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The 30-Day Vegan Challenge: The Ultimate Guide to Eating Cleaner, Getting Leaner, and Living Compassionately
Take the 30-Day Vegan Challenge and see the difference a plant-based diet can make in your life! Whether you want to improve your overall health, shed a few pounds, demonstrate your compassion for animals, or help the environment, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau holds your hand every step of the way, giving you the tools you need to make the vegan transition—healthfully, joyfully, and deliciously. In this one-stop, comprehensive guide, Patrick-Goudreau debunks common nutrition myths and explains the best sources of such nutrients as calcium, protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acidshelps you become a savvy shopper, restock your kitchen, read labels, and prepare nutrient-rich meals without feeling overwhelmedoffers practical strategies for eating out, traveling, hosting holiday gatherings, and attending social eventsempowers you to experience the tangible and intangible benefits of living a healthful, compassionate lifeFrom the Trade Paperback edition.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2011
70 people are currently reading
1104 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
12 books400 followersColleen Patrick-Goudreau’s compassionate living philosophy is propelling plant-based eating into the mainstream and forever changing how we regard animals.
A recognized expert and thought leader on the culinary, social, ethical, and practical aspects of living compassionately and healthfully, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau is a speaker, cultural commentator, podcaster, and award-winning author of seven books, including the bestselling
*The Joy of Vegan Baking
*The Vegan Table
*Color Me Vegan
*Vegan’s Daily Companion
*On Being Vegan
*The 30-Day Vegan Challenge
*The Joyful Vegan
She is an acclaimed speaker and beloved host of the inspiring podcast, “Food for Thought,” which was voted Favorite Podcast by VegNews magazine readers several years in a row. She launched a spin-off podcast called Animalogy in 2017. Along with fellow advocates, she recently formed a political action committee called East Bay Animal PAC to work with government officials on animal issues in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Colleen shares her message of compassion and wellness on national and regional TV and radio programs, including on monthly segment on Good Day Sacramento and as a monthly contributor on National Public Radio (KQED). She has appeared on the Food Network, CBS, PBS, and FOX; interviews with her have been featured on NPR, Huffington Post, U.S. News and World Report; and her recipes have been featured on Epicurious.com and Oprah.com.
Colleen lives in Oakland, CA with her husband David and two cats, Charlie and Michiko.
A recognized expert and thought leader on the culinary, social, ethical, and practical aspects of living compassionately and healthfully, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau is a speaker, cultural commentator, podcaster, and award-winning author of seven books, including the bestselling
*The Joy of Vegan Baking
*The Vegan Table
*Color Me Vegan
*Vegan’s Daily Companion
*On Being Vegan
*The 30-Day Vegan Challenge
*The Joyful Vegan
She is an acclaimed speaker and beloved host of the inspiring podcast, “Food for Thought,” which was voted Favorite Podcast by VegNews magazine readers several years in a row. She launched a spin-off podcast called Animalogy in 2017. Along with fellow advocates, she recently formed a political action committee called East Bay Animal PAC to work with government officials on animal issues in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Colleen shares her message of compassion and wellness on national and regional TV and radio programs, including on monthly segment on Good Day Sacramento and as a monthly contributor on National Public Radio (KQED). She has appeared on the Food Network, CBS, PBS, and FOX; interviews with her have been featured on NPR, Huffington Post, U.S. News and World Report; and her recipes have been featured on Epicurious.com and Oprah.com.
Colleen lives in Oakland, CA with her husband David and two cats, Charlie and Michiko.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 27, 2018
For those folks who may be curious about plant-based eating but aren’t quite sure where to start, here is a colorful, upbeat introduction complete with advice and recipes. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau is known online as the Joyful Vegan, and her videos and blogs live up to the moniker. Rather than dwelling on the depressing facts of animal treatment or slipping into dourness and misanthropy, Patrick-Goudreau keeps things optimistic and inclusive, both welcoming omnivores and serving as a model for other vegans.
