Rating: 
Summary: A terrific (and heartbreaking) eye-opener.
Review: Newkirk combines rare qualities: true passion and the ability to communicate that passion thoughtfully and inspiringly. Put simply, Newkirk takes the viewpoint that it's cruel and immoral to treat animals as though they feel no pain and have no needs or desires outside of what humans wish for them. That such an idea is even controversial is pretty sad. But whenever someone believes something strongly and unquestioningly, cynics spring up. Here, in the face of overwhelming proof that many animals suffer needlessly and extravagantly, the arguments of those who disagree seem particularly weak and ill-informed. Happily, Newkirk here manages to convey her considerable intensity without bogging down in theory or rhetoric. The book is peppered with lots of simple, real-world things that animal lovers can do -- avoiding pet stores that sell animals, for example -- though most seem sadly unlikely to make more than a whisker of difference. Better are the many heartbreaking real-life stories of people who have suddenly realized that animals can reflect the best of what it means to be alive. One hunter shoots a buck and approaches, wondering why the doe hasn't run off. He discovers that the doe is blind. Examining the dead buck more closely, he notices a worn-away patch on his hip and a corresponding patch on the doe's shoulder -- obviously, the buck had lead the doe through the forest. And chose not to run, rather than abandon his blind mate.At least hunters and anglers have the courage to confront the animals they encounter. Newkirk's at her outraged best when cataloguing the unspeakable conditions endured by animals most of us never see, and thus never consider. The cheeseburger that looks so harmless in its polystyrene box probably represents a nightmare life of confinement and terror. What others dismiss as "preachy" or "dogmatic" doesn't come off that way in the face of the overwhelming evidence Newkirk presents that animals are consistently treated horribly by the food, fur and medical industries. Hey, I know from experience that people hate hearing this stuff, and react angrily and defensively from the mere suggestion that they put some thought into their behavior and its consequences. So I don't expect this book to win many friends or convert many carnivores. But that doesn't mean I'm not thrilled and moved and sad and inflamed and delighted and inspired by a book that, I hope, will be better understood and more widely acted on in the future.
Rating: 
Summary: Other emotional plea by PETA
Review: Once you remove the emotionalism, there are no rational or factual basis for removing the use of all animals for food and medicine. If people don't want animals to be used in medicine, maybe they should stop going to the hospitals and driving my insurance up. The best the author can do is make a case based on the few whom abuse animals. Well, we should then ban cars then since a few people kill 1000s by getting drunk. Not eating meat is fine, but to deny that humans are meat-eaters is outrageous. This book is filled with bunk logic and facts and Bill Maher, modern-day Einstein, just adds more irrationality to it.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent presentation of the case for veganism
Review: PETA and Ingrid Newkirk have been fighting for the animals for many years. I am one of the people who they have touched and changed forever. If you do not know what it means to live for the animals, please read this, and pick up PETA's excellent cookbooks. This is what you can do to honor our planet and ALL the creatures on it. The power of your plate and the way you live your life is REAL, and you CAN make a difference.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This book has changed my life. I instantly became a vegetarian after reading it. It is a real eye opener.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This book has changed my life. I instantly became a vegetarian after reading it. It is a real eye opener.
Rating: 
Summary: Hidden Agenda's
Review: This book is a must read. I just got it in the mail last night and by this morning, I have already read half of it. I have turned my life into a vegan eating practice and I strive to maintain this same state in all I do. Always having a soft spot for animals, this book reminded me of that and opened my eyes even wider to countless and thoughtless acts of cruelty against our fellow animals. There were some points, in what I have read already, where I had to stop for a moment and get my composure after reading how some of the animals are treated. I will recommened this book to anyone who expresses concern and wants to help our friends as well as carry this knowledge with me. Thanks for a great book.
Rating:
Summary: Eye-Opening enlightment
Review: This book is a must read. I just got it in the mail last night and by this morning, I have already read half of it. I have turned my life into a vegan eating practice and I strive to maintain this same state in all I do. Always having a soft spot for animals, this book reminded me of that and opened my eyes even wider to countless and thoughtless acts of cruelty against our fellow animals. There were some points, in what I have read already, where I had to stop for a moment and get my composure after reading how some of the animals are treated. I will recommened this book to anyone who expresses concern and wants to help our friends as well as carry this knowledge with me. Thanks for a great book.
Rating:
Summary: Impressed by the technical quality of the information
Review: This book is not just "why I like my dog," somewhat to my surprise. The most valuable parts of the book aren't really the suggestions about what people should do, but simply the factual descriptions of the way things are. The absolutely disgusting - but documented, true - information about the meat industry and lab animals was distressing, but I'm glad I read it. I admit that this is one of only 3 "cause" books I have ever read which actually got me to modify any aspect of my own behavior.
Rating:
Summary: Impressed by the technical quality of the information
Review: This book is not just "why I like my dog," somewhat to my surprise. The most valuable parts of the book aren't really the suggestions about what people should do, but simply the factual descriptions of the way things are. The absolutely disgusting - but documented, true - information about the meat industry and lab animals was distressing, but I'm glad I read it. I admit that this is one of only 3 "cause" books I have ever read which actually got me to modify any aspect of my own behavior.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, easy to read, and informative
Review: This book provides a wealth of information in an easy to read format. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to do even a little to help the animals!
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