The Vegan Sourcebook (Sourcebooks)

From the Editors

Increasing numbers of people--including actress Drew Barrymore, pop star Moby, and actor Alec Baldwin--are embracing veganism, a lifestyle that entails avoiding all animal-based products and behaving ethically and conscientiously within our surroundings. In <i>The Vegan Sourcebook</i>, long-time activist Joanne Stepaniak further explores and illuminates the principles and practical aspects of compassionate living.
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Customer Response

Worth checking out of the library.
I checked this book out of the library, and it's one of the better vegan books I've read. It's really informative, and it gives the reasoning behind choices that many vegans make..."Why don't vegan eat honey?" or other questions that might not be so clear to a new vegan. It asks you to view your actions in a slightly different way, to see how the choices you make daily affect others. I'm not sure it's a book I would feel like I needed to own, however. It gave the history of the vegan movement, which was really interesting. There are some great recipes at the back, and I copied down a handful to keep in my recipe binder--I recommend the Farmhouse Stew with seitan and lots of veggies! Yum yum! The broth is created with a couple of tablespoons of tahini and couple of tamari (along with vegetable broth). This is such a delicious combination, and it makes the soup so rich and filling. I use these two ingredients as a background broth for many other soups and stews now. For some reason, the combination reminds me of those pot-pies I used to eat as a kid. Who knows? It's delicious! There are also recipes for vegan mayonnaise and sour cream, made with silken tofu (which is helpful, because I can't get those pre-made where I live). It's worth borrowing or checking out of the library!

Good for Those Who've Already Committed
this is a great book for anyone who has already decided to become vegan, but for anyone sitting on the fence i'd recommend other resources. the reason is simply that even though this book contains a wealth of great information about the history of the vegan movement, the ethics of veganism, and the ins and outs of vegan nutrition and compassionate consumerism, it DOES get very preachy. i happen to agree with the authors' statements on animal cruelty and the health and environmental hazards of modern factory farming, not to mention the heinous abuses suffered by workers in the meat industry (among other things), but it should go without saying that the facts speak for themselves, and i think the authors tend to editorialize a great deal, which i found annoying. there are also a great deal of quotes scattered throughout the book that offer interesting insights into vegan ethics, but they are generally from people i'd never heard of, which also took the book down a notch for me. the recipes at the end of the book are good though, easy to make and useful to have on hand. all told this IS a good resource for vegans and new converts, who may not mind being preached at since they're members of the choir, but for others, a more objective approach could serve more effectively.

Best Vegan Book on the Market
The Vegan Sourcebook is the best book about veganism on the market that I've come across. As a conservative and somewhat analytical vegan, I hate books that only talk about compassion for animals and karma (etc.) instead of grounding their philosophy in cold hard facts about the animal product industries. I'd say this book has about 60% solid, logical arguments/facts behind the reason for vegan (with references to back it up) and about 40% of the wishy washy emotional stuff. I think it's a fantastic resource for practicing vegans, those who want to become vegan, and those who want to understand why their loved ones are vegan.

It covers a broad range of topics from the history of the vegan movement, to why vegans abstain from dairy, eggs, and other animals products. It also includes a great chapter on the health benefits of veganism and includes a realistic sample meal plan with recipes. My favorite chapters are the ones on the dairy and egg industry. VERY interesting and insightful. Of course, one must keep in mind that this book is biased towards veganism and therefore it doesn't address too many of the arguments against veganism at length. But it is one of the most balanced and reliable sources of information on veganism out there by far.

I initially checked this book out at the library, but am now planning on purchasing it because it's such a great resource.

GREAT VALUE!! Highly recommended!!

Little of everything
For a new vegan, this has a little of everything. I have enjoyed this book and will use if often, as a resource.

The Vegan Sourcebook
All I can say is "WOW". So many things about vegan living was explained in this book! Although I do not fully agree with all the tenants of veganism. I do agree that eating packaged meats from animals raised in cruel conditions is not the smartest thing nor the most humane.

Having raised and having killed animals for food, I also know how to work with animals in order to not have "fear" energy be in their flesh that is eaten. I have sat with birthing animals and coddled their young, with gentleness and love. All the while talking to them about how I appreciate their willingness to grow up and sacrifice themselves for my survival. Its another perspective in the way of life!

Don't get me wrong...I fully understand and believe that we are killing ourselves due to the manner in which we raise and eat foodstuffs. I do not think we need to go to extremes to express our humanity.

In ancient times offerings and supplication was given before the hunt, and before the harvest. Vegans offer nothing about the way in which we have been harvesting grains, vegetables, and legumes. In a sense saying that animals have more consciousness than the plant.

We have to eat. If we eat, we should chose to eat foodstuffs humanely grown, gathered, slaughtered (if we chose meat). I personally feel organic is the best way, and the author does as well. As concerned caring humans we should also keep in mind that all things on the planet have spirit. whether animal/plant/or stone. Respect for all of life to me should be a consideration. It is not just about humane thinking. It is a spiritual way of thinking.

Now, saying that...

The book does an excellent job in informing the general populous with information that would not be generally known about the ways in which those who do farming handle their livestock, and the scientific world as well. Unfortunately, making it look like all farmers do the same kind of thing.

I find that this book informs in ways that others do not. The author is well-researched, informed, and should be read by everyone whether they agree to the philosophical beliefs or not.

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