Think like a Vegan: What everyone can learn from vegan ethics

by Emilia A. Leese (Editor)

According to the latest figures, the number of vegans in the UK has more than quadrupled since 2014, now representing over 1 per cent of the total population. With the rise in plant-based foods and cruelty-free products showing no sign of stopping, Think Like a Vegan explores how vegan ethics can be applied to every area of our daily lives.

We all want to live more healthily and ethically, and this book is certainly not just for vegans. It’s for anyone interested in veganism, its ideals and what even non-vegans can learn from its practice. Through a personal and often irreverent lens, the authors explore a variety of contemporary topics related to animal use: from the basics of vegan logic to politics, economics, love and other aspects of being human, each chapter draws you into a thought-provoking conversation about your daily ethical decisions.

Why should we adopt animals?
What’s the problem with organic meat?
What are the economics of plant-based foods?
What about honey?
What is the relationship between veganism and feminism?
What is vegansexualism?

Genres: Nonfiction, Vegan, Audiobook, Animals, Environment

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 27, 2021

About the author

Emilia A. Leese, writes essays on life, travel and veganism for a variety of online publications and is closely involved in a rewilding project in the Scottish Highlands. She regularly hosts benefit supper clubs and is a speaker on vegan ethics at a variety of events. She also developed life skills and ethics workshops for underserved youth. She has been a corporate finance lawyer for over twenty years. She and her husband Roger, who is also vegan, live in London and the Highlands. Follow her work on Emisgoodeating.com and BirchfieldHighlands.org

Reviews

[Seth Tibbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written with numerous thought provoking insights into the world of veganism. Inspiring for both the vegan curious and long time vegans as well. This is not a rehashing of old arguments. This book breaks new ground with new insights on every page.

[Katherine Liddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm about a third of the way through the book and am utterly awe of Emilia and Eva. Their commitment to the vegan cause at the cellular level, their ability to articulate its principles precisely and simply, the fortitude and generosity of spirit that led them to create this resource for animals and people in the first place: it's immense. The humility and humor make it seem easy and chatty, but it's a great skill to write with such a light touch. It's as if they climbed up a steep, rocky mountain and then built a funicular to make it easier for the rest of us.
The reading experience itself is not entirely comfortable, which is the point I suppose. It is definitely affecting my daily life—I'm seeing things I didn't see before. I find myself reassessing not just consumer habits but my way of interacting with the world, whether my behavior reflects my values and what my values are in the first place. It's a little discouraging, to be honest, because I'm not used to thinking that way and I feel something like a moral cripple.
The book has been calling up emotions and memories that are sometimes painful, but in a salutary way. I realize how much energy we nonvegans put into deliberately not thinking about the dark side of we're doing and how a lot of us try to change at some point but then give up, falling back in step with a monstrous system because it's superficially more convenient and comfortable. Emilia and Eva, by their cheerful example more than anything, challenge this learned hopelessness.
As the authors suggest, animal rights are not diametrically opposed to human rights, socialist principles or environmental justice. All of those things are compatible and interconnected and they're all worth striving for fiercely and without compromise.
So, those are my thoughts so far. I'm expecting more revelations along the way. Meanwhile, I'm deeply grateful to both authors for their brilliant book.

[Chelle W (teaandplottwists) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a series of essays, full of so much useful information and insight for anyone who has ever wondered about Veganism. Firstly, as a vegan of 4 years myself this taught me so much that I didn’t even know and, for me, cemented my personal reasons behind my decision. However, it’s not a preachy book so please don’t be put off. It gives you facts, and no it doesn’t go into horrific detail as some might expect, but don’t expect it to be soft and fluffy either.

I personally get asked so many questions about why I’m vegan, whether I miss bacon, whether I’d eat eggs if I had my own chickens and more – and this book answers all of those for me in a perfect way – I wish everyone that was intrigued about a person’s choice to be vegan would read this. It looks at the difference between Veganism and plant-based, and will inform on whether small changes really make a difference.

One of the things that really stood out for me was the little sections on human analogies. It will make you think about whether the things you think are ethical really are when they’re changed to a human perspective. This book explains why vegans feel the way they do about animals, and why we live the way we do. It also explains how we don’t just live on rabbit food!