I’ll admit to skipping over some of the material here, as I’m a longtime herbivore and don’t really need all of the newbie tips included in this book. I copied a couple recipes for future use.
Other takeaways/highlights:
-The author’s recounting of the most frequent comment she hears will have every veg*n nodding in recognition: “I don’t eat that much meat.” Honestly, if I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me while they were eating meat, I would be quite wealthy. Patrick-Goudreau’s message is that we all need to be a little more mindful of what we’re eating, and trying vegan for a month is a great way of doing just that.
-So many of us blame all of our health problems on “bad genes” while willfully ignoring the elephant in the room—that diet and lifestyle matter just as much as, or even more than, heredity in most of America’s top chronic diseases. One’s habits also help influence the outcome if we are struck by serious illness.
-Some people become quite emotional when arguing the “naturalness” of eating meat or the human heritage of carnivory. The author injects some humor into the debate when she describes how her cat reacts when she spots a bird out the window, and asks, “Do you act that way when you see a bird?”
-“Every day…we are told what to eat, especially when it comes to animal products.” These messages “are so powerful, so prevalent, and so effective that any recommendations against consuming meat, dairy, or eggs are called biased.” “We’ve been conditioned to believe that to consume meat, dairy, and eggs is to take a neutral position, but to be vegan is to have ‘an agenda.’”
-“Once you look at the world through a vegan lens, you realize how effortless it is to find an abundance of options…you just may have never noticed before because you weren’t looking for it,” the author writes, and I couldn’t agree more. When they exclaim, “Oh, that sounds so hard!” or “I could never do that!” I want my omni friends to know that I don’t shop on Jupiter. I shop and eat at the same places you do. The cruelty-free choices are right there, hiding in plain sight.
- Patrick-Goudreau advises, don’t use the word “fake” for vegan food, a habit I’ve engaged in but which I agree I need to break. Plant-based meat and dairy products are real food. Using phrases like “vegan pepperoni” or “coconut milk ice cream” makes sense, but “fake” food is what’s found in a children’s toy kitchen set.
-Many plant-based products we think of as modern or even trendy are nothing new. Almond milk was used in Asia throughout the Middle Ages. Tofu, seitan, and tempeh have centuries-long pedigrees.
-Choosing vegan is about one’s values and morality, rather than about restriction or rules. “I’m not forbidden to eat animals or their milk or eggs. I don’t want to eat animals or their milk or eggs,” the author writes.
-I’ll conclude with one of my favorite lines from the book, the sobering thought that our world “seeks to encourage empathy, kindness, and compassion in children but seems suspicious of these same values in adults.”
I’ll admit to skipping over some of the material here, as I’m a longtime herbivore and don’t really need all of the newbie tips included in this book. I copied a couple recipes for future use.
Other takeaways/highlights:
-The author’s recounting of the most frequent comment she hears will have every veg*n nodding in recognition: “I don’t eat that much meat.” Honestly, if I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me while they were eating meat, I would be quite wealthy. Patrick-Goudreau’s message is that we all need to be a little more mindful of what we’re eating, and trying vegan for a month is a great way of doing just that.
-So many of us blame all of our health problems on “bad genes” while willfully ignoring the elephant in the room—that diet and lifestyle matter just as much as, or even more than, heredity in most of America’s top chronic diseases. One’s habits also help influence the outcome if we are struck by serious illness.
-Some people become quite emotional when arguing the “naturalness” of eating meat or the human heritage of carnivory. The author injects some humor into the debate when she describes how her cat reacts when she spots a bird out the window, and asks, “Do you act that way when you see a bird?”
-“Every day…we are told what to eat, especially when it comes to animal products.” These messages “are so powerful, so prevalent, and so effective that any recommendations against consuming meat, dairy, or eggs are called biased.” “We’ve been conditioned to believe that to consume meat, dairy, and eggs is to take a neutral position, but to be vegan is to have ‘an agenda.’”
