Vegetarianism Books

What can I say, this was the book that started it all for me 20 years ago. How could I possibly say anything bad about it? I read it so I could do my 9th grade persuasive speech on vegetarianism. It helped open my eyes to the myriad ways that animals are harmed and mistreated; to how our eating animals is destroying the earth; and how ingesting animals harms my health.

Now I've been vegan for over two decades. Thanks Dudley Giehl for writing this book.

An enlightening book that underscores the cruelty inherent in factory farming. I wish I could buy it for all the meat-eaters I know so they would "think occasionally of the suffering from which [they] spare [themselves] the sight." This book is a must for novice vegetarians as well as hard-core lifelong vegans. Interesting, well-written documentary revealing the humane-ness in ordinary human beings who connected with helpless living creatures. Health benefits are a plus, but mostly, the inner peace from promoting peaceful living. Thanks to the authors and all the wonderful contributors highlighted in the book1 :o)

We used the book on our recent trip to London and it was great. Reviews were helpful. Only one restaurant was no longer there, so the book is timely.

The distinctive local herbs and produce of Vietnamese cuisine has been heavily impacted French, Chinese, and Indian influences with respect ingredients and techniques. Now this culinary tradition has been further influenced and developed by Chat Mingkwan who transforms classic ethnic recipes into gourmet quality vegetarian dishes through utilizing customary Vietnamese seasons and ingredients, but substituting innovative animal-free alternatives for meat or fish in the recipes comprising "Vietnamese Fusion: Vegetarian Cuisine". After informing the kitchen cook about the characteristics of Vietnamese cuisine, soy products, and other ingredients fundamental to Vietnamese dishes including herbs and spices, vegetables and fruits, rice, noodles, wrappers, and seasonings, "Vietnamese Fusion" organizes the recipes themselves into sections on sauces, snacks and appetizers, soups and salads, main dishes, sweets and beverages. The easy -o-follow, step-by-step recipes themselves range from Sot Dau Phong (Peanut Sauce); to Canh Chua Thom (Hot-and-Sour Soup with Pineapple and Tamarind); to Nam Rom Nhung Dam (Mushrooms in Vinegar Fondue); to Banh Goi (Steamed Rice Cakes in Banana Leaves). Enhanced with color photographs of completed dishes, a list of references, mail order sources, an author biography, and an index, "Vietnamese Fusion" is especially recommended for personal and community library multi-ethnic and vegetarian cookbook collections.

It is now customary for my friends to ask, "Deborah Madison?" when they are sated by one of my vegetarian dishes. Go with the majority opinion here (not the negative reviews, which alternatively say "too simple or too complicated") which confirms what an indispensable book this can become for well-rounded cooks. OK, my critical comments in purposeful order:

- The recipes should include estimated cooking times. Her breezy, enthusiastic writing style belies the elaborateness of some of the recipes. I cooked the spinach gratin with red pepper sauce. It was quite an undertaking; good thing I work from home.
- As the book is titled "Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone," she could help us out with some suggestions of meat accompaniments at least in an appendix; or in the case of the red pepper sauce, letting us know when the substitution of chicken stock (rather than water or vegetable stock) would really make the recipe sing.
- Sometimes she's inconsistent in the consistencies of sauces and soups - ones that call for flour or soaking and the like...a little rejiggering is required.
- The publisher has forgotten to include an extra dust cover; my current one is beaten up due to frequent use.
- Deborah forgot to add her phone number. I am madly in love with her and want to ask her out on a date (I'll even volunteer to cook her a dinner using her recipes!)

Not just for vegetarians. This book has it all, and is written in such an easy to read way. I find myself reading it for fun! Where as I couldn't 'get into' the Joy of Cooking. This book rocks! Well worth the money, I use it at least twice a week.

This cookbook is great, some recipes are complex , while others are simple in a " why didn't I think of that?" kind of way. However, the biggie is that unless you live near a Whole Foods Market, Fresh Market, or Dean & Deluca, you may be hard pressed to find what you need. I am currently stationed in Germany and my shopping is limited to the commissary or local german grocery. This book is a great resource, I am using it to get more variety in serving veggies to my family as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Since this is a classic you will find all kinds of great reviews. I have no loyalty to Deborah Madison. But I do think this is a wonderful book and some of the negatives are just strange or wrong. If you are considering this purchase, take it out of the library or look at it in a store. This is really worth having on the shelf and for many reasons.
A One star reviewer says that on page 282...Potato Leek Gratin...ends up in a watery mess. The last word in the recipe says...DRAIN. Next..p636 ...Cranberry Nut Bread...uses two different kinds of sugar and doesn't say when to use each type. In defense again...in the directions it breaks things up with the words PUT (that starts the Cranberry Sauce), and then CREAM which uses the next ingredient in line (butter) and then the next type of sugar etc.. I'm no Mr. Chef but this seems straight forward to me.