I really enjoyed this book, and it’s definitely one I will keep and refer back to to help me answer questions about my decision. As I say it’s really informative and educational – there are references in there too for anyone that may want to question the facts presented, or read in a bit more detail. And if you’ve ever been in the slightest bit interested in Veganism then this is the perfect book to read. The chapters cover the basics, live and love vegan, Veganism is for everyone, money and politics, healthy and frugal vegan and environment, and finishes with a chapter bringing everything together. The final chapter is a fantastic section that will ask you questions and get you thinking.

Maybe I’m slightly biased (and I’m trying not to be!) but this is a fantastic, informative, educational and ‘real’ thought provoking book that I, personally, feel everyone should read. Highly recommended by me, especially if you’re vegan or interested in learning more about it.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, disclaimer: Not a vegan. I think that's important to say because as a non-vegan I thought this book was very thought-provoking and wonderfully written, and genuinely both entertaining and educational. If it hasn't made me commit to veganism, it's certainly making me think about my role in making it the world a more compassionate place.

I think the best review I can give is this. My 23 year old son is a high-functioning Autistic. He's always struggled a bit with reading, thus it's not his favourite thing to do. Not only is he reading this book, we've been having long discussions about what he's read so far. Currently he insists he doesn't think he wants to be vegan, but based on our talks so far I wouldn't be at all surprised if that is where he ends up.

Think Like a Vegan is speaking to my in ways I wouldn't have imagined, and I think that is due in large part to the wit and wisdom of the writers. I truly think everyone will find something in this book that will speak to them.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written. The authors managed to strike the balance perfectly, so it's informative but not preachy. It's smart, it's funny and it's very well researched. They cover LOADS of topics, many of which I've not seen discussed much in the public domain and it's great to see every vegan stone turned over and mused upon.
I absolutely love the structure of the book - ultimately, most people already do think like a vegan, in that (I think!) most people are already compassionate, good people who want to make compassionate, good choices... they just need to rethink the way they do things. This book would help any non-vegan make the leap and give any vegan who often finds themselves knee deep in debates with non-vegans some excellent points for their pocket.

[Bookwormbadger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Pigeonhole and Emilia Leese for this book. I found it a very thought-provoking and inspiring read which I think everyone should read. Very insightful. I'm a long term vegetarian but have never made the permanent leap to veganism; feeling increasingly drawn towards finally giving it a go.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational! 👏

It’s not often that a book enters the world that can change your life, but Think Like A Vegan might!

What’s more, by being written in such an accessible, friendly and approachable way, the authors present the scary facts about our ubiquitous animal use and gently and kindly nudge us into acknowledging where our values sit in conflict and address how we can change our behaviour to be true to our core beliefs - to protect the vulnerable and defend the rights of the voiceless.

I love how they balance encouraging everyday activism by providing supportive and helpful exercises to practice talking points whilst recognising that just by being vegan, you are doing something meaningful and important for animals.

Suitable for anyone with a vegan in their life, someone curious about veganism, long term vegans and everyone in between!

Without a doubt, this book will become THE vegan bible, for vegans all over the world. Thank you both for such a important contribution to veganism. 💚

[Roberto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Emilia & Eva for writing this. Focused, consistent and uncompromising. For all the ones wanting to better understand; or for the ones who have taken steps for health or environment reasons towards flexitarian -> vegetarian, this book effectively but empathically challenges this approach with the logic of equality between humans and animals. Stimulating and likely to drive action or at minimum pause and reflection, and helpful conversation to progress in the right direction.

[Hanan Harchol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Think Like A Vegan, a brilliant book by my friend Emilia Leese and Eva Charalambides! The book makes the powerful point that by consuming animal products, humans are participating in, and contributing to, the unethical exploitation and killing of sentient creatures in order to satisfy our cravings and habits. The book is exceptionally well researched with many essays challenging the reader to think about animal rights in the same way we think about human rights and other social issues. There are countless additional gems, such as the health impacts of becoming vegan, the connection between animal farming and zoonotic diseases, and the devastating impact of animal farming on the environment, but I think what impacted me the most was the how the writers looked at the exploitation of female animals in the dairy and chicken industry through a feminist lens, in that female chickens and cows in particular are used for a life of perpetual breeding and lactating, only to be killed when they no longer serve our purposes. This is an excellent book and I am very proud of Emilia and Eva for this important contribution to our society!!! Highly recommend!!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - You can get the book here: https://unbound.com/books/thinklikeav... or on Audible or Kindle, or preorder on Amazon. #thinklikeavegan @ThinkLikeAVegan

[Thibault Drevon-Barbecot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot but to rate and criticise it I think it is best if you consider who is reading it in the first place.

