Thursday, May 19, 2016

Esther The Wonder Pig - Review AND Giveaway

Okay, the title caught your eye didn't it? Esther the Wonder Pig: Changing the World One Heart at a Time. And how about that cute little piggy face?

Well, inside the pages of Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter's new book, written with Caprice Crane, you'll find the story of Esther, the mini pig that was, well, a big pig.

Steve and his partner Derek are animal lovers. They were living with a pair of dogs and cats in their home in a large urban area in Ontario when an old high school friend of Steve's contacted him. (After 15 years of no contact...)

" Hey Steve. I know you've always been a huge animal lover. I have a mini pig that is not getting along with my dogs. I've just had a baby and I can't keep the pig."

Uh huh. So combined with that 15 years and the words 'mini pig', alarms should be going off right? Nope - Steve ends up meeting the woman and bringing home the cute little animal. It's the word 'huge' in that email that is quite prophetic. 'Esther' isn't a mini (surprise!) - instead, she ends up being a full blown commercial size pig. Yes, a 650 pound pig in a 1000 sq.ft. home!

I really enjoyed Steve's voice - I suspect he would be a hoot to meet in person. He's passionate, impetuous and downright funny. I found myself laughing out loud many times. Derek seems to be a bit calmer and more practical. But their love for Esther is the same.

Loving a full sized pig does bring some inevitable changes - physically, mentally and lifestyle. How those changes occurred and how they literally affected and inspired hundreds of thousands of people is a wonderful, heartwarming tale. Esther's story will bring a smile to your day, have you taking a second look at where your food comes from, perhaps inspire you to investigate a vegan lifestyle, support rescue operations and more.

Oh, and my book has a nice little blurb from Ricky Gervais: "Funny, moving, and heartwarming. The greatest love story ever told between two men and their pig." Yup, that about sums it up. A fun read that will leave you smiling. Read an excerpt of Esther the Wonder Pig. My only negative is the celebrity comparisons that just felt forced and awkward.

You can keep up with Esther, Steve and Derek and learn more on : ||   Website   || Esther the Wonder Pig's Facebook Page ||  Esther's Community Kitchen Facebook Page  ||  Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary  || Twitter  ||  Instagram  ||  Fan Club ||

So, if you'd like to read Esther's story, enter to win one of two copies being given away using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends June 4/16.

19 comments:

bermudaonion said...

I love stories like this - thanks for the giveaway!

traveler said...

Thanks for this captivating and unique book.

Patti V said...

Esther sounds wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I follow Esther on twitter and am curious about the book :).

Anjelicka64 said...

I look forward in seeing Esther's posts on my feed daily and I'm excited to read all about her and her two dads!

Jennifer C said...

As an animal lover and vegetarian, I would love to read this book about Esther and her family!

Karen B said...

This will be a nice switch from what I usually read!

Unknown said...

I love Esther!!!!

Unknown said...

I love Esther!!!!

Colleen Long said...

I can always count on Esther to cheer me up. I can't wait to read her story!!

Unknown said...


Esther's social media is always a good laugh with a great message

Chrissy Taverna said...

I cannot wait to read this book! Love ya, Esther!!

kellyr78 said...

This looks like such a cute story!

Icewineanne said...

Sounds like a wonderful story. Will be difficult to eat pork again after reading it, i'm sure. Thanks for the giveaway :-)

rhonda said...

Sounds like a wonderful read,

Lynne said...

I have a friend who loves Esther - I would give her the book if I won!

Unknown said...

Esther's is one of my favorite Twitter accounts to follow. So happy about this giveaway!! 🐷🐖

Unknown said...

I'd LOVE to win this!!! #fingerscrossed.

Teena in Torontoi said...

I thought this was such a cute book! I hope to visit the sanctuary this summer.