The bit about Acorn Squash? Not accurate. Very few books that I have seen, have a direct reference to Acorn Squash...(Fanny Farmer, Joy of Cooking, Essential Vegetarian Cookbook etc.)This one does. With most you have to know it is also known as Winter Squash and find it that way. And this book does not just have info and bake at so and so. You can just bake it, there is a side note of good things "partners" that go with it, she gives ideas of what to use this for other than just as is, then another entry a bit more involved with some recipe for a flavored butter, and then, as Fanny Farmer says to put maple syrup and butter with it but then goes on to suggest 5 other kinds of flavors. Fanny Farmer though, says bake at 400 for 40 to 50 minutes, which really kills it. Out of all the cookbooks I have, Madison's book happened to be the most informative!!....and it brings you to a great place in the book that speaks of many other kinds of squash, what they are, and what to do with them....which I never knew about. All these other great well known cookbooks did not have any of this or all in the same place as she does. It is nice to be accurate if you are really going to dig in. Amazing. Really off in the critique there.

Bland recipes? This book is written from the standpoint of a more sensitive palette. This is not snobbery. I love burgers and fries and beer and pizza and all of that. But I simply had to give it up to the occasional. At first most things didn't taste like anything. But in time...a good piece of celery is sweet. Our taste buds are overpowered by the usual stuff we have in this society. Even the so called healthy meals. What I have experienced is that when cooked right, vegetable dishes give hints of this and that flavor or texture and that is the power in them. Our usual is to be knocked over the head. So to get into this kind of book and just cook away can be misleading.
Odd ingredients? Swiss Chard...Quinoa....?...None of what is in here is really that weird. You end up spending less. Animal protein is expensive. Sounds like "elitist artsy-f*rtsy gormand snob set" talk doesn't it? Nope. But some see it this way. I do eat meat. And fish. But not in the portions I was used to. Not necessary. The body needs a balance. In a big way. We create much of our disease from too much acid. This cookbook is a good reference to moving away from this kind of thing. There are cookbooks that are much more "way out" than this one. This seems to aim at many levels.

I had to say something after reading some of the negatives. I just wasn't agreeing or seeing what was said. Many times I find the negative reviews are more helpful than the "can do no wrong types". In this case I think they lead people down the wrong path. See for yourself in person first. Perhaps you will agree.

You don't have to be a Vegetarian to enjoy the elegant recipes.
I am a Vegetarian/Vegan over 25 years. (I don't eat seafood,
pork, lamb, chicken)
This is not a Vegan Cookbook, dairy products are included
in some recipes. I've tried several recipes. I am totally
amazed my dinner turned out perfect. This book includes
many delicious recipes for soups, casseroles, pastas, breads,
desserts, vegetables, and breakfasts too. I haven't tried
all of them. There are so many delightful recipes.

Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone Non-Vegetarian too.
I believe, at some point in our lives we have the tendency
to eat heathier. An Excellent Cookbook to have on hand.
I highly recommend.

Currently Unavailable: Amazon.
You still can buy Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone.
Amazon's sellers have listed the Cookbook. You can buy
the Cookbook through Amazon from a seller.

Great review and delivered as promised - and quickly. Almost as good as picking it out in a store!

Earlier this year I borrowed this book from my chiropractor, thinking that I should try to incorporate some non-fiction into my reading. I got way more than I was expecting out of this book. It changed my life; in fact, just yesterday I celebrated my 6 month anniversary of being a vegetarian. However, when I first started reading, I thought I would have to force myself through millions of dull facts, but I actually finished the book in a few days. I couldn't put it down, because every second that I wasn't reading, was another second that I was potentially poisoning my body with some animal product that I hadn't previously known could cause so many health problems. Basically what I'm trying to say is that this book was a little bit scary and intense, but it was more helpful than anything. It gave me that extra push I needed to make the lifestyle change I'd been considering for a while, but never actually had the motivation to pursue.
I believe the author does an exquisite job of telling his story at the same time as he brings awareness to a subject that much of America's population is oblivious to. Mr. Lyman's writing style does come off a little dramatic, which could be a turn off, especially concerning such a controversial subject. However the facts are included to back up every statement show that Mr. Lyman is just very passionate and well-versed in this subject. Also, Mr. Lyman's background as a rancher makes this book all the more powerful and easier to relate to. In short this book is an extremely useful tool, and is a must read for anyone with a vested interest in their wellness and the future of our earth and our society's health.

