What do you think?
Rate this book
Vodka Is Vegan: A Vegan Bros Manifesto for Better Living and Not Being an A**hole
Meet the bros who are making vegan sexy (and making eating animals weird).
Think you could never go vegan? Think again. As this smart, funny and persuasive manifesto makes clear, you're already 90% vegan anyway. That's right--you already love animals and are slowly but surely eating less meat than you used to. With the insider tips and inspiring stories in this book, you'll be ready to go whole hog (see what we did there?) and eat vegan for good.
Topics include:
* How eating meat hurts your health and the planet (and is pretty close to eating your beloved pet for dinner)
* A simple action plan for getting started
* Don't Be an A**hole to Your Server, and other secrets for eating out
* Who Cares If Honey Is Vegan?: Getting over perfectionism and purity by eating as cruelty-free as you can
With a loyal online following that's growing fast, the Bros are the new face of veganism--loud, proud, and fighting for a better world, one plate at a time.
Think you could never go vegan? Think again. As this smart, funny and persuasive manifesto makes clear, you're already 90% vegan anyway. That's right--you already love animals and are slowly but surely eating less meat than you used to. With the insider tips and inspiring stories in this book, you'll be ready to go whole hog (see what we did there?) and eat vegan for good.
Topics include:
* How eating meat hurts your health and the planet (and is pretty close to eating your beloved pet for dinner)
* A simple action plan for getting started
* Don't Be an A**hole to Your Server, and other secrets for eating out
* Who Cares If Honey Is Vegan?: Getting over perfectionism and purity by eating as cruelty-free as you can
With a loyal online following that's growing fast, the Bros are the new face of veganism--loud, proud, and fighting for a better world, one plate at a time.
- GenresNonfictionVeganFood
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2018
12 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 5, 2018
Confession time: I had fairly low expectations for this book. I was concerned that I was going to need to be nice in my review since I know Matt and Phil and I want to be supportive of their work. My concerns were completely without foundation. Matt and Phil wrote a book with a powerful message and call to action; I'm very impressed by the passion they expressed and how they gave their readers a glimpse into their lives which helps us connect with their perspectives on animal welfare, health, and being compassionate towards others. These two clearly poured their enthusiasm and passion out on the page for us to enjoy and from which to learn. Read this book from beginning to end. There's something important to take from every chapter. Even if you have no intention of being vegan or vegetarian, you can get a lot from this book which can positively change some of the choices you make in your daily living.
June 16, 2018
A brilliant and thought-provoking read that offers a refreshing new perspective on what it means to be vegan. The Vegan Bros share their insightful, fun, real and raw take on being vegan in today's world. They discuss the importance of accepting people where they are, being compassionate to humans and animals alike and not striving for perfection. This book is a much-needed path forward for this movement and an absolute must-read for everyone. You love animals, so you're already 90% vegan. Being vegan is easy. Even vodka is vegan!
June 25, 2018
This was a very clear concise book on the reasons why we should go vegan. I decided to read it to understand where my wife is coming from (vegetarian/vegan as opposed to me, sometimes meat eater). I am glad that I read it.
I found one or two chapters confronting. This is what I usually try and stay away from but I understand why the boys confronted me like that. It has certainly made me question my eating habits and where my food comes from.
Chapter 7 was probably my favourite, where they spoke about ways to cut back on your meat eating and how you can help animals and the planet from going vegan for a day, or even a few meals a week. This option certainly is more appealing than that of stop eating meat, you murderer.
I enjoyed reading the boys journey on how they each made the decision to become Vegan and their reasons behind it. Then the exploration of running down the excuses for eating meat was extremely interesting and valid.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in why people choose to stop eating meat. For anyone who is thinking about changing their food choices. As well as people who just want to see us living in a better world.
I found one or two chapters confronting. This is what I usually try and stay away from but I understand why the boys confronted me like that. It has certainly made me question my eating habits and where my food comes from.
Chapter 7 was probably my favourite, where they spoke about ways to cut back on your meat eating and how you can help animals and the planet from going vegan for a day, or even a few meals a week. This option certainly is more appealing than that of stop eating meat, you murderer.
