Saturday, April 30, 2016

Z: Paul Zindel & THE PIGMAN'S LEGACY

"You see, my mother and father never even touch each other, which makes me wonder how on earth I ever was born. I figure it was just an accident- they both happened to be walking around the bedroom nude and they made a mistake and tripped." - Paul Zindel, THE PIGMAN'S LEGACY (HarperTrophy, YA)

When I was a young kid, I frequently tagged along with my older sister to the library's teen section (they didn't even call it YA then).  I remember Paul Zindel's books were always in the Z section. I read his book THE PIGMAN'S LEGACY ages ago. This book is a sequel to a first book, THE PIGMAN, which I don't remember if I read. THE PIGMAN'S LEGACY is about two teens, John and Lorraine, a pair of friends who meet the Colonel, a senior citizen living in the same home where another senior the teens once knew had lived. (That other senior died in the first book.) At first, the Colonel doesn't seem very friendly but he eventually warms up. John and Lorraine set the Colonel up with Dolly, a lady who works in their school cafeteria. Soon after the Colonel and Dolly meet, John and Lorraine learn that the Colonel is dying. He has always known this. After marrying Dolly on his deathbed, the Colonel dies. The story ends when John and Lorraine are walking through the hospital past the nursery with the newborns. Here, John tells Lorraine he wants to spend his life with her.

My description probably gives the impression this is a sad and somber story. But much of the story is actually told with humor, as demonstrated in one of John's quotes shared at the top of the post here. I believe  humor is a weapon that some of us cultivate to better deal with the pain we experience in our lives.

Have you read THE PIGMAN'S LEGACY? Have you ever used humor to cope with something difficult?

And that's my last post for this month's Blogging from A to Z ChallengeMy theme: authors whose work I read when I was younger. Thanks to all of you who visited and supported my blog this month! 

15 comments:

Random Musings said...

I totally forgot about Paul Zindel, I read quite a few of his books when I was a kid :)
We did it! I've loved reading your posts and I would love to stay in touch after the challenge :)
Debbie

Jo said...

No never read this book. Sounds a good story. Congratulations on making it through.

Pat Hatt said...

Congrats on making it through. I think the cat uses humor in everything, good and bad haha.

The Silver Fox said...

Kudos for completing the month!

Michelle Wallace said...

My first time hearing about this book.

It's a wrap!
Congrats on reaching the finishing line.
See you again next year - same time, same place!
Writer In Transit

Stephanie Faris said...

Any topic can be made lighter with a little humor. Sounds like a talented author!

Elizabeth said...

When my friends and I go through a somber experience, we like to watch comedy shows or movies to help lighten up the mood.

I've enjoyed reading about these books you've read and I added some of them to my TBR list. It was great to meet you through the A to Z! Congrats on finishing the Challenge!

Jennifer R. Hubbard said...

I loved Paul Zindel. PARDON ME, YOU'RE STEPPING ON MY EYEBALL may have been my favorite, although I was also partial to I NEVER LOVED YOUR MIND and MY DARLING, MY HAMBURGER. (He had a gift for titles, didn't he?)
I did read THE PIGMAN'S LEGACY but didn't like it nearly as much as Zindel's other books. If you haven't read THE PIGMAN, do!

John Wiswell said...

I've never read a Paul Zindel book! Fab work this month, Cynthia.

Doree Weller said...

I always loved Paul Zindel. Good memories.
@DoreeWeller from
Doree Weller’s Blog

Liz A. said...

I may have read this. It sounds vaguely familiar. The quote at the top, especially. Maybe I read The Pigman? (Once, I started a book. About halfway through I realized it was happening in ways I was anticipating. I realized then that I had read it. I read so many books as a teen, that it's possible I read this and just don't recall the title.)

Liz A. from Laws of Gravity

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Congratulations on the completion of the A-Z challenge, Cynthia :) I shall check out this book...I do not think I have read this (though I may have and just forgot).

Shannon Lawrence said...

I frequently use humor in stressful situations. These books sound like a fun teen read. I hadn't heard of him before.

JazzFeathers said...

It does sound like a sad story, but I love that quote at the beginning.

Congratulation on completing the challenge! It's a fantastic feeling, don't you agree? :-)

Misha Gerrick said...

The quote made my day. Never heard of the book, though. Congrats on the win!

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