My wife (dairy farmer family background) read and confirmed a small portion from the book, and I became an instant vegetarian. I cheat a little, yet rarely and carefully.

Most meat producers should be forced into bankruptcy and thrown into prison. What the meat industry is doing is criminal.

We've given out many copies of this book.

Don't read it unless you're ready to give up eating animals! It's an easy to read, informative look at the dark side of the meat eating US culture and the effects upon our bodies as well as the environment. I would highly recommend it for anyone who is already vegetarian or thinking about becoming one, or for anyone concerned about our environment.

While overly emotional and more than a little biased at times, I found this book a very interesting read. It makes you look differently at the environmental and sociological as well as medical impact of our society's increasing use of beef. I think this book has a lot of information that people should be told, but that doesn't make it into most mass-media

This is the only book I have ever rated five stars.

Animal Liberation sparked a worldwide movement since the first edition's publication in 1975. Had this book not been published, you probably would never have heard of animal rights.

It presents a well-argued, concise overview of each issue:

In chapter 1, Singer argues that the most basic principles of ethics that we apply to humans - against causing pain and suffering for trivial reasons - apply to members of other species precisely because they are capable of experiencing pain and suffering as intensely as members of our own species. He claims that our attitude of assuming that the suffering of other species cannot be taken seriously is therefore a form of prejudice, called "speciesism" by analogy with racism and sexism.

Chapters 2 and 3 expose the mind-boggling cruelty we carry out on other species for experimentation and food, and (convincingly, I think) compare these practices, and our attitudes towards them, with the similar treatment of, and attitudes towards, groups of humans in what we now consider the darkest periods of human history.

In chapter 4, Singer amasses evidence in support of adopting a vegetarian diet, which has, directly and indirectly, convinced millions.

Chapter 5 undermines the attitudes towards other animals that most of us grew up with by revealing their historical origins. Rather than viewing our conception of human superiority as a deep, inarticulable, but somehow respectable intuition, Singer points out that it is uniquely Western, and closely correlates historically with other prejudiced attitudes.

In chapter 6, Singer straightforwardly responds to all of the common objections to his positions, including those raised against the first edition, highlights the successes of the movement since the first edition, and inspires us all to join the animal rights movement.

Animal Liberation is a classic, a must-read for anyone who stands for or against animal rights, and even those interested in philosophy or politics more generally. I should point out, though, that it has not been updated since 1990, so the latest advances in animal rights aren't described. Also, if you don't like prefaces, skip the two more recent ones if you wish, but don't miss the original "Preface to the 1975 Edition." It's brilliant and historic.

If you are at all concerned with basic questions of justice, of how we ought to live, you cannot afford to pass up this book.

Enjoy!

This book, more than any other shook the foundation of my perspective on animal suffering and enlightened me to the suffering we all cause to non-human animals every day. Singer shows the reader what harm is being done and that doing no harm is not simply a matter of continuing the comfortable pattern of thoughts and behaviors that are the majority in human societies.

Singer's rational and utilitarian approach is the perfect antidote to both irrational and reactionary arguments against the validation of this suffering and also the stereotype of vegans and those in favor of animal rights as overly sentimental animal lovers. His writing is precise, his examples measured and his arguments never pedantic or repetitive.

Singer takes utilitarian ethical theory to its conclusions in thought and practice. He defines his premises well and then proceeds logically and unswervingly to all ramifications of these premises. While many have attacked the radical ethical ideas Singer puts forth far fewer have anything more substantial than intuitive resistance to his stance. Animal abolitionists also criticize this book saying that it and Singer do not go far enough. While there may be disagreements about the goals of working towards ending the suffering of animals there can be no doubt that "Animal Liberation" has been incredibly influential in raising the consciousness of the importance of these goals.

Singer would do well to read the Declaration of Independence, written by men far more ethical and wise than he:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

This simple yet profound statement cuts directly to the heart of the so-called animal "rights" debate and shines a glaring spotlight on the moral and ethical bankruptcy of those who equate animals with people.