If you are an omnivore, vegetarian or even an uninformed vegan, you will find plenty of arguments to confirm that the only way up is vegan, whether you are ready for it or not. Not only for animal welfare, which is obviously the main topic of this book, but also for our own health and environmental reasons. You will learn how to debunk the common myths and take part in conversations on the topic (look at you, you superstar).

If you are already an informed vegan, you may find some new facts and the story of a fellow vegan who struggled on their way. Comforting.

Now the cons.
In a nutshell, the authors are adamant that there is no half measure. Improving animal welfare but still using them is just balm for our guilt, and Meatless Mondays may be better for the environment but will not change the fate of our fellow living creatures. Furthermore, the authors are clear that becoming vegan resulted in them losing a lot of friends who didn't share that belief.
While the book encourages you to have conversations and help more people become vegan (the only realistic way out), I found very few tips and tricks to lead those conversations and change mentalities apart from the brilliant rule of silence.
At times the brutality of the speech in this book unsettled me a bit too. Yes there is an emergency and OK we can't go halfway, but since I am reading this book and I am open to the conversation, I am not sure being told at lengths that we all need to go vegan overnight is productive. It is not wrong per se, it is just that without a plan and methods it looks like wishful thinking.

I am a relatively new vegan and haven't met friends a lot during the pandemic. The question of how to deal with veganism in the social sphere is an answer I am looking for and this book sums it up as a make-or-break situation. Not very helpful considering people rarely like to be told how they should behave heads-on. The last section of the book dedicated to use cases and Q&A was nice for beginners, but failed short to address really tricky situations. It looked more like an exercise to see if you have understood the book.

I would have also liked a point of view of where veganism starts and stops.
For example, is it animals we shouldn't use or sentient beings? Oysters are not sentient. A lot of asian recipes have oyster sauce in them. Is that OK? What makes a difference between a zoo or an aquarium (bad) and a sanctuary (good)? Is it OK to have pets? Are we not just using them for our comfort?

Conclusion: This book is actually great to understand the point of view of a vegan and why you should absolutely become one, but may bring little help on your way there or how to successfully convince others.

[Martin Treanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a terrific entry into the vegan discussion - and fills so many holes. Through well laid out discussion points, it doesn’t attempt in any shape or form to dictate a position - but to merely explain the thought processes that go into living as a vegan.

It is my hope that many people read or listen to this book - and find some level of inspiration from its words.

Fantastic stuff... keep up the great work :)

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a vegan book for everybody. It doesn’t preach to the choir or preach at all. It just explains. It’s so accessible and transmits the feeling of universal respect that the authors have toward all life. A book that will help vegans better express their views and also inspire non vegans to start having some big conversations with themselves.

[Alex Counts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific book about what veganism is all about that is not just for vegans (I'm not) and those considering becoming one. Bravo!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fine. If you've spent 30 minutes talking to any vegan who's thought about why they're vegan, you've heard what's in this book. Ultimately, there's some handwaving towards tough questions the author doesn't seem to want to grapple with and/or doesn't seem to understand the opposing viewpoint (e.g. "Obviously, the answer is X" when the answer is not in fact obvious at all, or "We wouldn't accept that reasoning" when 'we' in fact would, or her discussing what is and isn't relevant from a moral perspective without elaborating on why something is or isn't relevant beyond her just stating her opinion).

[Clare Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand better what veganism is (and what it isn't). I have been vegan myself for over 20 years and in that time have seen it go from something very obscure and ill understood to something that is pretty mainstream and even kind of 'cool'. This is great but it does mean often the core ethics of veganism get a bit lost among buzz about the best new vegan burger, which faux milk froths the best, 'meat-free Mondays', and whether veganism will cure your eczema or make you thinner. The triumph of this book is the moral and ethical clarity therein. The authors maintain a focus on the core reason to go vegan - because 'using' animals is wrong and akin to other forms of exploitation and violence. We do not need to eat animals or drink their milk or wear their skins (etc. etc.) to live healthy, happy, and full lives and therefore there can be no justification for doing so. Other reasons to go vegan exist for sure (it's better for the planet, it's better for your health, etc. and the authors cover all of these) but the most important reason is the moral and ethical one.

