Well constructed arguments...

Interestingly presented. Some new information eg about how zoos don’t do what you think they do. But the conclusions seemed uninspiring and familiar.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Eye opening

I started reading this book as an animal lover but soon realised that the way I’m living my life means that I am surely not.

I thought, as a red blooded heterosexual white male, that eating meat and dairy was part of the identity, but the way we obtain these foods isn’t manly in any way. If anything it’s an embarrassment.

A challenging read. Not sure most heterosexual white males will be able to stomach it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Faar too important to ignore; full of fascinating stats and stories

I had practically turned vegetarian by the time I’d finished chapter one.

This book has invaded my headspace completely. I find I am referring to it in nearly every conversation I have with people. It is rammed with useful facts and figures that Henry Mance has clearly researched very thoroughly and the author makes a very likeable, affable study partner (I won’t say teacher or guide since there is not a hint of didacticism in his tone; instead he expresses something like humility, shame or awe at everything he learns.

The book overall is incredibly depressing since, after scavenging for every little bit of data on how we coexist with animals and pawing through reams of anecdotal colour to give us the fullest picture possible of how animals think, feel and respond to human treatment, the author leaves us with only one conclusion: the human race must die to allow animals to live. … I jest and exaggerate, but it is fundamentally a brutal indictment on nearly every thing we have ever done to animals and continue to do, whether in the name of food, entertainment or profit, or even — as we might term our feelings towards our pets or the subjects of a David Attenborough documentary — “love”. Basically, we’ve been getting it so, so wrong. Most of us have an inkling that we’re doing it wrong, but even as we approach the climate disaster that will wipe out nearly 90% of all species on earth, we fail to recognise our biggest mistake of all: we fail to see that we, too, are animals. Loving animals properly, in the way that Henry Mance concludes is the best way (gotta read to the end to find out), and THEN the dividends will benefit us just as much as every other species on the planet.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Mind changing ideas

Fascinating ideas about our relationships with animals are explored in this book, from all over the world. I had to take a few breaks because it was quite depressing in some parts but I feel like I will think more about my relationship with animals (those that I meet and those that I benefit from but will never meet).
The style of writing is engaging and amusing without beating around the bush.
I heartily recommend this book to any rational thinking animal lover who is unsure why they feel slightly uneasy about the treatment of animals.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Wonderful and timely

An articulate argument for changing our broken relationship with animals and the natural world. Well researched and performed

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Essential for everyone

I already gifted three of these books to friends and family members. Loved it from start to finish.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great book with compelling narrative

I was already vegan before reading this, but it gave a compelling and intellectual argument through a strong autobiographical narrative, backed up by quality reporting and reputable statistics. Thoroughly enjoyable.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!