-“Once you look at the world through a vegan lens, you realize how effortless it is to find an abundance of options…you just may have never noticed before because you weren’t looking for it,” the author writes, and I couldn’t agree more. When they exclaim, “Oh, that sounds so hard!” or “I could never do that!” I want my omni friends to know that I don’t shop on Jupiter. I shop and eat at the same places you do. The cruelty-free choices are right there, hiding in plain sight.
- Patrick-Goudreau advises, don’t use the word “fake” for vegan food, a habit I’ve engaged in but which I agree I need to break. Plant-based meat and dairy products are real food. Using phrases like “vegan pepperoni” or “coconut milk ice cream” makes sense, but “fake” food is what’s found in a children’s toy kitchen set.
-Many plant-based products we think of as modern or even trendy are nothing new. Almond milk was used in Asia throughout the Middle Ages. Tofu, seitan, and tempeh have centuries-long pedigrees.
-Choosing vegan is about one’s values and morality, rather than about restriction or rules. “I’m not forbidden to eat animals or their milk or eggs. I don’t want to eat animals or their milk or eggs,” the author writes.
-I’ll conclude with one of my favorite lines from the book, the sobering thought that our world “seeks to encourage empathy, kindness, and compassion in children but seems suspicious of these same values in adults.”
July 18, 2011
I haven't yet read this in its entirety. Maybe I will someday. I don't want to buy it, because it's meant for people who are new to veganism. Most of what she covers is stuff I already know. My mom had it from the library and I spent a few days scanning through it. It's a wonderfully thorough resource for newbies on the vegan scene, covering just about any question or circumstance you might encounter as you consider a vegan lifestyle. It also has quite a few recipes scattered throughout.
I think she could have dispensed with the repeated references to "animals and their reproductive secretions." Why not just say animal products? If you want to invite people to be part of the gang, you don't do it by grossing them out. Just sayin'....
I think she could have dispensed with the repeated references to "animals and their reproductive secretions." Why not just say animal products? If you want to invite people to be part of the gang, you don't do it by grossing them out. Just sayin'....
January 9, 2015
I feel slightly foolish because I bought this book mainly to support Colleen's work since I already had the first edition, which was itself already fabulous. I didn't think the second edition would be that much better than the first. I figured I could peruse it and then pass it on to a friend. Silly me. This book isn't leaving my hands. :)
Today I got my copy in the mail and as soon as I opened it up, I squealed. I kid you not. Squealed like a little girl. It is so gorgeous and, though I had read earlier reviews saying there were indeed new recipes, I wasn't anticipating much. Not because the author isn't a splendid cook (she is) but because I haven't been feeling very jazzed to be in the kitchen lately. (Pure laziness.) I have bought and received more cookbooks than one person needs and yet continued to feel "meh" about cooking anything more than the simplest fare. But tonight my tired heart beat wildly upon seeing some of these beautiful recipes. I declared to the empty room, "I'll make THAT! And THAT! And THAT!" It's refreshing to be inspired again. And coconut bacon? Oh my.
There are new and very relevant sections of the book that I'll be diving into tonight. (After I try one of her recipes of course. The peanut coconut sauce will be whipped up after this review is submitted.)
The layout of the book is stunning. The way a book looks and feels is very important to me, as it's part of the whole visceral experience. This version is hardcover and a sturdy one at that. (Not the kind that will split at the seams when placed in my kitchen cookbook holder multiple times. I get so bummed when cookbooks wimp out.) The type is professional but playful, just the way I like it. And the photos are pieces of art. Very well done. Not only beautiful, but they make you want to eat the food off the page. And I love how downright happy everyone looks in the pictures. Nothing staged-looking about them. I felt like I was chillin' with Colleen in her backyard.
Also, I've never read a cooler dedication.
So there you have it. I will most likely update this as I try the recipes, but I simply had to throw in my two cents right away. Buy the darned thing. Go.
