No Happy Cows: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the Food Revolution

by John Robbins

No Cow Left Behind

From investigative journalist and bestselling author John Robbins comes a collection of essays on food politics, sustainability, and revolution.

Holy cow. With words like food additives, GMOs, and Big Food buzzing around, it’s getting harder to choose what to eat. And even the most well-informed eaters have a thing or two to learn about real food and the food system. Gathering and updating articles from his Huffington Post column, Robbins’s No Happy Cows features recent observations along with never before published material on today’s food revolution.

Moo-ve over, food corporations. You have to know food to eat food, but what happens when food companies leave some facts out? With commentaries on what we should and shouldn’t eat (and why), Robbins brings us to the frontlines of the food revolution. From his undercover investigations of feedlots and slaughterhouses, to the slave trade behind chocolate and coffee, he gives readers a look into the importance of working for a more compassionate and environmentally responsible world.

Inside read more about:

Greed and salmonella
Soy and Alzheimer's
And much more!

If you enjoyed books by Marion Nestle or reads like How Not to Die, Feeding You Lies or The Way We Eat Now; then you’ll want to learn more by reading No Happy Cows.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Vegan, Food, Animals, Ecology, Essays

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2012

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Please see: John Robbins

John Robbins was an American author, who popularized the links among nutrition, environmentalism, and animal rights.
He was the author of the 1987 Diet for a New America, an exposé on connections between diet, physical health, animal cruelty, and environmentalism. Robbins founded the organization EarthSave in 1988 and co-founded the Food Revolution Network with his son, Ocean, in 2011. He was a leading voice in the plant-based movement.

Reviews

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this a lot! Great, well written short pieces of various topics in nutrition. Also touches upon slavery in coffee & cocoa. The tone is friendly, not pedantic and really makes you want to learn more about the topics discussed.

Also great reference at the end with many good books & documentaries listed. My TBR list just got longer!

Easy to read, and the shorter chapters make it easy to just read a little at a time.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening look at what we eat and how it got to our plates. I will be a much better reader of product labeling! Avoid anything that comes from Monsanto or Hershey's. They have used lobbying efforts to essentially sabotage our food supply to line their pockets at the expense of our health and the world's well-being. Most other civilized nations have banned practices that remain alive in the US because of a handful of greedy CEO's. And we taxpayers subsidize these companies. "From 1997 to 2005, for example, taxpayer-subsidized grain prices saved feedlots and other CAFOs about $ 35 billion. This subsidy is so large that it reduced the price CAFOs pay for animal feed to a tiny fraction of what it would otherwise have been." ( Ranchers who raise grass-fed beef got zero benefit from these subsidies). "Feedlot beef as we know it today would be impossible if it weren't for the routine and continual feeding of antibiotics to these animals. This leads directly and inexorably to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These new “superbugs” are increasingly rendering our antibiotics ineffective for treating disease in humans." " America's food-safety systems have been designed, not to protect public health, but to protect agribusiness from liability." The author also writes with great compassion: "there is also something in us that is wondrous and cares, that touches the infinite and belongs to the sacred. We are here to live, not merely survive. We are here to express fully and to celebrate the gifts we each have to give to the world, and to receive the gifts that others have to give to us as well."

[Corrie Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an informative reiteration of messages from what John Robbins calls the "Food Revolution." It's part Food, Inc., part Omnivores Dilemma, and part The China Study. Robbins advocates for a plant-based diet, humane practices in agribusiness, Fair Trade in chocolate and coffee and accurate information regarding the health of soy products.

Robbins has an underlying theme of spirituality and compassion in his message in terms of connecting with people with different belief systems as well as a connection to the earth in terms of sustainability and humane animal practices.

I was surprised about the information of slave practices in Africa concerning chocolate and coffee harvesting and how US companies and conglomerates willfully ignore and deceive to continue getting the cheapest imports for the biggest profit margins. I enjoyed the push-back by Robbins on the disinformation campaign of the Weston A. Price Foundation and their attacks on soy. I find the Weston A. Price Foundation woefully misinformed and downright ignorant and was happy to read Robbins scathing critique on their lame credentials and sloppily sourced findings. Overall this is a good read for those able and willing to hear the message that changing to a healthy diet is better for us in just about every way possible.