Simply put, they do not believe in the Judeo-Christian God. Whether such a god exists is beside the point. The ethical nihilism that is the natural result of atheism leads irrevocably to acceptance of the position that animals and people are equally deserving of consideration and freedom. After all, they would say, all living things are the accidental by-product of a mindless system of natural law that did not have us in mind and cares nothing for us. If you accept that premise, it's obvious that animals and humans deserve the same rights, if they deserve any at all.

For those of us who believe in a God who created Man in His image, the animal rights argument rings hollow from the start. This stance must make the animal rightist howl with indignation as it appeals to an objective moral authority above and beyond that of any human mind, specifically Singer's.

This book is like an enlightment.Peter singer managed to dissecate the speciesist assumption that animals dont count on the ethics equation.
The book ranges from the explanation of the argument for animal rigths in a remarkable way, it traces the philosophical background of speciesism in history and it also show us examples of the consequences of our speciesism, factory farming, animal experimentation etc...
Its a must have to everyone that wants a better society for all, animals included.

When I was just a seventeen-year-old teenager, the boss at my summer job gave me Animal Liberation to read because he didn't have the heart to throw a book out. He said PETA sent it to him because of his large donation. He wasn't a vegetarian but he did have a soft spot for the animals.

Anyway, half way through the book, I converted to vegetarianism. By the end of the book which coincided with the end of the week, I was a vegan and haven't looked back since that day which was 20 years ago.

Read this book and inform yourself. You don't have to become a vegan but it would be nice if you developed an awareness of how mankind treats animals and how he has forsaken his role as "shepherd."

Thanks.

This book is great. The categorization and thoroughness of the index makes it easy to find the recipes I'm looking for. I have tried several of the recipes and they have all turned out really good. I love the convenience of taking a few minutes to throw something together and not having to fuss over it while it cooks.

I was a bit nervous to purchase this book because I live in NZ and find US cookbooks quite baffling in terms of ingredients and measurements. But any deciphering I have done has been well worth the effort. Delicious recipes that the entire family have loved.

When visiting my son and family in Massachusetts, I was really impressed with the delicious meals she produced from her slow cooker. She's a very creative person, and I wondered whether her special touch had made the meals taste so special. Taking a chance, I ordered the book for myself.
Back in California, I'm delighted to find that the meals I have tried are just as delicious as the ones I was served.
This is no quick-and-easy fix, but the preparation time is well worth the result. The recipes are flexible, and one can use canned green beans, for instance, instead of fresh, adding them only in time for heating with the rest of the already-cooked ingredients. Substitutions can be made: zucchini for eggplant or canned tomatoes for fresh.
Each recipe is an adventure, but I haven't yet faced up to Vegetarian Haggis.

The title should say it all. I have an hour and a half commute to work and I go to night school - I don't have time to cook. Ever. But these recipes (some are better than others, be forewarned) ensure that I eat something other than frozen vegetables and rice. The bean and grain focused sections feature recipes that are all about the glory of the vegetable and don't require cheese, milk, cream etc. Nor do you necessarily need to rely on pretend meat items or soy for these recipes. I live in a rural part of the US and finding something exotic like "tofu" can be challenging but the essential ingredients in these recipes are fairly easy for me to find.

In short, buy the book if you are busy, have a crock pot, and don't want to eat animal products.

Overall I like the recipes in this book. They taste good, and I like her idea of sauteing the onions and other vegetables on high for a half hour before adding the other ingredients so that you can avoid "cooking" and dirtying a skillet. However, she wants too many things precooked. The sauteing is alright, but her bean recipes are too complicated. Soaking beans overnight is normal, but then she wants the beans to be slow cooked for 8 hours prior to using them in the recipe! I personally find this suggestion overkill since this means by the time the recipe is done the beans may cook for 16 hours.

I am very impressed with this book. I became interested in veganism after quite a bit of research into the treatment of animals in slaughterhouses, egg farms, etc. As a professed animal lover, I just could not bring myself to support that industry anymore. The Becoming Vegan book explained so much more to further solidify my conviction. I especially appreciate the section on how to "fit in" at gatherings with friends and family.