Today I got my copy in the mail and as soon as I opened it up, I squealed. I kid you not. Squealed like a little girl. It is so gorgeous and, though I had read earlier reviews saying there were indeed new recipes, I wasn't anticipating much. Not because the author isn't a splendid cook (she is) but because I haven't been feeling very jazzed to be in the kitchen lately. (Pure laziness.) I have bought and received more cookbooks than one person needs and yet continued to feel "meh" about cooking anything more than the simplest fare. But tonight my tired heart beat wildly upon seeing some of these beautiful recipes. I declared to the empty room, "I'll make THAT! And THAT! And THAT!" It's refreshing to be inspired again. And coconut bacon? Oh my.
There are new and very relevant sections of the book that I'll be diving into tonight. (After I try one of her recipes of course. The peanut coconut sauce will be whipped up after this review is submitted.)
The layout of the book is stunning. The way a book looks and feels is very important to me, as it's part of the whole visceral experience. This version is hardcover and a sturdy one at that. (Not the kind that will split at the seams when placed in my kitchen cookbook holder multiple times. I get so bummed when cookbooks wimp out.) The type is professional but playful, just the way I like it. And the photos are pieces of art. Very well done. Not only beautiful, but they make you want to eat the food off the page. And I love how downright happy everyone looks in the pictures. Nothing staged-looking about them. I felt like I was chillin' with Colleen in her backyard.
Also, I've never read a cooler dedication.
So there you have it. I will most likely update this as I try the recipes, but I simply had to throw in my two cents right away. Buy the darned thing. Go.
November 29, 2011
The perfect book to give someone who is considering making the transition to a vegan lifestyle. Answers every question you might ever have in a kind, non-judgmental (and entertaining!) way, and includes awesome recipes too (a selection of her most popular ones from her other cookbooks). I already bought three copies to give away to friends and family, which I don't think I've ever done with a book. Colleen is wonderful, and absolutely the person who inspired me to become vegan.
February 2, 2012
This is an excellent book. My husband got it for me for Christmas after I told him I was interested in transitioning to being vegan in the new year. I had already been vegetarian for several months.
In January, I signed up for the 21 Day Vegan Kickstart via PCRM and decided to also take this book one chapter/day at a time through my first month of being vegan. I have to say it really helped me a lot. Colleen's writing style is down to earth and friendly, and she's incredible easy to understand. She's also non-judgmental. While she lays out the facts for you, she doesn't do it in a fire and brimstone kind of way. She covers different angles of controversial topics such as feeding pet animals a vegan diet and the consumption of honey. I really appreciated as a new vegan reading different sides of the arguments.
She also covers a variety of important topics, and her chapter on protein is particularly well written and covers a lot of points that my athletic husband has found helpful in his transition to being vegan.
I also have really, really enjoyed every single recipe I've tried out of this book. While I agree with some other readers that I wish (now that I'm finished with the book) that the recipes were all in one section, while I was reading the book day by day I liked looking at new recipes within the chapters they were related to.
For anyone thinking of going vegan or just looking for some really interesting nutritional information and great recipes, I would definitely say check this one out!
In January, I signed up for the 21 Day Vegan Kickstart via PCRM and decided to also take this book one chapter/day at a time through my first month of being vegan. I have to say it really helped me a lot. Colleen's writing style is down to earth and friendly, and she's incredible easy to understand. She's also non-judgmental. While she lays out the facts for you, she doesn't do it in a fire and brimstone kind of way. She covers different angles of controversial topics such as feeding pet animals a vegan diet and the consumption of honey. I really appreciated as a new vegan reading different sides of the arguments.
She also covers a variety of important topics, and her chapter on protein is particularly well written and covers a lot of points that my athletic husband has found helpful in his transition to being vegan.
I also have really, really enjoyed every single recipe I've tried out of this book. While I agree with some other readers that I wish (now that I'm finished with the book) that the recipes were all in one section, while I was reading the book day by day I liked looking at new recipes within the chapters they were related to.
