The Pigman by Paul Zindel receives praise for its realistic portrayal of teenage angst and friendship, capturing the complexities of adolescence. The narrative's humor and emotional depth resonate well. However, some critics note the dated language and certain plot elements that may not appeal to modern readers. Overall, it's a compelling, if slightly aged, coming-of-age story.

Readers who would enjoy The Pigman by Paul Zindel are typically teens drawn to coming-of-age stories marked by humor, poignancy, and relatable characters. Fans of novels like S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders and Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret will appreciate the emotional depth and exploration of adolescence.

In The Pigman by Paul Zindel, high school sophomores John Conlan and Lorraine Jensen develop a deep friendship with an eccentric, lonely man named Angelo Pignati, whom they meet through a prank phone call. As they spend time with him, they enjoy a sense of family and adventure but ultimately face consequences due to their careless actions. The novel includes themes of teenage drinking, cursing, and disrespect of adults.

Bittersweet / Mysterious / Emotional / Melancholic / Contemplative

- The Pigman was one of Paul Zindel's first young adult novels and is notable for its innovative dual perspective narrative, as it alternates chapters between the two main characters, John and Lorraine.
- The character of Mr. Pignati, or "The Pigman," was inspired by a real person Zindel knew in Staten Island who had a collection of glass pigs, reflecting the novelist's penchant for drawing from personal life experiences.
- The Pigman is frequently credited with helping to establish the young adult genre in the 1960s, providing teenagers with relatable and authentic characters experiencing typical adolescent dilemmas and emotions.

**John Conlan**  
A tall and charming high school sophomore known for his rebellious nature and tendency to concoct extravagant lies to deflect from his troubled home life. He forms an unexpected friendship with Lorraine and eventually encounters Mr. Pignati, which shapes his experiences.

**Lorraine Jensen**  
A sensitive and introspective high school student who narrates part of the story. She is interested in psychology and often feels socially isolated but finds a sense of confidence and rebellion in her friendship with John.

**Angelo Pignati**  
A lonely widower known as "the Pigman," who befriends John and Lorraine after a prank call. He is characterized by his simple kindness and welcomes the teenagers into his life, enjoying their companionship.

**Ms. Jensen**  
Lorraine's strict and often verbally abusive mother who struggles to connect with her daughter. She holds a deep mistrust of men due to past experiences and raises Lorraine with harsh expectations.

**Norton**  
An acquaintance of John's, known for his past delinquent behavior and referred to as the "Marshmallow Kid." He becomes a menacing figure in John and Lorraine's life, particularly as they become closer to Mr. Pignati.

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