Review of 101 Reasons Why I'm A Vegetarian (Paperback)

I just finished reading Ms. Rice's 101 Reasons Why I'm a Vegetarian, and I simply have been bowled over. Reason after reason, the information the author brings forth is unrelenting and, no-less, devastating. This is up there as one the most far-reaching indictments of the meat-eating lifestyle to date.

So much of this material was absolutely new to me, and I pride myself on being an informed vegan. It would be pretty tough for any meat eater to remain so after reading this book. If you read it, you will be transformed.

Despite the obvious fact that Ms. Rice shares the philosophy of your most ardent vegan advocate, the writing style is understated, which is perhaps what gives the information its power. In the majority of cases Ms. Rice's facts come from conventional sources (the USDA, the EPA, The New York Times, The Economist, agricultural colleges, etc.), which, by the way, are copiously referenced. I figure there are perhaps 1,500 citations in the book. I could not, of course, look at every one, but it was nice to know they were always there to back up the facts. I did look up a few with Google searches. In those cases I
was at once brought into a world of key experts at the forefronts of their fields. Furthermore, the 13-page index appears to allow readers a good chance at cross referencing at any point. Both the index and the reference pages were interesting browse-reads in themselves.

Here is a book that should probably be on the shelf of every vegan or vegetarian alive. There, this book offers the meat-free the constant assurance that each had made the best decision of his or her life.

My only complaint with the book was that the author did not let loose more often. I got the feeling Ms. Rice's editors reigned in a more flamboyant style, a style that seeps through the cracks all too infrequently.

In the end, at risk of repeating myself, if you're a vegetarian or vegan, here is your ultimate vindication. If you're a meat eater, you may want to consider yourself duly put on the hot seat.




Product Description
For many years, Pamela Rice, president of the Vivavegie Society in New York City, has produced the pamphlet 101 Reasons Why I'm a Vegetarian, known to all who have read it as "The Mighty Convincer." The pamphlet offers in bite-sized pieces the many human health, animal welfare/rights, and environmental reasons why people are choosing a meatless diet.
Now Pamela has written an expanded and fully resourced book-length version of 101 Reasons Why I'm a Vegetarian, filling out the details of her argument and providing up-to-date information, but maintaining her engaging and informed style. She covers everything from the conditions for animals on factory farms to disappearing fish stocks, lagoons of animal waste, high incidences of colon cancer and other diseases, and other information from industry periodicals, newspapers, magazines, Web sites, and other less readily available sources.
A work of prodigious scholarship and dedication, written with wit and skill, 101 Reasons Why I'm a Vegetarian is sure to become the handy reference work for vegetarians who want to give their meat-eating friends one book that explains why they do what they do, and for meat-eaters who want to understand all the arguments for a meatless diet.

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Review of This Crazy Vegan Life: A Prescription for an Endangered Species (Paperback)

This Crazy Vegan Life: A Prescription for an Endangered Species reads like a lifestyle book for omnivores who are considering a vegan lifestyle.Overall this book is pretty substantially focused on weight loss and speaks to someone who may be wrestling with excess weight and poor eating habits.However, it is still broad enough that even those who are already eating a healthy diet and maintaining their weight will find something of value.The premise of the book is that through a vegan lifestyle that emphasizes whole foods, exercise, and mindfulness one can not only lose weight but start a journey towards a healthier life and more longevity.I say lifestyle because Pirello is careful to point out several times throughout the book that this is not a quick fix or a fad diet, but a lifestyle that one must be willing to embrace for a lifetime.

For the most part, Pirello achieves this aim.She manages to give the reader a very good sense of what a vegan lifestyle entails and its benefits (for weight, health, the environment, animal welfare, etc.) as well as a good crash course in nutrition and and exercise.All of these topics are presented in a manner that is suitable for a beginner.In other words, she assumes no prior knowledge about nutrition or veganism.This means that the book is very approachable if you are new to either or both.However, if you're already quite familiar with veganism, nutrition, or exercise a lot of what you find here will be review.In either case, Pirello does a good job of breaking down the shift to veganism step by step and even providing a 21 day plan with menus and recipes to ease yourself in.I especially appreciated that although the recipes she includes are loaded with whole grains and vegetables they don't feel like "diet food" and sound very appealing.As she mentions in her book, a routine is only good if you can stick to it and with recipes like Tangy Pear and Blueberry Salad, maple popcorn, and mini pumpkin cupcakes with orange glaze she makes it seem VERY doable.She also explains a lot of culinary terms, especially as it relates to vegetables, that should help make those who do not cook a lot feel more comfortable with the recipes.