This is a very accessible book written for a mainstream audience - it is not a dense philosophical tome, so don't be put off! It is made up of bitesized 'essays' that are clear and often humorous. The authors also cover some of the more head-scratching issues around veganism such as 'what about honey?' and 'what about pets/companion animals?' Whether you are vegan or not, there is something for everyone here - give it a go!

[Joris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Als veganist van bijna tien jaar had ik hoge verwachtingen van Think Like a Vegan. Helaas heeft het boek me teleurgesteld. Het voelt alsof de auteur zichzelf neerzet als dé vertegenwoordiger van veganisten, wat ik als onterecht en pretentieus ervaar.

Veel onderwerpen worden zwart-wit gepresenteerd. Deze polariserende toon maakt het boek absoluut geen aanrader voor niet-veganisten, terwijl het juist hen zou moeten aanspreken en inspireren.

[Kip · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren't words to express the pride I feel of my friends, not just for writing a book, but for writing THIS book. The authors aren't the first to argue the inefficiency (with regards to both what actually helps animals and what changes people's minds) of the dominant welfarist discussion tactics used within vegan movements, but I reckon they are first to do so in a way that is both clear and accessible to the widest audience. This is a big deal and it's what veganism needs.

I often feel dissatisfied with how mainstream arguments for veganism are focussed on animal welfare instead of animal use. We maintain assertions of compassion (what does that even mean?) as the primary tool in our debate box and we fight for our cause by cheerleading half measures like going vegan for a month, but as the book demonstrates these methods are failing the animals (and have done so consistently). This book challenges such limited tactics in a positive way and frames veganism within a social justice context, addressing why it makes little sense to afford justice to only some sentient groups and why we owe equality as a fundamental right to everyone. Think Like a Vegan will help its readers understand the interconnection of all systems of injustice and why framing speciesism in this context makes sense.

Being vegan is a joy, but in a nonvegan world it means answering the same questions, facing the same defensiveness from people again and again. There is a comforting smugness in rolling eyes at dinners with nonvegan colleagues/friends/family or sharing a story on social media mocking nonvegans for their cruelty, but where does this get us? These acts might feel justified in the moment, but when we ask ourselves “how does this help the cause I am fighting for?” the self-serving nature (i.e. making it about us instead of the victims) of these actions becomes apparent. Thinking about these social hurdles and educating ourselves and others works in ways that memes and covert and/or passive aggressive responses do not. This is of course a more time-consuming and mentally challenging method of engagement, but it's also what works in any useful discussion of bigotry and exploitation. We need to be patient and be able to have conversations (sometimes years long) with others to affect change. Think Like a Vegan is field guide on how to do this.

Vegans and nonvegans alike have much to gain from a volume like this. The arguments are presented kindly, not defensively, and are backed up by solid statistics. For these reasons (and more, but I guess I should stop writing this review at some point) this book will remain front and centre on my bookshelf, to be revisited again and again. Please do give it a read.

[Caroline Venables · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to start this review by saying I am not a vegan nor am I vegetarian. I chose to read this book because a friend of mine is a vegan and I wanted to know more about the subject.

As a lay person the book is fascinating it contains so much information, I have learnt so much from reading it. It is not pleasant by any means and the statistics involved make dismal reading. As I reading I found myself questioning my friend and getting her take on the things I was reading. I had always thought being a vegan meant being vegetarian but not eating dairy and eggs.

How wrong I was! Being a vegan is so much more than that, it really is a way of life and involves a lot more than the food choices you make.

I would recommend this book to everyone, not just vegans. It really is eye opening.

[Tomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly written book with a series of thought-provoking essays that touch on the deeper aspects of veganism. From the moment I heard that this book was in the works, I just knew it wouldn't disappoint. As someone who has been vegan for almost 9 years, I was able to learn a lot of fresh concepts. The chapter on practical thought experiments is particularly golden and challenges the reader to think critically and re-examine our assumptions.
I often get asked by non-vegans for book recommendations, and this is one book that I feel covers so many of the questions and debates that arise around the topic of why veganism matters; it's a book that I have and will recommend again and again.

[Angela Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a avid reader but this is an easy book to read and follow. Great for the curious/ sitting on the fence about veganism or even if you have never thought about it. Lots of well sourced information and snippets of thought experiments is a great touch to really immerse yourself into the authors perspective. The book covers a whole range of issues from climate change to exploitation of workers and how it inherently links with veganism.