For anyone thinking of going vegan or just looking for some really interesting nutritional information and great recipes, I would definitely say check this one out!
January 7, 2012
An excellent resource for anyone just starting out on a journey of switching from a SAD (Standard American Diet) to a vegan diet. I recommend the book to anyone who has no knowledge or limited knowledge of nutrition.
The author speaks her mind about her ethical reasons for following a vegan diet, but not in a preachy way. She educates you on the horrific way animals are treated in the production of the foods we accept at our table every meal, but she writes to inform, not to influence your personal reasons for switching to a vegan diet. Most people looking into this lifestyle already have an idea of what is involved in our food production and that's part of what put us here. My reasons are mainly health related and I am not put off by her points about the treatment of animals.
My biggest complaint about the book is that the recipes are scattered in the chapters and there is not singe section or reference to direct you to recipes for specific meals. So, if I want to find a recipe for dinner, I have to hunt through all the chapters to find the recipes and all through the book to view all the different ones that could be used for dinner and then decide what I want. Very cumbersome.
She provides a great number of resources for further research into all of the different options for food substitutions and suggestions on where to locate products so you aren't guessing or hunting for them.
The author speaks her mind about her ethical reasons for following a vegan diet, but not in a preachy way. She educates you on the horrific way animals are treated in the production of the foods we accept at our table every meal, but she writes to inform, not to influence your personal reasons for switching to a vegan diet. Most people looking into this lifestyle already have an idea of what is involved in our food production and that's part of what put us here. My reasons are mainly health related and I am not put off by her points about the treatment of animals.
My biggest complaint about the book is that the recipes are scattered in the chapters and there is not singe section or reference to direct you to recipes for specific meals. So, if I want to find a recipe for dinner, I have to hunt through all the chapters to find the recipes and all through the book to view all the different ones that could be used for dinner and then decide what I want. Very cumbersome.
She provides a great number of resources for further research into all of the different options for food substitutions and suggestions on where to locate products so you aren't guessing or hunting for them.
December 4, 2011
I was a little ahead of the book most of the time, but there is great information in here for new vegans or people who just want to try it out. I haven't tried her recipes, yet, but they look fantastic.
December 31, 2013
Informative with some good recipes. Practical stuff for alternative "milks". I like the chart for salad ideas. However, her veganism is definitely her religion. I don't share the same views entirely, but it is helpful for expanding your diet and for healthier versions of what you may already make.
April 8, 2019
This was very helpful! Great recipes and even some tips I haven't thought of yet.
August 25, 2017
Though I became vegan before ever knowing about this book, I can still appreciate all the good tips Colleen Patrick-Goudreau offers. I recommend this to all new aspiring vegans!
July 21, 2012
Good if you're looking for some ideas about what's involved in veganism and how to work it into your life. The tips on how to deal with what's commonly thought of as vegan-unfriendly situations (traveling, restaurants, etc) are great for vegetarianism as well. There are plenty of great recipes throughout.
Don't be fooled by the claim that the book isn't preachy, though. Colleen lets you know very strongly her position on animal flesh and secretion consumption. She makes some dishonest, sweeping claims about meat consumption and livestock ranching, at one point going so far as to assert that there were absolutely no exceptions to one of her claims. I'd guess most people who are reading this book and have ethical objections to meat consumption won't care though. The rest should be able to look past the more sensational claims and still get plenty of good information.
Don't be fooled by the claim that the book isn't preachy, though. Colleen lets you know very strongly her position on animal flesh and secretion consumption. She makes some dishonest, sweeping claims about meat consumption and livestock ranching, at one point going so far as to assert that there were absolutely no exceptions to one of her claims. I'd guess most people who are reading this book and have ethical objections to meat consumption won't care though. The rest should be able to look past the more sensational claims and still get plenty of good information.
