The Pigman

By: Paul Zindel

Narrated by: Eden Riegel, Charlie McWade

Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

One of the best-selling young-adult books of all time.

John Conlan is nicknamed “The Bathroom Bomber” after setting off firecrackers in the boys’ bathroom 23 times without ever getting caught. John and his best friend, Lorraine, can never please their parents, and school is a chore. To pass the time, they play pranks on unsuspecting people, and it's during one of these pranks that they meet the “Pigman”. In spite of themselves, John and Lorraine soon get 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 has ever mattered to them. Can they stop before it’s too late?

Zindel's groundbreaking, best-selling tour de force was one of the first young-adult books ever written and has been taught in classrooms for over 40 years. It includes a fascinating interview with the author, Paul Zindel.

Listen to the sequel, The Pigman's Legacy.

©1968 Paul Zindel (P)2009 Graymalkin Media

Critic reviews

"Charlie McWade and Eden Riegel do an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life. This remarkable audiobook is a must-have for high school and public libraries." ( School Library Journal)

Excellent way to teach point of view

Awesome narration. Students get to see two points of view and have a clear description of Lorraine and John's characterization. Narration is done by a male and female that do an excellent portrayal of the characters they represent. I highly recommend it.

One of my top 5

What made the experience of listening to The Pigman the most enjoyable?

it really brought back memories from jr high, It was one of the only books i liked reading then.

What about Eden Riegel and Charlie McWade ’s performance did you like?

the voice actors had real depth to them and really brought the characters to life.

The Pigman is a must read

Everyone whether a teenager or an adult should read this book. This book shows how life as a teenager can be difficult and to always judge a book by it’s cover. Also jt shows just because someone acts a certain way doesn’t mean they are mean.

Must Read For High Schoolers

This book is excellent for high school age kids. It is engaging and thought provoking.

Great Book!

This was my first time using Audible and I loved it. Paul Zindel is a master writer. The characters were dynamic in this thought provoking story! The Pigman is a great book for teens and adults.

loved it

my most memarable moment of the book has to be page 121 read it...
i loved the book its a really nice story and if your very but very emotional than you might drop a tear on the last pages but i loved it paul zindel did it again cant wait to read the sequel

Just Amazing.

I first read this book in middle school. I've loved it ever since. now with the narration by Eden Riegel and Charlie McWade, I've fallen in love all over again. To my surprise, it had an accompanying interview with Mr. Zindel himself. I highly recommend this version to anyone.

Horribly Depressing

Before I even begin, the way this book is narrated is amazing. One of the best readings I have heard in a while. As for the book, I am amazed we had to read in the 8th grade. Not only are the kids in the book promoting bad behavior, but the book is really depressing. I'm amazed I did not feel the same way, when I read it all those years ago.

Not as Profane and Inappropriate as You'd Think

This book was first published the year I was born: 1968. It was one of the most frequently banned books in the 1990s. That's right. Not the 1970s or the 1980s, but the 1990s. Why? Not really sure. The two main characters are high school sophomores who lie, drink, smoke, make crank phone calls. There is no profanity and no sex and maybe just a little violence (but not much). These were clearly the reasons why certain pressure groups worked to banned this book. Instead of being profane and inappropriate, the story explores the loneliness of a widower (The Pigman) and the regret the kids have when they realize that they have taken for granted a very special and short-lived relationship with The Pigman. This super fast read would likely be of interest to most young adults (and a few not so young adults).

A must-listen.

For something written in 1968, not bad, not bad at all. Great interview segment at the end, and, great narration from both.