I received this book from Wilbur, a pig. Yes, a real pig of the porcine variety. It was a thank-you for a calendar of pic portraits I’d sent him.

This is the biography of a pig who had a major life-changing effect of the two men who took her in.

Steve is an animal lover to the max. When he got a call from an old friend about possibly taking in a mini-pig, as she couldn’t care for it properly, he said he’d see. When he met the pig, it was so small and so cute je just couldn’t say no. How big could it get? It’s a mini-pig!

Convincing his partner, Derek, to accept it as an addition to the two dogs and two cats was a hurdle, but it was accomplished. When the pig, whom they had named Esther, reached the 100 pound mark it became apparent she wasn’t a mini-pig. But the men had fallen in love with their pig and couldn’t give her up. The two had learned how smart, affectionate, loyal, stubborn, devious and endearing a pig could be.

Through Esther, the two men found their view of animals, and the care of them was important. Dietary changes — sort of hard to enjoy a piece of bacon when looking at your pet, housing — a three bedroom house is not large enough for a 300 pound pig, two cats, two dogs and two humans. They bought a farm and became animal advocates by sharing their life with Esther on social media.

There is a lot of humour in the telling, but also a lot of love for lives. And you can see for yourself as Esther is on Facebook and YouTube. Quite the star! ( )

Read for book club. Fun, quick read. Cute book. ( )

My blog post about this book is at this link. ( )

Has a pig ever changed your view of the world? Esther has done this for so many! I mean, look at this face, how could you not adore her????



I happily met Esther, and her dads, last fall and though it is something I will never forget, I'm sure she's long since forgotten because HAVE YOU SEEN HOW MANY PEOPLE COME TO THE FARM JUST TO SEE HER????? I've followed Esther and her dads for such a long time and though I know most of the stories in the book already, it was beautiful to read the unending love that they have for each other and for every animal they have. I have read the eBook, the hardcover and have even listened to Steve read the audiobook. I think the audio was the best one - hearing the love in his voice and the determination to achieve their goals of living their Happily Ever Esther (whoops, I mean after, Happily Ever After!) was moving and motivating. If you have a good sense of humour and a love of animals, especially one beautiful porcine Princess, this book is for you!



The Esther Effect is real - it changes lives and changes motivations. These are some positive, wonderful people who have beautiful hearts. Esther is an inspiration to us all!!!!

Peace. Love. Esther!

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Absolutely loved this book! Started following Esther on Facebook a month and I can't get enough. It's a beautiful story of what we will do for the ones we love especially the ones who don't have the words to say thank you. Their appreciation comes in the form of snuggles and the happy light in their eyes. ( )