I enjoyed reading the boys journey on how they each made the decision to become Vegan and their reasons behind it. Then the exploration of running down the excuses for eating meat was extremely interesting and valid.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in why people choose to stop eating meat. For anyone who is thinking about changing their food choices. As well as people who just want to see us living in a better world.
February 28, 2020
Yes. Yes. Yessssss!!!!!!
This is the kind of book I would have recommended to my meat-eating past self. These guys make the vegan diet (which is the biggest, but not the only, component to a vegan lifestyle) seem so accessible, easy, fun and dynamic. It is only as hard as you make it. I loved reading their journeys, and it was inspiring also to read how they touched and brought about change in the people around them, generally just by being awesome, fun-loving party dudes who just happened to be vegan. One of them, Phil, had an amazing weight-loss/fitness transformation which is due to the shift to a plant based diet. The Letten brothers address many of the issues surrounding veganism, and dips into the nitty gritty, getting the important points across without being heavy or overly serious about things.
I would highly recommend this book to others, and hope that I can get my bf to read it someday. :)
Warning: There is a lot of cussing in this book, so if you're offended by it maybe it's not the right fit for you. [I am of the opinion that to be offended by such frivolities as in 'colourful' language is the plight of the unenlightened, but each to their own. :P]
This is the kind of book I would have recommended to my meat-eating past self. These guys make the vegan diet (which is the biggest, but not the only, component to a vegan lifestyle) seem so accessible, easy, fun and dynamic. It is only as hard as you make it. I loved reading their journeys, and it was inspiring also to read how they touched and brought about change in the people around them, generally just by being awesome, fun-loving party dudes who just happened to be vegan. One of them, Phil, had an amazing weight-loss/fitness transformation which is due to the shift to a plant based diet. The Letten brothers address many of the issues surrounding veganism, and dips into the nitty gritty, getting the important points across without being heavy or overly serious about things.
I would highly recommend this book to others, and hope that I can get my bf to read it someday. :)
Warning: There is a lot of cussing in this book, so if you're offended by it maybe it's not the right fit for you. [I am of the opinion that to be offended by such frivolities as in 'colourful' language is the plight of the unenlightened, but each to their own. :P]
July 18, 2018
I suppose that I rated this book 5 stars because I am a vegetarian that wants to go vegan so everything hit home for me BUT it’s not the only reason. This book is informative and encouraging all while being funny. I laughed out loud quite a few times. Matt and Phil are very positive and somewhat flexible in their veganism, they aren’t aggressive or abrasive, they just want to help others see the light, to help animals and the environment. The information given regarding animal cruelty in factory farming is enough to get you thinking but won’t turn you off by grossing you out. This is a book that all should read, meat eaters and vegans alike, just to reassess where you might be able to make a positive change in your life, and for the lives of others.
June 20, 2018
An excellent book for vegan newbies or those considering the switch. Not much new, other than a more entertaining than usual writing style, for people already living this lifestyle.
October 23, 2018
Content: 5 stars / Execution: 2 stars / Overall: 3.5 stars
This book is definitely not for everyone, but it will be great for a niche audience. The Letten brothers approach veganism from a pretty strictly animal wealfare perspective (as opposed to environmental or health one) and they go into some gritty detail about the treatment of animals for food.
As someone who already eats vegan about 85% of the time and vegetarian 99% of the time, I loved they approach to veganism - one that allows for gradual change, accepts any and all reductions in meat consumption, doesn't sweat the small stuff (Red Dye 40, honey, etc.), and doesn't espouse the necessity of perfection for calling yourself a vegan. This is definitely where they get extra stars for me.
When it comes to the exectuion of this, though, they started to lose me a bit and I actually put the book down for a while because I started to find it annoying. They take a very casual approach to writing and include a lot of swearing and jokes. I didn't mind it at first, but it gets a little old after a while to just read straight through. I think this would be perfect for a college aged guy to enjoy, though, and I'll be passing my copy on to my brother to read.
Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book as a part of a Goodreads giveaway.
This book is definitely not for everyone, but it will be great for a niche audience. The Letten brothers approach veganism from a pretty strictly animal wealfare perspective (as opposed to environmental or health one) and they go into some gritty detail about the treatment of animals for food.