[Ginger Bensman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of thoughtful essays on what we eat and how our eating choices (and the "agri-culture" that produces our food) impact our health, environment and the moral underpinnings of who we are as individuals and social beings. Much of the information I already knew (though I had no idea that the production and business of chocolate--something that has such happy and delicious associations for me, is supported by so much cruelty and greed.)

No Happy Cows is a great introduction to these issues and I would recommend it to others.

[kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most amazing, important books I have ever read. Whether or not you are vegetarian, vegan, meat-lover, or undecided this book is a beautifully written account of the state of food in America and beyond. Robbins writes with compassion, beauty, humor, and poignancy about what we eat, why we eat, and how it impacts the human race. His writing will make you want to eat healthier, but more than that - it will make you want to be a better, more loving human.

[Tarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am 100% here for militant veganism.

I am not here for anything comparing anything else to the Holocaust. Which this book does. On page one.

You know what’s like the Holocaust? The Holocaust.

This doesn’t minimize the horrific practices of (in this case) pig “farming”- but you know what pig farming isn’t? The fucking Holocaust.

And you know who the pig farmer isn’t? Hitler. Which he’s called on page 2. Again- this doesn’t mean he isn’t evil or taking life or that factory farming isn’t cruelty on a mass scale. But that evil farmer sure as as shit isn’t Hitler, and the factory farm sure as shit isn’t Auschwitz.

[Rachael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Obviously one can't have too high an expectation for a collection of previously published work, but it was still a little thin for me and a little disjointed. But while most of it was preaching to the choir, I will say I totally appreciated his selections on chocolate. Some food for thought there.

[Robin Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short book covers far more than I expected and left an enduring impression. I recommend this for anyone who cares about the the world and his/her ability to make a difference, and also for those whose interest is primarily his/her own family's welfare.

[Amanda Cabrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so the first thing I want to say about this book is that it is not, and I repeat NOT just written by an angry, crazy, animal rights vegan. We’ve all met one of those and can all agree that they’re thoroughly annoying. YES, John Robbins is an advocate for a plants based and cruelty free lifestyle but this book is way more than that. There are four parts in this book and each covers a different aspect of our current food and health culture. The first section does discuss the cruelties that animals raised for food endure, it’s the truth. I think if you’re going to eat something, you should know it’s story but I digress. The next section is geared towards what exactly is going into our bodies and how it impacts our overall health. Topics discussed range from soy, to antibiotics to chocolate. The third part discusses how and where foods are produced and what that means for its producers as well as the impact we, the buyer, have on its sourcing. Think fair trade vs. slave trade. While I found the first three parts to be extremely important and influential, it was the final part that got me in the feels. Robbins’ delivers a beautiful set of essays on how to live your best life and it’s not just by proclaiming to the world you’re vegan so you’re better than everyone else. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me choke up a little. If you gain nothing else from this book, know this “The next time anyone tells you that who you are doesn’t matter or that your actions and love are insignificant, here’s what they need to know: All who take a stand with their lives on behalf of what they cherish are part of something vast. The struggle for justice is an old as tyranny itself, and the longing for a world guided by love is as old as the human heart.” -Robbins.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Robbins really means well. But this book is all over the place.

Firstly, this book is really not about cows. There are chapters on soy, dark chocolate, and fast food. Things aren't so black and white as he paints them to be. He has a super preachy and "holier than though" attitude:
- a chapter in he tells you how amazing his oatmeal breakfast is, and a recipe for his morning breakfast. this is literally on the back of the bag of any oatmeal you buy.
- this quote: "One of my favorite desserts is a piece of dark organic chocolate, along with a glass of fine red wine. I do have a policy, however, to eat only organic and/or fair-trade chocolate." cringe.
-The last few chapters are just him giving stories about how he tells his overweight friends to eat better and no one listens to him but he has so much love in his heart for all creatures.

The redeeming factors were the interesting reports and studies he cites. I think if I had to redo this book I'd have it focused and organized on a subset of issues. often times, this book feels like you're reading his personal diary. every story is all over the place. none are really connected other than having the general theme of "health." he is retelling you facts you already know and hoping that you find it insightful.

[~ laura ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ "Even in the face of bleakness, we must listen to our creativity & our joy. Even in the midst of so much heartbreaking news, we must dare to dream of peace, possibility, and plenty.

It may sometimes seem as if we are on a planetary death march, and yet we are also living in an age of miracles ... There is the miracle of color and the miracle of music. There is the miracle of tears and the miracle of laughter. There is the miracle of breathing and the miracle of sunsets. There is the miracle of human kindness and the miracle of forgiveness. There is the miracle of people continuing to strive for a happier world even in the face of devastation and grief." ~

Such a great book. Filled my heart & soul up with the possibility of an enlightened humanity. It will come in time.

[Kate Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of Robbins' most popular blog posts from Huffington Post, plus some new material, ranges widely on food-related topics. He cuts straight through food industry hype to explain clearly the issues about, for example, the anti-soy campaign (conclusion: soy is healthful if eaten in moderation), the role of factory farms in the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens (one of these pathogens, MRSA, now causes more U.S. deaths annually than AIDS), and child slavery used in the production of chocolate (insist on organic chocolate). Plus many other food nightmares, and what you can do. The book's title comes from the California Milk Board's deceptive advertising campaign to portray their cows as living comfortable lives, when the bleak opposite is true. Anyone who reads the book will be a much more educated consumer, and it is hoped that knowing about abuses will motivate consumers to avoid them.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn't what I expected. I tend to shy away from books that yell and scream about animal cruelty, even though I'm a vegan. I find their message ineffective and horrifying. But that wasn't this book at all.

In short essays John Robbins talks life, nutrition, food issues and politics and yes eating a predominantly plant based diet. It all wraps up well into a nice bow in a book that kept turning pages. It's one of those books I wish everyone would read. Omnivores and plant eaters alike.

[Joomi Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe it's possible that there is no such thing as a happy pasture raised cow anymore because Satan and his angels can rape animals. It might be true that a pasture raised cow is more unhappy than a feedlot (factory raised, CAFO) animal. Angel means messenger or servant. That's all.

If you ask God to protect your animals then why wouldn't he answer your prayers? Please don't forget to thank him. Remember the Samaritan who was former leper.

I have not read this book yet, if at all.

[Annet Maurer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book that already echoes a lot of what I practice in relation to eating local, ethical treatment of animals, etc. nothing too surprising as I've read more in these areas but would be new to some people. Also not too in your face and judgy if it is new. I did learn I have misconceptions about soy. Recommend for anyone that cares about food and or the environment.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an eye opener and now I see why you only eat meat when you come home. I did laugh at the fact that the "happy cows" in a Californian ad campaign were NZ cows shown on a farm near Auckland and not from California as the ad was suggesting.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Robbins is one of the best advocates for healthy eating and for the ending of factory farms that abuse and produce poor quality products. It is scary what is sold in our grocery stores. A must read!

[Kristal Stidham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hard truth about food production from an industry insider. Would've given it more stars if I hadn't already learned most of this information from the many outstanding documentaries that I've found on Netflix.

[Wise Panda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad someone is willing to take a stands to counter the self motivated interest of the mass produced food industry.

Not only is Robbins doing justice for all consumers, he actually is helping out the industry if they actual help their consumers live longer.

[Pablo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting tidbits here and presented in a not too preachy manner. A little too touchy / feely for my tastes especially toward the end but he seems to have good intentions anyway! Worth the time and a solid 3 stars.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick article sized passages about all kinds of different things to be afraid of from meat and milk to soy and vitamin water.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short articles to the point. Good info here.

[Lily Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

đọc xong mất lòng tin vào loài người luôn

[Heather Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last two chapters were exceptionally moving. :)

[Edmund · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a concise review of some of the salient issues in the world of food/food ethics by a remarkable guy who provides more than a few wise doses of humanity amidst the carnage.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Shaunna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read so many books about fast food, nutrition, vegetarians, western diet etc etc that none of the information was new. Anybody who doesn't know the basics should read though.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book if you have an interest in the subject matter, just collections of recent articles/blogs by John Robbins. Always good to ponder on.

[Lesley Cee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just returned from vacation with a new outlook and new found passion because of this book. It's an important and provoking read which I highly recommend.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot is interesting info in a fairly short book. Always looking to improve my diet, so I enjoyed book.