The Good Good Pig

by: Sy Montgomery

Published by: Ballantine Books

Reviewed by Linda Lee

Christopher Hogwood started life as a sickly runt. Sy Montgomery saved him from slaughter and started a friendship that lasted over a decade. Eating his way into her life, and the hearts of her friends and neighbors who helped turn him into a 750-pound friend, Chris became a focus in the author's life. Friends saved, and even froze and transported slops for him to eat. Neighborhood girls helped him enjoy his muddy spa, and children delighted in cuddling the huge hog. The neighbors and local police officers recognized him and treated him much as you would a lost child instead of runaway livestock. Chris's wanderings and personality bring more friends and love into his and his owner's life.

The author seems to prefer the company of animals to some people and has traveled the world to study and write about them. She has spent time with tarantulas, snakes, pink dolphins and tree kangaroos as well as women primatologists like Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey. She has written about all this to share her love of animals with the world. Her love of Chris comes across in a manner that makes you want a pig of your own.

Parents who refuse to accept her Jewish husband, and also hide the truth of their own heritage, drive her to seek companionship outside her family. There are no hurt feelings or bitterness in a relationship with a hog. As long as food and mud are plentiful, contentment abounds in the barn where Chris lives. How much better could life get?

A tale of love, livestock and laughs along with a new paperback edition make this story even more inviting.

Armchair Interviews says: Lots of laughs and wonderful stories.

Author's Web site: http://www.goodgoodpig.com