As someone who already eats vegan about 85% of the time and vegetarian 99% of the time, I loved they approach to veganism - one that allows for gradual change, accepts any and all reductions in meat consumption, doesn't sweat the small stuff (Red Dye 40, honey, etc.), and doesn't espouse the necessity of perfection for calling yourself a vegan. This is definitely where they get extra stars for me.
When it comes to the exectuion of this, though, they started to lose me a bit and I actually put the book down for a while because I started to find it annoying. They take a very casual approach to writing and include a lot of swearing and jokes. I didn't mind it at first, but it gets a little old after a while to just read straight through. I think this would be perfect for a college aged guy to enjoy, though, and I'll be passing my copy on to my brother to read.
Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book as a part of a Goodreads giveaway.
December 17, 2019
I’m writing this review as a scholar of masculinities and veg* (vegan or vegetarian) diets and lifestyles.
I wanted to dislike this book more than I did. It can sometimes simplify facts or reduce concepts. And it does have a specific audience which is what you would expect from the title.
But I was surprised from the empathy that the authors took towards not only their diet but towards the reader. Men tend to become veg* due to science (e.g., environmental concerns or nutritional). They use this logic to retain their masculinity, avoiding the more emotional rationale associated with women (e.g., a personal connection with animals). The authors were unabashed in their empathy with animal suffering, albeit with a bro-y delivery.
Furthermore, my research suggests that women who date veg* men desire their men to be strong. No surprises there, except for that they view adhering to a veg* diet as a marker of masculine strength.
However, the authors don’t follow this trend. They reassure the reader that there are multiple paths towards veganism and that there is no competition or absolutism necessary. It’s a stance I find refreshing in this field and something with which I personally agree.
If you investigated this book, then you’re either vegan or an average guy who’s interested in the lifestyle. Veg*ns won’t find anything new. But if you fall into the latter camp, you might just relate to these cruelty-free bro’s.
I wanted to dislike this book more than I did. It can sometimes simplify facts or reduce concepts. And it does have a specific audience which is what you would expect from the title.
But I was surprised from the empathy that the authors took towards not only their diet but towards the reader. Men tend to become veg* due to science (e.g., environmental concerns or nutritional). They use this logic to retain their masculinity, avoiding the more emotional rationale associated with women (e.g., a personal connection with animals). The authors were unabashed in their empathy with animal suffering, albeit with a bro-y delivery.
Furthermore, my research suggests that women who date veg* men desire their men to be strong. No surprises there, except for that they view adhering to a veg* diet as a marker of masculine strength.
However, the authors don’t follow this trend. They reassure the reader that there are multiple paths towards veganism and that there is no competition or absolutism necessary. It’s a stance I find refreshing in this field and something with which I personally agree.
If you investigated this book, then you’re either vegan or an average guy who’s interested in the lifestyle. Veg*ns won’t find anything new. But if you fall into the latter camp, you might just relate to these cruelty-free bro’s.
August 25, 2019
Komu vyhovuje echt americký způsob vyjadřování, žoviálnost a neformálnost, hovorový styl a přijatelná míra zjednodušování, s čistým srdcem doporučím. Informace jsou základní, hoši zeširoka mapují zdravotní, environmentální aspekty (čili pozitiva), nabízejí plán, jak se do toho vrhnout a neublížit sobě ani okolí, zdůrazňují, že není čeho se bát, že je to jednoduchý a srandy kopec. Je nutný mít na paměti, že hovoří z americkýho prostředí, tudíž ne všechno se dá aplikovat přímo (například u nás skutečně nemá každá hospoda vege burger a někde se prostě nenajíte).
Osobně jsem ocenila především to, že míří kriticky do vlastních řad - připouštějí, že plno veganů má tendence chovat se arogantně, morálně nadřazeně, příliš rychle odsuzovat, prostě jako kretén. Vyprávějí o vlastní cestě k veganství, oba sympaticky velmi upřímně. Phil konkrétně právě o období, kdy na lidi řval a agresivně je přesvědčoval - což se logicky ukázalo jako kontraproduktivní. Z hlediska zkušeností mluví o tom, že je potřeba vnímat a oceňovat každý malý krok, podporovat pozitivně, nikoli negativně. I samotný přechod na veganskou stravu je lepší pozvolný, protože statisticky vzato má tak lepší šanci dlouhodobě vydržet.