December 16, 2014
This is THE beginner's guide. If you know someone thinking about being vegan or even eating fewer animal products, get them this book. It's well-written in a friendly, helpful tone with a balance of information and tasty recipes. I can't stop making the Strawberry Bruschetta (for breakfast, snack, dessert, any time!) and who knew savory crepes (Socca) were so easy - and happen to be unnoticeably gluten free! Goudreau is one of two cookbook authors I trust and widely recommend; her recipes are tested and reliable - no disasters with wasted ingredients. After you love this, check out my other two favorites, "The Vegan Table" and "The Joy of Vegan Baking."
And if you ever get a chance to see Goudreau speak, don't miss it! She gives an excellent talk.
And if you ever get a chance to see Goudreau speak, don't miss it! She gives an excellent talk.
June 2, 2016
This isn't just a cookbook, though there are a number of great recipes (and meal plans/ suggestions in it). It truly is a 30-day transition to the vegan lifestyle, and a thorough one at that. Colleen has become one of my favorite authors! I love her positive, can-do attitude. She conveys such joy and peace, how could you NOT want to find out her secret? Well, the secret is revealed in this book; in detail, and she is kind enough to share many resources and answer every question that could possibly occur to us on the vegan path. I plan to buy extra copies of this book to give as gifts; it is a life-changer!
June 25, 2012
I initially began reading this book because I was looking for more interesting ways to add plant-based foods into my family menu-planning. I've tried a handful of the recipes and have been very pleased with the results, so far - both in terms of ease, taste, and how it's made me feel to limit animal-based products from my diet. I wasn't expecting to go vegan, but I've made many more swaps than I originally thought I would and I've found myself actually contemplating a vegan lifestyle, including going a few days in a row without consuming any meat or dairy...we'll see.
February 20, 2015
I have always joked with my husband about wanting to be able to carry Colleen around with me in my pocket. The next best thing is being able to carry her beautiful words along with me in my purse, and treasure it on my book shelf. The 30 Day Vegan Challenge is a gorgeous collection of information, reflections, recipes, tips, and topics all reflecting the ease and reward of living a vegan life. There is no better teacher, compass, and friend than the one you will find in this book. Colleen is a gift to this world and everyone would be lucky to behold her wonderful work!
May 11, 2012
I am a seasoned vegan myself andlove this book because it is so straightforward, supportive and just written in the tone I like to approach other people.
This book will help the reader to make an educated choice (hopefully for a vegan life)and / or dispell myths and worries mouthed by his peers. This book is a great gift for people interested in veganism and also for people who want to be able to give well informed support, - plus it's simply a good read, because Colleen knows her words ;^))
This book will help the reader to make an educated choice (hopefully for a vegan life)and / or dispell myths and worries mouthed by his peers. This book is a great gift for people interested in veganism and also for people who want to be able to give well informed support, - plus it's simply a good read, because Colleen knows her words ;^))
January 2, 2015
I was impressed with the first edition (which is no longer in print), but, the author has clearly poured her soul, sweat, and tears into this updated edition. The photography is beautiful (and, at times, mouthwatering) and the information provided answers all the major questions concerning a healthful, vegan lifestyle. Even if you're not vegan, her recipes are fantastic and her tips for saving time, money, and heartache for food are simply inspiring.
Read
January 13, 2012I don't know why I'm reading this, since none of this is new to me, but I got it a while ago, and since I've had a vegan 2012, I thought, why not? And I must say, it's great nightly encouragement! It's kind of like vegan porn--it's super empowering and affirming and just plain beautiful (perhaps the last part is the difference between vegan and regular porn).
January 10, 2020
This book is beautiful, thoughtful, and full of clear information and practical advice. It is so amazing that I have given seven copies of it as gifts in the past two months. I love to share it with others who are interested and I've learned so much from it myself (and I've been vegan since 2011). :)
May 28, 2017
In a book titled THE 30-DAY VEGAN CHALLENGE you would think this would've been a 30 day, step-by-step guide on how to eat like\become a vegan. This didn't even come close. While there was a wealth of information on the WHYs & the challenges you may face if one wants to make a change, it fell well short of HOW to actually make the change.
