favorite vegan books?
Posted by owalkerjillo on May 26, 2007 · Member since Oct 2006 · 428 posts
I'm wondering what kind of books you guys like as far as for information on the vegan diet/lifestyle. Things that I can read and then cite as a source to people who ask me questions (this is somewhat spurred from the thread someone else posted about being frustrated when people ask you questions). I don't mean cookbooks (although I DO love me a good cookbook :D) I mean like information books.
Thanks guys:)
Becoming Vegan is a good nutritional source. Here's the link for Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Vegan-Complete-Adopting-Plant-Based/dp/1570671036/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-9324752-8618245?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180192977&sr=8-1
Also, The China Study is another good nutritional source. Here's the link for Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/China-Study-Comprehensive-Nutrition-Implications/dp/1932100660/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-9324752-8618245?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180193027&sr=1-1
Finally, although not containing much *info*, it is entertaining and a good read when you're feeling frustrated about the way other people treat your veganism--Vegan Freak. Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Freak-Being-Non-Vegan-World/dp/0977080412/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-9324752-8618245?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180193111&sr=1-1
Good thread--I'm excited to see the other posts!
The China Study is great.
Also, I just wanted to mention Capers in the Churchyard by Lee Hall. It's not really a book about veganism; it's more about approaches, attitudes, and methods regarding animal rights activism. I started to read the book about five or six months ago, and didn't finish it, because I seem to be doing that a lot lately with books. But I plan on giving it a thorough read again soon. As I started to read it, I was surprised that it mirrored much of my stance on compassion, views on animal rights activism, and how to be a positive influence and force as a person who cares deeply about animals. It's a great book for anyone who sort of questions and doubts PETA-like (aggressive, hostile, and somewhat violent/militant) approaches to changing the minds of people, and finds those ways of influencing others as counterproductive/hypocritical. Like I said, it's not about veganism, but it is an eye opener to the ways in which we can VIEW our own approach to veganism.
I think the most influential book for me on my path to veganism was Diet for a New America by John Robbins. He covers the benefits of a plant based diet from all aspects (human health, animal rights, environment, etc.). He is so passionate about this subject. I had trouble putting the book down. I also read his follow up book The Food Revolution. Same good stuff, immensely readable, some updates (discussion of fad diets, GMO), but I thought it lacked a little of the passion and urgency of DFNA. But that could just be because I was already convinced.
The China Study is excellent, too, along with Mad Cowboy. I can't wait to get my hands on Vegan Freak and Skinny Bitch as well, heard good things about them here....
Usually it's whatever I've read most recently, but I'd say for me The China Study makes the most compelling case for health-related reasons and Food Revolution the most compelling for animal rights-environment-health. I'm almost done with Vegan Freak and like it for giving me comebacks for harassment. I've never been one to think on my feet so it's good to have words I don't have to think of on the spur of the moment. :P
I'm almost done with Vegan Freak and like it for giving me comebacks for harassment. I've never been one to think on my feet so it's good to have words I don't have to think of on the spur of the moment. :P
Definitely good for comebacks ;)...it's sad that we have to be defensive...someday, things will change. I love that book--very logical, comical, and passionate all at the same time!
Animal Liberation & The Ethics Of What We Eat by Peter Singer. Nobody who reads either of these books could ever consider eating animal products again, not to mention using animal products or anything tested on animals. Big & wordy but ENTHRALLING.
Vegan, The New Ethics of Eating. I got it from the library. Also anything by John Robbins, right now I'm reading Healthy at 100, also from the library. I always think people should check them out from the library because I figure if no one does then they will get rid of them. Don't know if this is true but for some reason I just think that it is.
reading "diet for a new america" right now and its good. Also been reading "animal liberation" but not getting into it as much, but Im not sure why...its well enough written.
I think I want to read the China Study...but that name freaks me out...(is that lame or what?) It just sounds so "X-files" ish..you know? I think Im afraid of what i will find.
Vegan, the new ethics of Eating by Erik Marcus. John Robbins' books and all the one's I've read by Dr.Neal Barnard have been great sources of info. I want to Read all the other books that have been mentioned here too.
I always think people should check them out from the library because I figure if no one does then they will get rid of them. Don't know if this is true but for some reason I just think that it is.
For the most part, that's very true. Libraries keep getting more and more books and would run out of room if they never got rid of anything, so the lack of circulation is one of the criteria used to determine what goes and what stays. Using your library is always a good thing to do--saves you money in a couple of ways--you don't have to buy books that you'lll read only once and you can be selective about the ones you read and decide you want to own.
Everyone should own The China Study.
I also like the books by John McDougall as well as Joel Fuhrman.
Being Vegan By Joanne Stepaniak (author of the Vegan Sourcebook and other books)
I find myself regularly consulting this book on everything from the origins of veganism, vegan etiquette(i.e. how to politely tell your dinner host your dietary preferences), reading labels, looking for vegan art supplies, finding vegan personal care products, baking with vegan sugars, etc.
She answers questions on these and many, many more topics in short, compassionate and easy to understand terms. It's not a book I've read beginning to end, but one I keep nearby and use regularly.