Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful, informative, inspiring
Review: Having had a difficult couple of years since my son was born and my husband left me, I was living as a vegan on "autopilot" but no longer had that feeling of passion for the subject that I used to. In fact, when people asked why I don't use dairy products, I would mumble something vague, so lost in my other worries had my veganism become._The_Vegan_Sourcebook_ has got me feeling inspired again. In an intelligent, compassionate way, she neatly summarizes all of the problems with animal products--the cruelties done to the animals, the environmental devastation, the oppression of the human workers on factory farms and in slaughterhouses (a subject omitted from many other vegan books), and the damage to health. Not only does she discuss the negatives of animal products, she emphasizes the positives of veganism, with inspiring quotes from a diverse array of vegans which really humanize the vegan movement. The nutrition section by Virginia Messina is positive but realistic, with all the information you need to plan a sound vegan diet for yourself and your family (though I would have prefered more emphasis on the importance of breastfeeding). This is a book that vegans will want to refer to again and again, and show to their nonvegan family members, friends, and health professionals.
Rating:
Summary: Really made this non-vegan think!
Review: I am starting a journey toward being (I thought) an ovo-lacto vegetarian. I never, ever thought I'd even consider transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. Then I picked up Joanne's wonderfully written and compassionate book. Her presentation of reasons to be vegan has really started me thinking about veganism. It won't be an overnight sweitch I am sure - but I am already moving toward more compassionate diet and lifestyle choices. If you have ever wondered "Why vegan?" this is a great book to read!
Rating: 
Summary: Veganism as a religion
Review: I became a vegan several years ago. Naturally, I am curious to read the opinions, advice, and information offered from other vegans. However, I was sorely disappointed with this book. Instead of offering sound, well-referenced information, this book reads like propaganda and represents veganism as more of a religion than a lifestyle. Except for the recipes, I think this book was a waste of my time.
Rating:
Summary: Veganism as a religion
Review: I became a vegan several years ago. Naturally, I am curious to read the opinions, advice, and information offered from other vegans. However, I was sorely disappointed with this book. Instead of offering sound, well-referenced information, this book reads like propaganda and represents veganism as more of a religion than a lifestyle. Except for the recipes, I think this book was a waste of my time.
Rating:
Summary: Vegan Sourcebook
Review: I find myself continously referring to this book when I am asked questions regarding nutrition, vegan ethics, environmental impact of the vegan lifestyle, etc. This book covers everything beautifully. It is on my bookshelf right next to Diet For A New America. I highly recommend it!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic Resource For All
Review: I found this book to not only be essential to people who are already vegan, but also to those interested in learning more, or those with vegans in their lives. Joanne's tone is always non-judgmental and welcoming, her research is first rate and her insights are never pushy, always illuminating a subject with her distinctly thoughtful approach. It's so helpful to have a resource guide like this to distill what is often an overwhelming topic down to its essense without being simplistic or reductive. This is the only book one would need for a run-down on the different reasons one might feel compelled to be a vegan, as well as a great nutrition section and a generous assortment of fantastic and easy-to-follow recipes. I particularly LOVE her sour cream and onion dip (tastes just like the real thing), savory Farmhouse Stew, and chocolate chip cookie recipe, which is the best one I've ever had, vegan or non-vegan. You can't go wrong buying this book for yourself or someone you love. Joanne Stepaniak did it again!
Rating:
Summary: Vegan Sourcebook: The must have reference for all Vegans!
Review: I've been Vegan now for aprox. 2 months; during this time I've read about half a dozen books and numerous articles. This is by far the best book I've read so far!!! Let me explain:
Being new to Veganism is confusing as well as exciting, problem is, you have to search a lot to find answers, recipes etc..
Jo goes over all the essentials in her book starting out with what Vegan means, outlining out the origin when the Vegan society began and how it evolved into today's Veganism.
Also, she goes into WHY ingredients like milk,eggs, honey, etc.. are damaging. As well as how environmental issues affect animals as well as humans. Tough issues such as vivisection, zoos, circuses, experimentation, testing, etc.. are covered and well explained. A tough issue for me is career choices, she goes into a lot of the issues we all can and probably will experience as vegans.
The nutritional charts are an incredible resource, so many new Vegans (including myself) are dealing with the issue of "Am I getting enough protien..calcium...iron..etc...) Well, perfect book for you right here!!! I reference it almost daily.
Theres recipes and meal planning too! Vegan code of ethics, as well as AHISMA and what it means. It's obvious from this book as well as how much activism that Jo believes and cares about what she does. How we can see where we are and why "spherical compassion" is different from what we might think compassion means. I totally recommend this bookfor anyone as a good starting point for Veganism or even if you've been a Vegan for years you will DEFINATELY benefit from this book.
Rating:
Summary: Could be the Vegan "Bible"
Review: If you are considering veganism or are already a steadfast vegan or vegetarian, this is the book for you. This book contains a wealth of information, neatly organized. I refer to it almost daily. I have revcommendedf The Vegan Sourcebook above and beyond all other vegetarian resources out there to many people. This is the most comprehensive volume of complete veganism I know of.
Rating:
Summary: brilliantly written, a true comprehensive guide to veganism.
Review: Joanne's work has long been a mainstay in my book collection, this book harvests all of that knowledge and reason into one single chapter by chapter work. From essays on vegan ethics, nutritional information, well documented facts based on countless studies, and some of the greatest tasting recipes found on the planet, this is a true "sourcebook" for the newly vegan, or those who have been vegan since birth. It is a must read for anyone who is concerned with their own health and the health of the planet and all of its inhabitants. Contrary to some beliefs, a vegan diet does not cause health problems, i.e. earaches, colds, and undersized children, (see previous reviews) but actually aids in the avoidance of so many illnesses and diseases. One diet, one planet, and one book is all you need to start you towards a better quality of life. Thank you Joanne for such a complete source.
Rating:
Summary: An Essential Book for all Vegans and Vegetarians
Review: this book has been on my shelf for about a year now and i *constantly* go back to re-read sections, and get recipes. the author appeals to both the rational and emotional aspects that come into play when one considers veganism, and she backs both up well.
drawing upon various reports and surveys, she presents staggering figures in support of a global vegan lifestyle. she covers economic, environmental, psychological, and personal reasons to make the change, and then lays the process out step by step. how to go vegan, tips on keeping the lifestyle, places to shop compassionately, delicious, easy recipes to try, and debunking popular myths are just a few of the things accomplished in the book.
there are many quotes from famous veggies, and animal right activists that are inspiring and touching. there are also stories from well known (and not-so well known) vegans that help to bring the point home.
for the health conscious there is a huge section on nutrition that breaks down the vegan food pyramid (yes, that's minus the dairy and meat sections!). it lists foods needed for vegans to achieve a nutritious daily intake of vitamins and other essential goodies. daily sample diets for everyone, from infants, children, teens, adults, and the elderly.
if i haven't made it perfectly clear, this book really is an essential for anyone who is interested in a vegan lifestyle, as well as those who care for animals, the world they live in, or their own health and well being. this is a clearly and lovingly written book, and can easily give anyone the mass majority of vegan info they would ever need. of all the other vegan books i own, this is definitely the most useful and my favorite.
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