September 15, 2011
This book is a treasure trove of information for those wishing to explore a compassionate lifestyle. Colleen's recipes are always delicious and comforting to eat. This would also make an excellent purchase for anyone wishing to educate a friend or loved one about background of their choices.
June 9, 2015
I liked the way Colleen writes frankly and honestly without being condescending. A lot of the information isn't new to anyone who has been vegetarian but looking to make the transition to vegan, it was encouraging and helpful.
October 25, 2015
A little on the preachy side but I was able to skim to get some ideas for how to maintain a primarily plant-based diet. Definitely a good read for someone who is new to veganism and is not quite sure how to start/what supplies to purchase, what needs supplementing, etc.
March 5, 2012
This book relies on replacing animal foods with fake foods that immitate the animal foods.
I would rather eat whole, unprocessed foods than the fake food products recommended in this book.
I would rather eat whole, unprocessed foods than the fake food products recommended in this book.
December 22, 2014
I didn't exactly read this book, but I'm enjoying all the recipes found in it! Also, the parts I skimmed held some useful tips, so I'd recommend it.
January 18, 2015
Beautiful and inspiring book.
January 11, 2015
very informative, great to have the kindle edition always to hand as well as the first edition copy at home.
August 14, 2015
One of the best books out there on going vegan. Straight-forward, basic, and easy to follow. Colleen rocks.
December 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I have been working towards a vegan diet for health reasons for about a month and I'm so glad I picked up this book. I found that it was full of practical tips on how to identify things in my diet that I was already eating that were vegan and how I could change animal products out for plant based ones.
I also enjoyed that the author allows the reader to define his or her reasons for becoming vegan. Every person who makes a lifestyle change has their own personal reasons for doing so and one reason does not necessarily have more merit than another. The author is clear about her position on veganism without being forceful or diminishing other reasons for being vegan. As far as she's concerned, any reason is a good reason because the end result is the same - living a more compassionate life.
I would highly recommend this book to others who are considering going vegan. I've attempted to go vegan in the past with little success because I had no idea how to actually eat real food other than the processed items most commercial grocery stores sell. I feel much better prepared this time, armed with this book, and I'm looking forward to trying out all of the new and wonderful plant-based foods I've been missing out on.
I also enjoyed that the author allows the reader to define his or her reasons for becoming vegan. Every person who makes a lifestyle change has their own personal reasons for doing so and one reason does not necessarily have more merit than another. The author is clear about her position on veganism without being forceful or diminishing other reasons for being vegan. As far as she's concerned, any reason is a good reason because the end result is the same - living a more compassionate life.
I would highly recommend this book to others who are considering going vegan. I've attempted to go vegan in the past with little success because I had no idea how to actually eat real food other than the processed items most commercial grocery stores sell. I feel much better prepared this time, armed with this book, and I'm looking forward to trying out all of the new and wonderful plant-based foods I've been missing out on.
May 14, 2020
I was really torn with this review. I nearly never actually write them, either. I really appreciated the practical tips and thought work this book presented, and I actually think it has made this transition easier than when I have attempted in the past. The reason, then, for the low rating is the poor writing. At least in the edition I read, it is rife with mistakes that should have been caught in editing and were not, and there are even some faulty concepts, for example that wool sheep are always killed and used for meat, have chunks of flesh cut from them for fly strike, etc. Having worked in the wool industry in the past I acknowledge these things can and do happen, particularly animals being sent to slaughter, but it categorically is not always true, especially on small farms, and the treatment of fly strike is prevention and medication, generally, not removal of tissue, at least not in America. I don’t mean to excuse any of this, but when we make arguments against industries I think we need to make sure they are factual. All in all I appreciate this book and am glad I read it. I will reference it again and am excited to try some of the recipes. I would be delighted if it got the polish and completion it deserves.
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