Obecně vzato je to nenáročný a pozitivní text pro ty, kdo se o veganství začínají zajímat a hledají něco, co by jim podepřelo záda do kopce.
Osobně jsem ocenila především to, že míří kriticky do vlastních řad - připouštějí, že plno veganů má tendence chovat se arogantně, morálně nadřazeně, příliš rychle odsuzovat, prostě jako kretén. Vyprávějí o vlastní cestě k veganství, oba sympaticky velmi upřímně. Phil konkrétně právě o období, kdy na lidi řval a agresivně je přesvědčoval - což se logicky ukázalo jako kontraproduktivní. Z hlediska zkušeností mluví o tom, že je potřeba vnímat a oceňovat každý malý krok, podporovat pozitivně, nikoli negativně. I samotný přechod na veganskou stravu je lepší pozvolný, protože statisticky vzato má tak lepší šanci dlouhodobě vydržet.
Obecně vzato je to nenáročný a pozitivní text pro ty, kdo se o veganství začínají zajímat a hledají něco, co by jim podepřelo záda do kopce.
October 28, 2018
As someone who’s been vegan for nine years, it’s always exciting to read new book with a different approach since there are lot of different ways to live the vegan lifestyle. I appreciated their honest perspective on how they became vegan as well as insight on how animals are inhumanly treated. With a combination of humor and seriousness, I can definitely see this book becoming as popular for the vegan movement and the style in which the book is written reminds me very much of “Skinny Bitch” but written to appeal to guys.
November 10, 2019
It does slide into confirmation bias at times, but I fully support this argument of taking the identity out of veganism.
I’ve been a vegetarian for 15 years and this was helpful in me moving more towards finally becoming a vegan.
I’ve been a vegetarian for 15 years and this was helpful in me moving more towards finally becoming a vegan.
April 16, 2022
I really wanted to like this more. I loved the part about vegan athletes and the childhood/college stories. There’s some great facts about agribusiness and good humor, but damn do they go off for pages and pages about how vegans asking about ingredients in food are being assholes, and vegans standing up for their beliefs against carnists are assholes, and vegans not holding hands with dick head vegan haters and trying to softly express why we’re vegan are just assholes. Do I want to eat bread with butter? No. It makes me sick and you’re lactose intolerant- extremely- as you wrote about so you’d understand that. Do I want wine or beer with animal products? No, it also makes me ill. But if it didn’t I’d still talk about it because a lot of vegans don’t want to occasionally eat fish, or drink wine filtered with blood and bone marrow, casein (milk protein), chitin (fiber from crustacean shells), egg albumen (derived from egg whites), fish oil, gelatin (protein from boiling animal parts), and isinglass (gelatin from fish bladder membranes). After talking so much about the reality behind the doors of factory farms you should realize that every little step makes a huge difference when you think about the human population and what a few societal norms can do long term. This book probably makes a lot of pescatarians and pseudo vegans and carnists feel good. But about the best for me was the beginning, the hating on gluten-free dudes (I can get behind that) and yeah, vodka IS vegan, and it’s great. But while some of us can slowly go vegan, others (me) go vegetarian young, then not vegetarian, and wishy washy (like some of this book) for awhile until my health required more. I went vegan overnight finally years later and what made all the difference wasn’t slowly transitioning while these guys held my hand but the immediate change on my health I felt cutting dairy and everything else all at once. My body really felt that. “Meat extenders” sounds like smoking cigarettes less to quit smoking. That works about as good as riding a bike up Everest. Aka- Does not work. Then I read a number of OTHER books that blew my mind- the China study, Cheese trap, proteinaholic, project animal farm, the joyful vegan, dominion, Diet for a New America…these books don’t beat around the bush. They don’t shame, but they also don’t promote bullshit, or “meat extenders”. So conclusion: great humor, great information on the environment and agribusiness, some really great facts and anecdotes (at the start), and then some annoying vegan-hating wishy washy bullshit tainting it all so that their carnist friends could feel good about the book. And do I care if someone thinks I’m shaming them? No because it’s usually just their defensiveness for nothing, and there are animals and an entire planet to worry about more than someone’s fear of the unfamiliar and ego. Do I want to be nice enough to effect positive change without scaring people off with their ignorant prejudice? Sure but were anti-racists “preachy assholes” for talking to racists in the 60s (or now for that matter) about how wrong they were? Hell no. Animals deserve better and we need to stop walking on eggshells for the real preachy assholes: a hell of a lot of vegan hating carnists. Oh, and Miley Cyrus sucks but love the Hemingway quote.
