In the world of vegetarian literature, there are many books give philosophical arguments for vegetarianism from a variety of perspectives. There are also many how-to books that describe the nuts-and-bolts of vegetarian nutrition and identifying animal products in ingredients lists. Finally, vegetarian cookery is mainstream these days, and almost any sizable bookstore offers several veggie-friendly cookbooks.

Living Among the Meat Eaters is fairly unique because it is none of the above. Instead, Adams deals with the somewhat neglected aspect of social interactions between vegetarians and omnivores. Does your aunt constantly nag you to eat meat? Do you dread invitations to parties and cookouts because there is never anything you can eat? Have you had to deal with “friends” who make fun of your dietary choices, or who constantly want to pull you into a debate? Adams describes these and many other uncomfortable situations a vegetarian may encounter, and she offers practical advice for dealing with them constructively.

One major flaw to the book is Adams’ unfortunate choice of central paradigm. She encourages vegetarians to think of hostile or nagging omnivores as “blocked vegetarians.” Essentially, she describes them as operating from a guilt complex. In my own experience, guilt only seems to be a factor for a very, very small minority of such people. I can see how Adams’ idea might seem not only inaccurate, but also off-putting to many readers. On the positive side, the actual practical advice she derives from this paradigm is solid, and basically boils down to: be polite, be positive, and be prepared.

I recommend Living Among the Meat Eaters primarily for those relatively new to vegetarianism. While the advice may not be terribly original, Adams’ does an excellent job of describing various awkward or hostile interactions that are common between vegetarians and omnivores. This book offers moral support and can help the new vegetarian better anticipate and respond to such situations. ( )

This work is mis-labeled as a cookbook; it really isn't, although there are a few recipes at the end. It's much more a strident and very defensive argument for vegetarianism as a way of life.

As an omnivore who loves vegetarian food, I couldn't appreciate it, and was really quite disappointed by it. ( )