A Day No Pigs Would Die
176
Novel • Fiction
Vermont • 1920s
1972
YA
12-16 years
In Robert Newton Peck's A Day No Pigs Would Die, Rob Peck navigates his adolescence on an impoverished Vermont farm, facing challenges including bullying, economic hardship, and difficult family dynamics, while forming a deep bond with his pet pig Pinky. Themes of life, loss, and resilience permeate as Rob matures and takes on adult responsibilities. This book discusses the death of a pet and a family member.
Melancholic
Challenging
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Hopeful
10,779 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Robert Newton Peck's A Day No Pigs Would Die blends poignant narrative with rural authenticity, capturing the essence of Shaker life. Readers appreciated its heartfelt depiction of family and maturity but noted that its graphic details might be unsettling for younger audiences. Some found the pacing uneven, yet its sincerity and emotional depth resonated strongly.
A reader who would enjoy A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck appreciates coming-of-age stories set in rural America. Ideal for fans of Where the Red Fern Grows and Old Yeller, they favor narratives about family, hardship, and moral lessons, immersed in a rustic, early 20th-century setting.
10,779 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Robert Newton Peck drew inspiration for A Day No Pigs Would Die from his own experiences growing up on a farm in rural Vermont, blending autobiographical elements into the narrative.
The book was published in 1972 and marked Peck's debut as an author, becoming one of his most celebrated works despite his reluctance in the beginning to pursue a writing career.
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A Day No Pigs Would Die is notable for its authentic portrayal of Shaker culture and rural farm life, reflecting Peck's deep respect for his father's Shaker background.
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176
Novel • Fiction
Vermont • 1920s
1972
YA
12-16 years
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