#COLLABOREADS: A Foodie Book
If you're new to #COLLABOREADS, welcome!
Amber and I started this fun little online book club back in May 2015, and after a summer without it, we're bringing it back to life again this month! We pick a theme every month, you pick a book that fits (we all read different books! it's fun that way!) and then all link up and share our thoughts (with a handy-dandy R.E.A.D.S. acronym usually--see below!) and link up and become BFFs. You can read more about this whole thing here.
PS: Amber's taking a break from her blog at the moment (we miss her, but so support her!) so it's just me hosting today, but I'm still excited to connect with all of you book-loving friends!
This month's theme was: A Foodie Book
I chose: Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World by Bob Torres and Jenna Torres
“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.”
Riveting.
What part of the book could you NOT get enough of? I have been vegan for a few years now, but I admittedly haven't done the kind of reading about veganism that I need to. This book was so enlightening, so thorough, so informative, and just a really great read, too. I didn't agree with everything in this book, but it definitely solidified and also challenged my own beliefs and habits. Be aware, there is cussing in this one, there are many very strong opinions, and the authors don't take things lightly when it comes to how animals are treated. I strongly encourage everyone to read books like this especially if you aren't vegan, but know it's not for the faint of heart! If I hadn't already been vegan, this book would have made me one in seconds for sure.
Elements.
How did you relate to/care for the characters? What's your thought on the plot line and twists and turns? Since this is a nonfiction book, there weren't characters or a plot, but the way this book progressed was well done. I liked the way the chapters built on one another in a very thoughtful way that created a sound structure for arguing for veganism.
Associate.
What other books are like this one? If none, did it remind you of a particular TV or movie with it's themes and characters? Does it serendipitous-ly line-up with things going on in your life or the news right now? This is the first book solely about being vegan that I've read, but I've read other books about the food industry by Michael Pollan that were in a similar style. Documentaries like Food, Inc., Forks Over Knives, and Cooked come to mind as well. (Ps-- you can find a full list of my favorite vegan/gluten-free resources here!)
Design.
You know you judged this book by the cover. What did you think of it? How did it relate to the contents of the novel? And the font and layout of the pages? The cover caught my eye in my favorite local used bookstore, but I can't say I really love the design of it. It's attention-grabbing, yes, but I'm not a huge fan of the cliche "hello, my name is" sticker or the grunge look. But hey, it accomplished its purpose by making me want to buy the book, so I really can't judge too harshly!
Stars.
How many out of five do you give this book? Would you recommend this book to a friend? I gave this 5/5 stars. Definitely a fantastic read as a vegan, and one I'm hopeful non-vegan friends and family will pick up and read through as well!
LET'S LINK UP NOW.
FOR NEXT MONTH:
December's theme is A Familiar Favorite. It just seems right that as the year draws to an end, we revisit and re-read a book we love. (I'm a rare re-reader, so this will be out of my norm and extra fun!)