Wayne Pacelle

Pros: Beautiful cover, lots of passion in the writer's tone, and some good points made. A great optimistic look at the progress that's been made, and a focus on the work that can be done in the future. A fine read for someone interested in animal welfare.

Cons: Preachy, ham-fisted, definitely written for people who are already on board with the idea. It doesn't really spend any time convincing you of the core philosophies, it just kinda rolls along and assumes you agree with it. Which i guess it's fine, some books are built to preach to the choir and they do so effectively. But I would have liked a more grounded approach. I learned a little bit, but the book isn't super educational and it's not super persuasive, which makes it essentially a book meant to affirm the beliefs you already hold.

Also, this is kind of a dumb criticism but I wish animal welfare advocates weren't so intense about veganism. This book falls into that boat. I'm all for the benefits of eating less animal products, I agree with you guys, but the issue of humane living is more complex than that.… (more)

From companion animals to animals we consume to animals that entertain us, this is a spectacular overview of how animals from every region and interaction are tightly linked to our everyday economics. For each section, there is a wonderful brief history that runs through the laws and cultures involved and quickly takes you to modern day. Without preaching, this book brings about the knowledge that you, as an individual, have the power to change an economy of suffering to one of compassion and respect. It also examples that the world, economy and behaviors are evolving and changing for the better.

Highly recommended for anyone who is involved in today's global economy. Regardless of where you stand on the animal rights scale, this book is a gift of knowledge that would otherwise remain in the shadows.… (more)