Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World (Tofu Hound Press)

Product Features

• ISBN13: 9781604860153
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

From the Editors

<DIV><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">In this informative and practical guide, two seasoned vegans offer tips and advice for thriving without animal by-products. Sometimes funny and irreverent yet always aware of its serious message, this resource for being vegan in a world that doesn’t always understand or have sympathy for the lifestyle illustrates how to go vegan in three weeks or less by employing a “cold tofu method;” convince family, friends, and others that there is no such thing as a vegan cult; and survive restaurants, grocery stores, and meals with omnivores. Also offering answers to questions such as “Do you, like, live on apples and twigs?” this reference dispels myths and explains the arguments for ethical, abolitionist veganism, encouraging everyone to embrace their inner vegan. </P></DIV>
Product Description

Customer Response

If you can get past the obnoxious tone...
I agree with other reviewers that the language (purposefully condescending) and tone (cheesy attempts at wit and snark) of this book distract from the actual philosophies it outlines. I think there is a market for it, but the whole in-your-face, super defensive thing is just not my style. Also, while the book's premise is how to deal with being "different" as a vegan in a non-vegan world, the author(s?) come off, in my opinion, to actually revel in all the attention, negative or otherwise, their "freak"ishness attracts. This kid of attitude is one of the reasons vegans have the stigma they do - no one wants to be preached to or looked down upon, so if you want to promote positive attitudes toward veganism, don't be a douche about it.

However, there's some good stuff in this book, so if you can get past the "oh my god it's so hard to be a vegan because no one understands me" BS of it, go for it. I should add that I am a new-ish vegan (about 8 months) and this book was a gift which I read early in my veganism, after I had made the decision to go vegan.

You'll laugh your way through an insightful book
If you've felt like an outsider because your way of life isn't the norm, Bob and Jenna Torres give you support, new ideas and a sense of personal power in their book `Vegan Freak.'


They begin with their story of how they became vegans and go on to address how most vegans are viewed by the general public. Chapter 3 is one of my favorites where they share ideas on how to communicate with people (including friends and family members) about your decision. They do it in a way that respects people's choices while increasing awareness of animal suffering, health and environmental concerns. People think of all vegans by the ones they meet. If they happen to meet a vegan who is disrespectful and righteous in their beliefs, chances are good it will turn them off to the whole idea. It isn't always easy, but this chapter gives you ideas on how to handle what they call the `Uncle Bill' in your family. (The obnoxious one who wants to fight about just about anything loving it when you bite the hook.)

Chapter Four gives you ideas on how to survive grocery stores and restaurants along with information about beer, wine and dog food. Chapter Five covers thoughts on fur, wool, and leather as well as cosmetics. The wrap up in Chapter 6 is how to stay vegan in the long haul.

The authors are great writers adding humor throughout. I read it on a recent trip to Minnesota and it was like having a couple good friends by my side. The one and only time I cringed was when they talked about their book being different from most authors who are going for fame and money. I've read so many books (and have written one myself) that are written with heart, clearly wanting to be of service to others.

I think the best thing about this book is the reference guide. Bob and Jenna have, no doubt put in countless hours finding resources that will help readers begin or stay on their path of being vegans. Enjoy the book, I found it delightful.

Rubbish
What a complete waste of time. I am only glad that I was able to borrow it and did not have to waste my $10 as well. It is quite clear that the authors have never in their lives possessed an original thought or idea.
If only zero star ratings were available.

Awesome
This book was everything I hoped it would be. I have been a vegan for only a few months, but I would recommend this to anyone from long-term vegans, vegans who need support to back up their decisions, to those just curious about the idea. Fantastic Book!

Probably not a good first book on becoming vegan.
The decision making process that occurs if you're interested in making the switch from omni or vegetarian to vegan is just that, a process. You need to understand what the ethical questions are, educate yourself and then make your choices. The world we live in will make a hypocrite out of you pretty quick if you don't. The authors are hard-core in their beliefs, and their view is black and white, so know this going in. Either you are or you aren't vegan. This can be really confusing and/or intimidating for someone in the beginning stages of checking out veganism, given the grey areas that we all have to work through. It's going to be different for everybody. Don't just blindly accept a stance because it seems punk rock and cool. Everything, the houses we live in, the vehicles we ride or drive, the clothes we wear and the world we live in have all been built the suffering of animals (humans included) in some large or small way, so beware the slippery slope of absolute truth and inflexibility. Also, I don't know anything about the authors personally, but they often do come across on the written page as smug hipsters at war with a good portion the world, which might be a turn off for you if you don't get the joke (as it were). Definitely small on the facts and heavy on the words. I finished several sections wondering why they went to such great lengths to make the same point over and over. Read it, but balance it out with other perspectives before you make the decision that's right for you.

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