Top Ten Book Recommendations for a Vegan Diet/Lifestyle

My love of books is no secret. So it should be no surprise that I would turn to books for information while pursuing a vegan lifestyle. Whether you're already vegan or looking into becoming vegan, this list has something for everyone. I provide a range of topics concerning veganism, as well as different approaches to the subject. By no means do you have to read all these books to understand veganism (but if you like to read, by all means!).

1. Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
This book is on nearly every must read lists out there for veganism. Foer began looking into the history of why we eat certain animals and not others after becoming a husband and father and the ethics of what we're eating became important to him. He examines factory farm practices, animal intelligence, and the impact of animal agriculture on the environment. You can tell in his writing that he is compassionate and seeks clarity in the defense for a vegan diet.

2. Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals by Karen Dawn
Dawn examines how animal rights has become a major concern in our society. This book is presented in a way that is not meant as a lecture, but to inform the reader on the choices they're making and the impact it has. She speaks about animal rights from the perspective of not wanting to utilize animals to our benefit and does so in a way that is entertaining, but informative.

3. Sacred Cows and Golden Geese: The Human Cost of Experiments on Animals by Dr. C. Ray Greek and Jean Swingle Greek, D.V.M
This book talks about animal testing in the medical industry and why experimentation on animals is still used today when more effective and affordable options are available. The authors write about why society as a whole is still okay with animal testing and how this actually puts human health at risk. Instead of appealing to the emotional side of animal rights, they present an overwhelming amount of data arguing against animal testing. Both authors are medical professionals and approach the issue with a scientific mind set, but the information is easy to understand- even if you're not a doctor.

4. The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Thomas M Campbell II
In this book, the authors describe how nutrition is linked to diseases such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer. They also explore the amount of misinformation that is given to the public concerning nutrition. This is one of the largest studies completed on the benefits of a plant-based diet and provides statistics on reevaluating dietary policies in the United States.

6. The Case for Animal Rights by Tom Regan
Regan is a long-time advocate for animal rights and in this book, he reevaluates our treatment of animals. He presents philosophical and moral reasoning behind animal rights and their role in our lives. His concern for animal rights is written in a way that is both powerful and clear. This book is considered one of the greatest defense of animal rights in our society.

7. Main Street Vegan: Everything You Need to Know to Eat Healthfully and Live Compassionately in the Real World by Victoria Moran and Adair Moran
Victoria Moran presents the vegan diet to the general public as both doable and healthy without breaking the bank. She puts an emphasis on baby steps and stresses that not everyone becomes vegan the same way. She also covers ways to a vegan diet and a cruelty-free lifestyle and presents it in a way that is both achievable and accessible. This would be a good book for both vegans and those interested in veganism.

8. Project Animal Farm: An Accidental Journey into the Secret World of Farming and the Truth About Our Food by Sonia Faruqi
Faruqi describes what really goes on in factory farms and how she unexpectedly came across this subject when she visited a dairy farm for the first time. She took this experience as a stepping stone to become an advocate for animal rights. The author travels around the world in order to present factory farms in a global backdrop. She presents a unique insight into animal agriculture and the culture surrounding our food choices.

9. Bleating Hearts: The Hidden World of Animal Suffering by Mark Hawthorne

Hawthorne also takes a global approach in his book that investigates the exploitation of animals in industries such as fashion, food, sports, research, entertainment, and labor. The author comprehensively covers a variety of animal issues that shows his compassion for other beings. If you love animals and truly don't want to cause them harm, this is a must for you.

10. Vegan for Life: Everything You Need to Know to Be Healthy and Fit on a Plant-Based Diet by Jack Norris and Virginia Messina

This book is a go-to guide for vegans and aspiring vegans. It covers how to start on a plant-based diet and the nutritional needs of a vegan diet. They also debunk some of the long time myths surrounding veganism that often leads people to not pursue a vegan diet. The book even provides information for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is packed full of resources, charts, and recipes to help you transition to a plant-based diet.


Happy reading!