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:16:36 +0000

When i finished the book there were serveral things I wanted to share.
I liked that John and Lorraine had completley different personalities, but they were still best friends. I also thought that having John, Lorraine and Mr. Pignati all seem "lonely" was a good idea in a sense. It made the book flow really well. They could all relate to each other while they were feeling down.
There were also some things that I didn't understand. I didn't quite get why John was looking for some proof of afterlife. Was he trying to prove it for pleasure, or was there reasoning behind it? Could it possibly be becasuse he wanted to see Mr. Pignati again? I can't seem to figure it out.
I disliked some things as well. I didn't like the ending. Mr. Pignati brought joy to those two kids lives and then he is gone just like that. It doesn't seem fair, but I guess life is not fair. Even Bobo died! I thought you might would have left him alive so they would have something to remember him by. I guess not though. All they have is each other now. They have to live like that for the rest of their lives or until they move away.
All in all I enjoyed the book.

Reed H.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:14:44 +0000

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.

Madison M

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:14:41 +0000

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.

Sydney S.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:14:30 +0000

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

Mackenzie

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:14:02 +0000

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

Maya :)

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:08:19 +0000

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.

Mrs. Edwards

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:06:27 +0000

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.

Bailey

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:04:29 +0000

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.

Judy Crozier

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:16:39 +0000

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.

Mrs. Davis 2nd Block

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:26:34 +0000

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

Evelyn M Leirer Doermann

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:24:46 +0000

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

Alex Atchison

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:23:03 +0000

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.

icestyactioff

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:09:31 +0000

Thanks for the recommendations

mike hessle

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:36:40 +0000

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

Grayson Hart

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 01:07:41 +0000

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