Although I appreciated these aspects of the book there were a couple of things that kept me from giving it a 5 star review.The biggest one for me was the absence of end or footnotes or sources.The author cites a lot of medical studies and nutrition facts, which I appreciate but does not provide detailed source information to check out on my own.For the sake of clarity, she does include a resource list, but these do not seem to be clearly related to the studies cited in the book.I recognize that not everyone takes the time to check out sources but when health and nutrition are involved I love going straight to the source whenever possible.As a point of comparison, Michael Pollan, who she mentions in her book has 23 pages of sources in In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifestoand also includes all the cited articles on his website.It's clear that Pirello did a lot of research for this book so I only wish she made the sources more accessible to the reader.To me this not only instills more confidence in the data mentioned, but also helps me to deepen my knowledge on health and nutrition through my own follow up research.

The other thing I didn't care for is that sometimes the author's tone seemed to slip into hyperbole, particularly when it comes to describing the ill effects of eating animal products.I get that this is done for added emphasis and gives the book life.However, at times I felt like it was a bit much.This is largely a personal judgement and I recognize that others will find the same tone enjoyable.I think it only bothered me because at times it was coupled with nutrition information that could be a bit vague.For example, she mentions that Splenda is broken down into a toxic compound which she deduces will have negative effects on the body.However, she fails to mention in what quantities and to specify what these negative effects will be.This is a case where a footnote would have been fantastic as I would have loved to get more information on this.

Even with these complaints I think there is still a lot of value to be had in this book.It's approachable, thorough, and great for a beginner.Compared to other books I have read on the vegan lifestyle like Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World and Skinny Bitch I think it does the best job of setting you up with the tools you need to be successful.Of the three it also focuses the most strongly on making sure you don't just don't switch from regular junk food to vegan junk food by favoring whole foods.Of these three books I would definitely recommend This Crazy Vegan Life: A Prescription for an Endangered Species the most, but still think there are areas in which it could be improved to be a more rigorous vegan resource.

Product Description
A manifesto on being vegan and living healthfully from the award-winning host of public television's Christina Cooks, Naturally!

Being vegan is not only about a plant- based diet. It means taking a whole new look at health, fitness, lifestyle choices, and the world. Christina Pirello not only advocates the development of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals, and the environment, but also promotes their impact on wellness. Beyond the value of eating whole, and organic foods, Pirello explores a host of subjects from nutrition and fitness to education and emotional well-being as she helps readers take control of their lives and achieve their personal goals, whether they want to lose weight, regain health and vitality, or simply look and feel better.

Featuring a 28-day nutrition and fitness plan, This Crazy Vegan Life also includes sample menus and more than 100 delicious and easy-to-prepare low-glycemic, phyto-nutrient-rich, high-fiber, wellbalanced vegan recipes that emphasize good carbs and good fat.

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Review of The Raw Food Revolution Diet (Paperback)

Cherie Soria has lived this lifestyle for decades.As the reviewer above noted, she looks at least twenty years younger than her 60-something age.
Coming from a person like her, you can rest assured that this is not a fad, unbalanced diet. She is a vibrant, healthy, energetic person.

What I particularly like is that she has a great deal of sympathy and understanding of the challenges facing a person who is struggling with their weight and their health, and understands how intimidating it is to make that huge transition from a Standard American Diet to mostly raw vegan.

The best thing about the book is that each day's eating is completely laid out, so you don't have to fill your head with planning and making decisions.Just do what she says, and you'll very quickly 'get it' - because in the end, it's all very very simple.And you will feel so much healthier and cleaner (not to mention thinner!) very quickly.Within days.Once you 'get it', it's easy to use the book as a guide for taking over and planning for yourself.

There are lots of great raw cookbooks out there, but this explains the basics of what to eat, how much and when.So it's great for beginners.

She doesn't insist that you eat 100% raw, and has great suggestions for common concerns like cold weather, travelling, and eating out.

The book is very well-researched, and has a great deal of scientific information if you want it. There are easy to use charts. And she explains the big 'protein question' that always comes up - ie how do you get enough.

There are recipes for nutrient-packed and yet simple to prepare foods, with great sympathy for those of us who don't have a lot of time in the day.Nothing is very difficult to put together, and they are appealing to non-raw diners as well (who, if you didn't tell them what you were serving, probably wouldn't notice, and might even congratulate you on the quality of your hummus and hungrily devour the nut creams and desserts).

She goes on to explore and recommend special equipment like juicers and dehydrators, which might be useful additions to your kitchen if you continue to eat in this vein.

Overall, an excellent introduction to the new healthy you.My criticisms are minor, but I did find it a little hard to navigate without reading from cover to cover.And I would have preferred color photographs, to enhance the recipe pages. I'd recommend this book if your current food-style isn't creating the health and life you want to have.

Product Description
Discover how a raw foods diet will balance your weight naturally. This collection of recipes for imaginative, delectable, accessible and enticing cuisine is a far cry from a discipline limited to salads and sprouts. You'll be able to enjoy delicious, easy-to-prepare meals without feeling deprived. And you'll experience how raw foods can improve your health and make you feel more alive. Practical tips make it easy to choose the raw diet plan that's right for you with handy menus to get you started. A "How To" section on putting together a raw food diet that is nutritionally sound ensures that you receive the nutrients you need as you achieve your natural weight.

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