Chapter 7 Summary

John dismisses Lorraine's talk of bad omens. He had fun at the zoo and Mr. Pignati bought them lots of peanuts and candy and ice cream. He describes Mr. Pignati as harmless, although perhaps a little crazy. They even decide to visit Mr. Pignati the next day after school.

On their way to Mr. Pignati's house, they run into Norton and Dennis, who want to go to the cemetery and drink beer with them. John describes a special tomb where they hang out at the cemetery and talks about how lovely cemeteries are, unless you're dead, that is. He ruminates on death, decay and ghosts.

They go home for dinner before leaving to visit Mr. Pignati later that night. At dinner, John's parents, who he has nicknamed "Bore" and "Hyper," talk about getting John a part-time job where his father works. He has...