Book Review Animal Lover’s Guide to Changing the World

My book review process typically starts with finally being offered a book of interest. I agree to write and post a review. Then, I promptly freak-out about finding the time to read the book. Weather, in turns out, did me a favor. Thursday, May 3, 2018, we got a ton of heavy, wet snow. So much that I didn't go to agility class. So much that we lost power (and phone service) for about 12 hours. I did as much writing work as possible on my laptop and through sparing use of our battery back-up system to access wifi a few times to check email, but there was only so much I could do. So, I read Stephanie Feldstein's book all in one sitting. Here is my book review Animal Lovers Guide to Changing the World - Practical Advice and Everyday Actions for a More Sustainable, Humane, and Compassionate Planet. Details on the book giveaway at the end. Scroll down.

There are so many ways to approach a book review for a book like this. Often it comes down to what resonates based on my own life experience. That's where we'll start. 

Dog Mommas

People often ask me why I have dogs and not human children. The answer is complicated, but planet overpopulation is one of many factors in my decision not to bring more people into the world. Feldstein talks about that in the book, including how lack of sexual and reproductive freedoms around the world put animals (including us) in danger. 

I knew from the age of 13 that I probably would not have kids, so that's an old (and very personal) decision, so I'm not sure it counts toward me changing the world right now. 

Top Tip - Book Review Animal Lover's Guide to Changing the World > Food!

Food choices, however, are very TODAY for me. For a while now, I've been actively eating more plant-based foods and less meat. I'm not militant about it, but I do often eat vegetarian and even vegan meals. I do still eat eggs and sometimes have cow dairy products. I love me some cheese, but I make an effort.

Not to pop off on too much of a tangent, but here are a couple of my new favorites thanks to keen recommendations from a mostly-vegan pal:

• Protein porridge from The First Mess (vegan)
• Lentil salad from My New Roots (vegan if you leave off the cheese)

So if you're looking to do one more good thing for animals -- and yourself -- look at your diet, including if / how grass-fed or free-range animal husbandry affect the lives of livestock.

What I Like About This Book ... 

I like that the Animal Lover's Guide to Changing the World covers all areas of modern life where we can make changes that help animals. I like that Feldstein offers real-world strategies for being a better animal advocate through "Action ALERTS" at the end of each chapter. And, finally, I like that you do NOT have to read it cover to cover to engage with the content. You can jump into whatever section interests you the most -- pets, wildlife, farm animals, etc. 

It's a comprehensive book for animal lovers from their teens on up -- as long as they won't be shocked by the chapter on how our sex lives affect animals. (wink)

You  don't have to take my word for it, though. You can see what others taking part in the blog book tour found useful in their own lives. 

Book Giveaway

As a thanks for this book review, the publisher will send 1 person (in the United States) a free copy of the book. My selection process of the "winner" is going to be subjective. Post a comment with your favorite vegetarian or vegan recipe by midnight (MDT) Sunday, June 3, 2018, and the one that looks the most interesting to me wins.

I'll contact the winner privately by email -- so be sure to enter a valid email address when you post your comment. That way I can get your mailing address to give to the publisher. 

Thanks! And, goooooood luck!