[Peggy Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think Like a Vegan draws upon the real-life experience of both authors. They did a brilliant job identifying so many issues, and those topics were presented in unique ways to help really get your mind gears churning. I loved the tone, style, and approach of inclusivity as well as the thought experiments that wrap up the second part of the book. A great addition to anyone’s library and it will also make a perfect gift. I’m purchasing an extra hard copy for lending!

[Indy Kaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super excited to see this book launched! Since moving to a vegan diet and lifestyle I have struggled seeing peoples reactions and it can become a lonely place! After all food is such a big part of bringing people together. Think Like a Vegan has been a refreshing and relatable read for me and a book I can share to help others understand about my reasoning too. Great book, thank you!!

[Sareta Puri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally well researched and written book that explores the ethical foundations of veganism. Really eye-opening and informative - a great read for any human (vegan or not) that wants to learn how to live a more ethical life.

[Tyler Polius · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*. probably better suited for people looking for more of an introduction to veganism, although I felt the general content of the book was good and well-informed

messaging/tone was a bit jarring at points but do understand it comes from a place of passion and morality. much preferred "This Is Vegan Propaganda" by Ed Winters

[Patrick Kowalczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for vegans and the vegan curious. The arguments are consistent and clear - and leave little wiggle room in terms of the morality and ethics of exploiting animals. It will be a handy tool to have on hand when in doubt or when answering questions about vegan ethics.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a well researched exposition of the philosophy of veganism. It explores the vegan standpoint that there is no difference between humans and animals and therefore the same ethics should be applied to animals as to humans. It looks at the environmental damage of animal husbandry including dairy farming and egg production. It goes on to show that eating vegan need not be expensive and can in fact be cheaper than eating meat. It ends with real life examples of how to live as a vegan amongst friends and in our society. I found some of these were useful and others less so and I did notice that in one example the non vegans were also bigoted! I would have liked a chapter on the damage that some crops have on biodiversity and the environment just to provide more of a balanced overview.
I found the whole book enlightening on the whole vegan ideology which I certainly didn’t know before and it has certainly made me decide to eat vegetarian but it was perhaps in the end a little too black and white and simplistic a world view for me.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

E' un bellissimo lavoro-- certi brani mi hanno fatto piangere ma tanti mi hanno fatto riflettere. C'è tantissimo da "digerire" e penso di voler rileggere. L'ho trovato pratico certo per le conversazioni con tutta la gente che chiede il "perché?" ma soprattutto per conversazioni con me stessa. Grazie mille per questo bellissimo libro!

This is a marvelous book. Certain passages made me cry, but not because they were gory or had horrifying imagery like many vegan tracts I have read in the past. Most of all, many passages made me reflect. There is a lot to digest so I think I would like to re-read it. It's certainly practical and will be of use in the many conversations that come up with people that ask me "Why?" (up until now my answers have never really felt adequate. Hopefully this will change that!) Yet it will be of most use in the conversations with myself.

[Josie Rushin · Rating 2 out of 5]

non-fiction text about veganism. I found the text contradictory, confusing and demanding. the author is highly critical of anyone doing anything but absolute veganism, which left a bad taste in my mouth, considering that I am reading this with a goal of going vegan and while doing a vegan month challenge. though the text had areas of being educational, i felt it lacked critical thinking, concluding that everyone is able to go vegan, which i simply disagree with. it was a frustrating read, as I wanted to agree with the author and clearly believe in veganism’s importance, however the text felt very extreme. i wonder how non-vegetarians would take this book, considering my reaction. i would not recommend the text, and will be seeking alterative literature about veganism, which provides practical and realistic information and advice.

[Annika · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you believe in any form of social justice, you believe in veganism!!!!!

[Sue Trav]

I can't give this a rating as it was a DNF for me (which is super rare!). I did not like the narrator at all and I just could not get past the self righteous tone of this book. I am not a vegan but I am mostly plant based and though this would be enlightening.

It was enlightening for all the wrong reasons. I love animals and cruel farming practices make me sad...but not sad enough to completely give up chicken or the occasional scrambled egg (free range and organic thank you). This book is why people HATE Vegans is what I thought while listening. Especially vegans who also eschew alcohol and any other substances and WOOL - seriously??