Photo by B. DeGrande

There are so many excellent books that will help you learn about veganism and the callous treatment of animals that it can seem a bit overwhelming.  There are a few that are must-reads for those trying to travel on a road of compassion and sustainable living. Be prepared: if you decide to go vegan, you will become part of the percentage of the population who understands what the commodificaion of animals has done to our planet, our morality, and our health. The nightmare that has been created can be dismantled by those willing to brave becoming part of this minority. And it may become the most significant and rewarding part of your life.

One of the authors who has been paramount in  helping to facilitate a pardigm shift respective to animal commodification is Gary L. Francione.  Mr. Francione suggests that the welfare approach to improving the lives of animals has failed; whether it be in the laboratory or in the factory farm, the entertainment industry or the zoo, the core issue that jeopardizes animals is that they are property. For every single issue regarding animal cruelty that is eradicated, two or three more pop up to take its place. Mr. Francione has written several books, any of which should prove tremendously helpful to anyone concerned about the lives of animals.  Mr. Francione maintains a non-violent approach to achievingi this shift in thinking and behavior.  Animals, Property and the Law, Rain without Thunder, Introduction to Animal Rights: Your Child or the Dog?, and Animals as Persons: Essays on the Abolition of Animal Exploitation are some of his titles.  They are available at your local library or your favorite bookseller. You may also be interested in the Abolitionist Approach website (see below), and can purchase his books there as well.

Another author that is very helpful to the emerging vegan is Dr. Bob Torres.  He and his wife, Dr. Jenna Torres, have co-authored the book, Vegan Freaks: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World.  Dr. Torres has also written Making a Killing: The Political Economy of Animal Rights.  The Drs. Torres run Tofu Hound Press, a publishing firm that promotes vegan authors, a Vegan Freaks online forum, and a website (see below).  They provide excellent podcasts which can be quite helpful to new vegans or those curioius about veganism. Their podcasts are lively and down-to-earth; if you do not mind frank language, you will love them. There are a couple of still-life videos on YouTube, too. Their books are widely available at booksellers and online.

Another important contributor towards helping illuminate the chilling and cruel conditions that most animals experience is Matthew Scully in his book, Dominion. Mr. Scully opens the doors of factory farms to help us all see the horror that is life for living, feeling animals in these mechanized facilities. He examines sport hunting, canned hunting (which use domesticated and zoo animals), the plunder of sealife and marine mammals, and the detachment from the natural world that has led us to compartmentalize our relationships with animals: some are our precious family members, who are protected (somewhat) by law, and others are units of profit, worthy of no protection or compassion. His book concludes with a list of legal changes that need to take place in order to assure a more humane future for all of us, including our animal brethren.  

 For further information:

Abolitionist Approach

Vegan Freaks

MatthewScully.com

20 things you can do to help animals

Other books