October 2, 2018
Got this one as an (educational) gift from a vegan friend.
This book is like reading Men's Health magazine — well-intentioned message in a poor form and with no supporting evidence or a balanced coverage.
I guess it could serve as a nice intro to veganism for your average dude (whoever that is). The language might offend some people; I'm fine with all the swearing but, at times, it's trying so hard to be cool and appeal to other cool peeps, it distracts from the message itself.
I loved a lot of what they talked about — vegan is not all or nothing, ignore self-righteous people in the community, don't brag about being vegan, don't take it overboard in restaurants with questions "was this grilled on the same grill as meat", choose your own path and don't stress too much about it.
The chapter on health, unfortunately, read too much like a yellow press, with bits and pieces of "red meat causes cancer" — many of the claims they make have either been debunked or are not backed by studies.
I would have liked to see a more balanced approach to the topic and discussion of ethical killing, the effect of switching to a non-animal diet on agriculture, pescetarian diet, vegetarian vs. vegan, etc.
This book is like reading Men's Health magazine — well-intentioned message in a poor form and with no supporting evidence or a balanced coverage.
I guess it could serve as a nice intro to veganism for your average dude (whoever that is). The language might offend some people; I'm fine with all the swearing but, at times, it's trying so hard to be cool and appeal to other cool peeps, it distracts from the message itself.
I loved a lot of what they talked about — vegan is not all or nothing, ignore self-righteous people in the community, don't brag about being vegan, don't take it overboard in restaurants with questions "was this grilled on the same grill as meat", choose your own path and don't stress too much about it.
The chapter on health, unfortunately, read too much like a yellow press, with bits and pieces of "red meat causes cancer" — many of the claims they make have either been debunked or are not backed by studies.
I would have liked to see a more balanced approach to the topic and discussion of ethical killing, the effect of switching to a non-animal diet on agriculture, pescetarian diet, vegetarian vs. vegan, etc.
April 26, 2019
Time for a book review! So I just finished, Vodka is Vegan. I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t have super high expectations for the book. Just because, I generally get turned off by people swearing for no apparent reason in any kind of literature. But I get they are doing the bro thing. This book is actually pretty funny. It is a great resource for anyone looking for info on becoming Vegan, even if it’s just one meal a week. It not only covers the treatment of animals but the environmental effects of factory farming, which was eye opening. They are for less Vegan a**holes and more about sharing educational and empathy based information. The one thing that was odd to me was they said “drink up” alcohol is vegan. Vodka is. Not all Wine & beer is. Other then that I would give 3 1/2 - 4 stars . Enjoy! #vegan #veganreading #veganfood #veganhomework
November 10, 2018
I love this book. It's funny, unapologetically profane, and informative. The "badass homework" chapter features a lot of advice for setting and achieving any goal, not solely the goal of eating vegan. This is the first time I've ever read anything by authors who believe it's okay to be a "90% percent" vegan and that was incredibly comforting. Sometimes you can't find satisfying options, and sometimes you don't want to be a pain in the ass at family events. That's totally okay with these guys--perfection isn't the goal, improvement and awareness is.
April 20, 2023
Two bros write a book about how to go vegan and why they chose to give up animal products. Written very casually to emphasize bro-ness and how they are just like you.
Aside from a few cherry picked studies and health benefits, a solid book for those considering veganism for animal welfare. Heavy emphasis on animal cruelty so climate or health vegans be warned.