The biggest problem I see facing vegans is a dearth of factual information from medical professionals not suffering from a knee jerk reaction against the idea of eschewing animal products. Becoming Vegan: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Plant-Based Diet fills a real need for science to weigh in. Personally I have found his book to be very useful in shooting down groundless assertions raised by the well meaning but ill informed people that we all have to deal with as vegans from time to time. It has kept me strong in the face of peer pressure and has converted a number of people who were not convinced of the moral issues at stake but were deeply affected by the health aspects of veganism. This book gives me hope that the days of vehemently held and completely untrue opinions regarding vegan diets might be coming, slowly, to an end.

This book does not offer "motivation" except to mildly and respectfully suggest that in addition to improving the health of the body, creating a world free of cruelty to living things might be good for everyone's soul. If you need stronger stuff, look elsewhere.

Many thanks to the authors for writing this book for us - your efforts are greatly appreciated.

This book helped me sort out some pre-existing vitamin deficiencies I was dealing with before experimenting with veganism. Easy to read, easy to follow, and full of great information. I especially enjoyed the section on raising vegan children and being a vegan athlete.

I swear I don't think there's a better resource out there if you are considering a plant-based diet. I am not a vegan right now (just a vegetarian), and I don't think I will be anytime soon, but this book is still very helpful. If you're looking for a great read with tons of information, then this is the perfect book. Highly recommended!

When I first became a Vegetarian several years ago, I bought this book thinking it was going to just tell me everything I wanted to know and give me the recipes and menus to boot. NOPE... I put it high up on the shelve and didn't give it another thought for awhile. I fell off the vegan band wagon and joined meat eaters again. When went back to vegan I pulled this book out and I finally really read it and its wonderful. It has all the information you need to know how to plan your own diet and where to get all the vitamins and minerals you need. Also this book has on several times saved my butt on heated arguments over how much protein one needs and where to get calcium other than milk and yogurt. Plus the dads sneaky pudding is worth its weight in gold as one of the two recipes in the whole book. This is the bible of the vegan diet. Its a great reference book that comes in handy as a reminder of keeping yourself healthy and your diet nutritious.

I have been a vegetarian toying with going full bore to Vegan. I have read several books on food ethics & this one is by far the best. After reading it, I am a full-fledged Vegan. This book was not how to be a vegan, but WHY to be a vegan & he made his point quite plainly. Thanks, Erik, keep up the good work.

A very good book for newbie vegans who need to expand their library. There was nothing in here that I hadn't read elsewhere, but the book provides a very user friendly summary of many of the basic vegan issues and philosophy... I do recommend the book, though it's not necessary a "must have".

I have been a vegetarian for a long time, but continued to eat eggs and drink milk for about 4 years. This book definitely changed my feelings about the milk industry enough for me to finally make that step.. I also have stopped eating eggs, however, It is impossible to say I am a true "Vegan", now because you never know when I might get stranded somewhere where there is nothing to eat accept for eggs or something, and I did eat a non vegan cookie the other day, (I feel remorse though) and my family will never understand, and will continue to try to feed me animal products(and lie about what is in their mystery dinners, so I have to turn it down kindly as to not hurt their feelings), because they don't get it and think I am brain washed.. When they are the brain washed ones... Also, I can say from living this lifestyle, I feel lighter and healthier, that equals happieness... Vegetables = Happiness.

Groundbreaking work by Marcus. Everybody wins when we switch to a plant based diet. Do it for your health, for the environment, for the animals. A must read for health nuts, environmentalists and animal lovers alike.

When I decided to go Vegan last November, like with many things in my life; I did my fair share of research on the subject. I purchased a few cookbooks and several books on Veganism. While most of them were helpful (The Complete Idiot's Guide to Veganism, Skinny Bitch) other's I found to be written like a high school report on Veganism (Vegan Freak). The facts were there, but it seemed like one line after the other on the subject ended with "For more information on this topic, read this other book." Which made me think maybe I should have just purchased those other books in the first place. So, for whatever reason, the books I bought were just lacking... something... Then I lost interest in reading about Veganism altogether and just started living the life.



I subscribed to a few Vegan Podcasts for more information and stumbled upon "Erik's Diner". It was from here I learned about Vegan.com and the books he's written. "Vegan: The New Ethics of Eating" is BY FAR the best Vegan book I have come across. Every subject is laid out with it's own easy to read chapter. And Erik makes you feel like you're right there, part of the story by actually taking the time to write out the situation the way it happenned rather than "If you want to know more, go buy this other book." Thank you Erik Marcus for writing this book. I just started reading "Meat Market" last night and I'm very excited.