The views expressed value effort over minute details (apparently most wine is not vegan) and leading by example over even broaching the topic. If people think you are a jerk they are less likely to be convinced to join you.
Aside from a few cherry picked studies and health benefits, a solid book for those considering veganism for animal welfare. Heavy emphasis on animal cruelty so climate or health vegans be warned.
The views expressed value effort over minute details (apparently most wine is not vegan) and leading by example over even broaching the topic. If people think you are a jerk they are less likely to be convinced to join you.
September 18, 2018
The message is good as far as "down with factory farms" and "eat less meat/dairy/eggs," but written as if you're talking to a 15 year old surfer. Repetitive swearing was a turn off. I was also not too impressed by their dietary advice: eat chips, oreos, veggie burgers, fries. I think part of the attraction of going vegan or more vegan is to eat more whole, nutritious foods.
**edited to say I want to give more credit for some of the encouraging, persuasive advice they shared.**
**edited to say I want to give more credit for some of the encouraging, persuasive advice they shared.**
November 15, 2018
A good primer for those considering a vegan or vegetarian diet. The authors focus on animal cruelty, but have clear messages about not being a jerk or absolutist, which can completely undermine your goals. (Good advice in any subject.) The cursing, which bothered other reviewers, didn't bother me at all; the overuse of exclamation points sure did. Good personal anecdotes and some funny lines work but the writing isn't great. Recommended this to friends who are considering a meat-free life.
December 30, 2018
Étant déjà vegan, je ne cacherai pas que le nom m’a totalement accroché. Vodka... vegan... la recette du succès il faut croire.
Le livre a un drôle de début, il n’est pas toujours facile de rester accrocher.
Par contre, l’information est claire et apportée avec humour. Le livre parle du plus gros mouvement de société depuis bien des années mais l’auteur l’apporte d’une façon courante et très facile à lire.
Je recommande ce livre !
Le livre a un drôle de début, il n’est pas toujours facile de rester accrocher.
Par contre, l’information est claire et apportée avec humour. Le livre parle du plus gros mouvement de société depuis bien des années mais l’auteur l’apporte d’une façon courante et très facile à lire.
Je recommande ce livre !
September 1, 2018
I'm already vegan but I picked this up because I was interested in seeing what the boys had to say. I think if you're interested in being vegan or just making more conscious decisions when it comes to your lifestyle this book is a very non-shouty read. It's easy-going, relatable and still gives you a lot of info without the preachy crap. Well done boys.
August 1, 2019
The brothers describe their transformation from meat eaters to vegans with colorful wording, hence the title. Also writing of the inhuman animal treatment that occurs with meat processing, chickens, pigs, cows. Also, 'how to' change eating lifestyle from carnivores to vegans, with reference and website notations. The 'bros' are described as the new face of transforming to a vegan lifestyle.
July 7, 2018
These guys get it! That's the best way to describe it. I've been living this lifestyle for 23 years now and I have been pushing the approach they are promoting in this book. Less vegan police assholes, more people trying vegan food. That's a win! Two thumbs up!
December 6, 2018
I was not a fan of this book. I have read a number of health books and more specifically about plant based/vegan lifestyles. Personally, I did not like the in-your-face writing style of the authors. I ended up skimming through the end of the book because it just wasn't all that enjoyable to read.
January 3, 2020
Super fast read,; I read it in one place ride. I will be using their succinct reasons and rebuttals to the Why Vegan question, as well as not beat myself up when I am out to eat and need to make exceptions.
July 1, 2018
A lighter, modern version of Diet For a New America. The brothers are funny and sarcastic.
Has great information for someone new to veganism.
Received free from a Goodreads giveaway.
Has great information for someone new to veganism.
Received free from a Goodreads giveaway.
October 24, 2018
Wonderful, easy read that was full of information. Also hilarious 😂 in parts.
July 16, 2019
Such an amazing insight to vegan eating and social norms around them.
January 31, 2020
Quick and easy read. A unique writing style but despite all the curses it finds a way to be quite welcoming.
March 16, 2020
It’s about making veganism OK for dudes
July 16, 2023
There is so much in question with becoming vegan, it's interesting to see a new approach to veganism, with common sense and humor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews