Lantern

Publishing and Media

The Vegan Transformation

Many of us long to create healing and transformation in our lives—to thrive in mind, body, and spirit. We yearn to live authentically, with a deep sense of purpose. We desire vibrant health and vitality that allows us to engage in life fully. And we seek meaning and connection in a world that feels increasingly disconnected. Science shows that a plant-based (vegan) lifestyle can improve our physical health and reverse many common chronic diseases. But what about the impact on emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being?

As a psychologist and vegan, Dr. Angela Crawford has been fascinated by that very question. Contrary to the common perception of veganism as restrictive or depriving, her research finds that many vegans describe a sense of abundance and freedom. By honoring our core values and eating more compassionately and healthfully, we can experience greater emotional fulfillment, while protecting animals, humans, and the environment.

Through revealing surveys and interviews with vegans, Dr. Crawford discovered seven core transformations that create richer, more meaningful lives. These include:

-Living aligned with core values

-Extending compassion to all sentient beings

-Sense of purpose in creating a kinder, healthier world

-Connection with others who share similar values

-Greater emotional fulfillment and wellbeing

-Taking charge of health through plant-based nutrition

-Deepening spirituality and interconnectedness with all life

Wherever you are on your own journey—whether you are curious about the benefits of eating more plants or are already vegan and want to experience greater impact and joy—The Vegan Transformation is an invaluable roadmap. From research findings that illuminate the path to wellbeing, to inspiring stories of transformation, to exercises and meditations that support your journey, this book is a faithful companion in forging your own compassionate, healthy, and purposeful life.


“Is there anything more compelling than a life-changing and life-saving transformation? In contemporary society, one of the hardest things to do is live your values, embrace your inherent compassion, and be accepted for your authenticity. In The Vegan Transformation, Dr. Angela Crawford shows us how to expand our circle of compassion so we can enjoy a life well lived, while inspiring others to pursue a purpose-driven life, too. There are few things more persuasive than powerful storytelling, which is what Dr. Crawford does so beautifully, and effectively, in this ground-breaking book. To learn how to make the greatest impact on the world around you, absorb and apply the wisdom that is on full display in the pages within, to truly live your best life, while helping non-human animals live their best lives, too.”—Robert Cheeke, New York Times bestselling co-author of The Plant-Based Athlete, and author of The Impactful Vegan

“How refreshing to learn I’m not the only person who has experienced a profound spiritual and emotional transformation as a result of becoming vegan! In almost 30 years living a vegan lifestyle, I’ve seen countless resources showing the benefits to physical health of eating a plant-based diet, but relatively few touch on the broader aspects of healing. In this wonderful, easy-to-read book, Angela Crawford, PhD, weaves the results of research she conducted with vegans from across the globe, along with her own personal and professional journey, which shows the transformative effects of living according to values of kindness and compassion to all beings. We discover how people have learned to live authentically, thrive in their personal and professional lives, and make a truly positive difference to the world. Dr. Crawford upends the myths linking veganism with sacrifice and shows how instead it’s a path to transformation, abundance and inner peace. This is a fantastic book that reveals the powerful, transformative spiritual and emotional healing that comes from embracing a vegan lifestyle. Whether you’re already vegan, or simply curious, rush to get your copy now!”—Katrina Fox, storytelling consultant for vegan leaders, and author of Vegan Ventures

“A much needed and skillfully written book that I will use and share. It’s a major contribution to the vegan literature, dispelling prevailing myths and revealing the truth of what veganism really is: the Swiss army knife to solving today’s problems by creating a more peaceful world for all living beings, including Mother Earth. Dr. Crawford uses her knowledge and application of psychology to guide a person who is ready for change through a transformation. Carefully weaving together her own personal story with those of others, she addresses key aspects of the behavioral change required to truly embrace a vegan lifestyle. She helps the reader align their actions with their espoused values. Behavioral change is reinforced by the benefits shown of this transformation, including ethical, health, social, existential and consciousness-raising perspectives. Dr. Crawford seamlessly combines facts, practical tools and her own experience to reveal what veganism really is and the hidden benefits that only become apparent when one embraces this philosophy. She will delight the reader—whether a new vegan or one yet to be—who will discover there is no bad news about veganism, just so much to gain, which the whole world so desperately needs.”—Clare Mann, Psychologist, speaker, and author of Vystopia: The Anguish of Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World

The Vegan Transformation is a bold, fresh, inspired manifesto whose significance becomes more pronounced with every page. By eschewing established arguments or motivators based solely on personal health, ethics, and the environment, Dr. Angela Crawford gives veganism a broader appeal and newfound potency by illuminating its less-recognized benefits for emotional and spiritual well-being. Crawford challenges those tired stereotypes of the restrictive or extreme lifestyle to present veganism more truthfully as an awakening that opens the world up to create deeper connections, providing a transformed sense of emotional freedom and abundance. Her extensive research and advocacy reveal the link between thinking more critically about how food gets to the plate and achieving better health and emotional fulfilment, ultimately strengthening our connection to ourselves and other beings. Equal parts powerful and profound, erudite and accessible, at its core, The Vegan Transformation celebrates connection and compassion—with case studies, tools, recipes, and resources to inspire a lasting life-changing change. The Vegan Transformation is essential reading for a world that is out of sync with its innate humanity. It is for anyone who wants to make a deeper connection with the world around them and is curious about the transformational power of veganism. I am sending it to everyone I hold dear, daring them to expand their circle of compassion, embrace their authentic selves, and experience the benefits of alignment and transformed health.”—Todd Sinclair, vegan influencer and author of the Rebel Vegan Life book series

“Angela Crawford has created a beautiful and easy-to-read guide for understanding the personal, spiritual, and emotional benefits of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. The Vegan Transformation will inspire and motivate those who are newly vegan or curious about going vegan, with insightful, research-backed tips and wisdom for making your vegan journey as successful as possible!”—Sarina Farb, Vegan educator and TEDx speaker

“In The Vegan Transformation, Dr. Angela Crawford shares vital knowledge that invites us to explore the truth of our beliefs about health and the nature of compassion. Dr. Crawford eloquently shows us how a vegan way of life can enhance body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Crawford’s impressive original research, conducted with people from around the world, presents information that is compelling. By sharing her own powerful personal story along with the moving accounts of others, Dr. Crawford shows us how a vegan lifestyle can be successfully incorporated into one’s life. This information is reinforced with practical lifestyle recommendations and references to a variety of excellent resources. As a long-time vegan myself, I have profound appreciation for the peace that comes from knowing that no sentient being has been harmed when I enjoy a meal. I am especially grateful to Dr. Crawford for addressing this beautiful aspect of veganism. Her book is a wonderful contribution to the work of creating a healthier and more compassionate world. I am delighted to give it my highest recommendation.”—Marla Friedman, PhD, LMHC, Psychotherapist, ABAAHP, Certified Plant-Based Nutrition, author of Love, Freedom, and Wellness: A Guide to Living an Empowered Life

“Finally, the long-awaited book on the mental, physical, AND spiritual benefits of going vegan! Dr. Crawford brilliantly illustrates how becoming vegan IS a spiritual awakening. If the sun salutations and affirmations aren’t filling that gap in your life, roll up that yoga mat and embark on a vegan journey. Create impact in ways you never imagined and gain enhanced intuition, moral alignment, and interconnectedness with all living beings. No other lifestyle trains you for adversity and saves lives. Crawford shares the challenges to expect, how to tackle them with conviction, and all the resources to sustain this lifestyle for good. The reflections and exercises inspire all readers to explore more about their own life’s purpose. The Vegan Transformation is your definitive guide to becoming an early adopter of what will eventually be the ethical and just way to live.”—Sandra Nomoto, Hype woman for vegan leaders and author of Vegan Marketing Success Stories

The Vegan Transformation is a must read for vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you are simply seeking practical ways toward vibrant health or feeling called to serve and find your most fulfilling purpose, Angela shares a message of hope and shows you how a simple compassionate change can not only transform you, but will powerfully change the world!”—Peg Haust-Arliss, LCSW-R, DipACT, CHHC, Vegan psychotherapist, lifestyle coach and author of Anxiety Breakthrough: Breakout of Fear, Breakthrough to Freedom

“Congratulations to Dr. Angela Crawford on her important book, The Vegan Transformation. As a long-time vegan and committed activist, I truly appreciate Angela’s compassionate approach to creating change. She understands the importance of meeting people where they are and shares numerous real-life transition stories that resonate with readers, offering guidance on overcoming common struggles. The Vegan Transformation is an excellent resource for anyone ready to embrace a healthy and humane lifestyle. It thoroughly addresses all aspects of this journey, from the benefits to the challenges faced along the way. As Dr. Crawford emphasizes, it’s all about compassion—for ourselves, others, animals, and our planet. Within the vegan lifestyle lies a sense of freedom and hope for a brighter future. Angela provides a clear roadmap to help us all reach that destination.”—Cheryl Moss, Founder of Better Life for Animals and author of children’s books, Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle

“Dr. Angela Crawford’s The Vegan Transformation is a gem! Crawford’s writing is so engaging, and her balance of heartfelt stories with powerful insights offers clarity and connection, making it a joy to read no matter where you are on your vegan journey. More than a book about veganism, it’s a profound guide to creating a life of alignment. With reflective prompts and practical applications, she invites readers to explore their values more deeply and apply what they’ve uncovered to bring about lasting transformation. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper sense of purpose.”—Stephanie Harter, Entrepreneur and author of The Skinny On Eating Like You Give a Damn

The Parallel Process

The best-selling The Parallel Process revised and updated new edition contains new chapters and other valuable insights and information from the author integrated throughout the book. It also contains moving and poignant forewords by a care provider and parent. Using case examples garnered from her many years as an adolescent and family therapist, Krissy Pozatek shows parents of preteens, adolescent and young adults how they can break enmeshed parent-child patterns and promote their child’s emotional health and maturation through attuning to emotions, setting safety boundaries, and not rushing to the rescue. When parents learn to not take responsibility for their children’s emotions, problems and behaviors, their kids are more likely to take ownership and reclaim their lives. Likewise, parents can recognize their own patterns of surrendering their lives and personalities to parenting. As such, The Parallel Process is an essential primer for all parents of struggling teens, who are seeking to grow together as they navigate the adolescent years. 

Free Bird

Based on a true story, Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight is an inspiring picture book for children ages 4-8 chronicling the adventures of Flaco the owl as he escapes from a zoo to follow his dreams of flying free and enjoying freedom in the wilds of NYC.

Embark on an exciting journey with Flaco the owl in Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight! This captivating picture book, perfect for children ages 4-8, is based on a true story that will inspire and delight young readers.

Flaco, a brave and determined owl, dreams of breaking free from his cage at the zoo and soaring through the sky. One day, he seizes the opportunity to escape and finally experience the freedom he has always longed for. Follow Flaco as he navigates the bustling streets of New York City, learns to fly, and makes new friends along the way.

Through Flaco’s eyes, children will learn the importance of following their dreams and showing compassion for wild animals. This heartwarming tale is beautifully illustrated and will leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages. Join Flaco on his incredible adventure and be inspired to reach for the stars!

This book comes with a bonus educational section in the back for all the curious readers. Discover amazing facts about owls that will make early learning fun and help connect the story to the real world.

50% of author’s book royalties will be donated to the Wild Bird Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wildlife and releases them back to the wilds of New York City.


“Kids and parents will cheer for Flaco as he chases adventure and follows his dreams. A chance to see the world through the eyes of an owl, this book provides kids with an inspiring glimpse into the emotional lives of animals and an important reminder that hope, and freedom are universal themes for us all.”—Gene Baur, president and co-founder, Farm Sanctuary

“Combine reverence for an owl who showed the world that we all yearn for freedom, a parent’s wise and encouraging voice, and a devotion to animal advocacy, and you’ve got a gem of a book. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Flaco, and in doing so, to expand one’s heart toward all captive animals who long to be free.”—Kathy Stevens, founder, Catskill Animal Sanctuary

Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight is a captivating children’s book that tells the inspiring tale of Flaco, an owl who finds freedom in the bustling city of New York. Its uplifting message weaves in the plight of animals in captivity and their dream to be free. Combined with its stunning illustrations, Flaco’s journey will inspire children to dream big and be brave enough to reach for the stars.”—Kathleen Schatzmann, strategic legislative affairs manager, Animal Legal Defense Fund

Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight does an extraordinary job of capturing how we all have dreams—whether you’re a child or a nonhuman animal—and how important it is to fulfill these dreams. As someone who works every day to help animals, I am moved by the care and respect given to Flaco’s yearning for freedom. Flaco’s dream became a reality, and I am so excited to imagine the book in the hands of young readers who will hopefully learn from Flaco’s incredible story.”—Elizabeth Stein, Esq., litigation director, The Nonhuman Rights Project

Exploring Topics in Non/Human Coexistence

This book highlights significant contributions to animal studies and animal rights activism regarding the total liberation of all life on Earth for more peaceful non/human coexistence.

Exploring Topics in Non/Human Coexistence serves as a unifying platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal of achieving total liberation and fostering coexistence between humans and nonhumans beyond the confines of our shared planet. The chapters delve into a wide range of subjects, including critical analyses of human/nonhuman interactions, strategies for enhancing liberation efforts, and the significance of drawing inspiration from nonhuman entities.

Several chapters within this book push the field towards innovative pathways by proposing solutions to detrimental practices and organizational frameworks. Moreover, they underscore the interconnectedness of animal advocacy with other social justice movements, thereby fostering collaboration among advocates of various liberation causes. Veganism, in its broadest sense, emerges as a recurring motif that threads together the diverse themes explored in this book, facilitating a cohesive approach towards anti-oppressive endeavors.

To amplify the voices of marginalized communities, the editors have strategically positioned chapters authored by individuals of color and other underrepresented groups at the forefront of this book, granting them prominent roles in sections such as the foreword, preface, and afterword. This arrangement challenges content creators to redefine their understanding of ‘meaningful’ content creation, urging them to prioritize original insights, emotionally resonant narratives, and incisive critiques over recycled ideas that may saturate discourse and stifle diverse perspectives.

Readers are encouraged to actively engage in alleviating nonhuman suffering while respecting the autonomy of nonhuman entities to flourish, equipping themselves with the skills necessary to discern between the two. This call to action underscores the imperative of fostering empathy and understanding in our interactions with the nonhuman world, paving the way for a more compassionate and inclusive future.


“This collection interrogates the human-animal studies field’s seeming compulsion to focus on human interactions with nonhuman animals and its implicit centering of the human in doing so. By reframing human interactions with nonhumans as intrusions, this collection disrupts normative logics that ignore nonhuman realities at the expense of feel-good coexistence narratives and moves towards a liberatory framework in which the field can build on.”—Zane McNeill, editor of Vegan Entanglements: Dismantling Racial and Carceral Capitalism

“Nonhuman animals globally need all the help they can get in the Anthropocene, often called ”the age of humanity’ but practically cashed out as ‘the rage of inhumanity.’ Meaningful work on behalf of other animals to help them deal with widespread human intrusions into their lives and diverse ways of being require academics and on-the-ground activists to work hand-in-hand to use what we know about these fascinating individuals to help them to thrive in an increasingly human-dominated world. Exploring Topics in Non/Human Coexistence clearly shows that coexistence between non/humans requires ongoing multispecies negotiations with humans showing far more respect for what other animals need to have the freedoms to express who they are and to live high quality lives typical of their species.”—Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., author of The Animals’ Agenda: Freedom, Compassion, and Coexistence in the Human Age, Dogs Demystified: An A-to-Z Guide to All Things Canine, and The Emotional Lives of Animals.

“To liberate. To leave alone. These seem like contradictory principles, one active and one passive. Exploring Topics in Non/Human Coexistence challenges us to see their complementarity, inviting readers to investigate non-interference as an active ethical principle and helping us recognize that non/human coexistence unfolds not only through ‘encounter’ but also, importantly, through deliberate non-encounter. This provocative collection of essays, with its diverse range of perspectives and wide thematic scope, is sure to make you think differently. The editors and authors should be applauded for their valuable contribution to non/human liberation.”—Jessica Pierce, PhD. Affiliate Faculty, Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical School, author of Who’s A Good Dog? And How to Be A Better Human.

“Animal studies is a dynamic and vibrant area of contemporary scholarship. It thrives on crossing boundaries, not only intellectual boundaries but also boundaries between theory and practice. This volume celebrates that diversity, juxtaposing innovative ideas within and across chapters. Read it and you will have a sense of the excitement, the breadth and depth of thinking, that is emerging in work on non/human coexistence.”—Thomas Dietz, Author of Decisions for Sustainability

Exploring Topics in Non/Human Coexistence is an essential contribution to the growing field of scholarship daring to challenge deeply ingrained paradigms about shared non/human existence. With breathtaking scope and ambition, the editors have curated a body of scholarship spanning disciplines and worldviews that boldly break the mold, offering an expansive, thought-provoking collection interrogating and dismantling boundaries which have long limited the discourse on liberation for all life. The range of perspectives gathered here illuminates the often invisible yet profound ‘entanglements of oppression’ binding non/humans, revealing how these entanglements can potentially become the groundwork for genuine liberation. This volume transcends the usual frameworks to spark new ways of thinking about coexistence and resistance. It invites readers not just to imagine new futures, but to take seriously the urgent need to build them—futures where liberation is collective, holistic, and encompasses literally everyone.”—Emilia A. Leese, author, podcaster, rewilder, and author of Think Like a Vegan

Exploring Topics in Non/Human Coexistence makes an impressive contribution to the literature, not least through drawing meaningful attention toward an eclectic range of otherwise marginalized and little-understood intersectional areas of enquiry. This, together with the fact that the contributions include some of the most important international scholars and activists working at this time, will make it essential reading for many. In particular, its accessibility and breadth should have strong appeal across many critical academics, activists and broader public communities alike: I really hope it is read widely!”—Dr. Richard J. White, Associate Professor in Human Geography, Sheffield Hallam University, Co-Editor of Vegan Geographies: Spaces Beyond Violence, Ethics Beyond Speciesism

“This collection is provocative and accessible; it draws on ways humans and nonhuman animals coexist together from a vegan perspective. Each essay’s unique perspective makes the whole book interesting and engaging. There is also zero compromise regarding human and nonhuman animal liberation. This is a book that might make anyone look at our relationship with other animals in an entirely different manner. I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone interested in veganism, total liberation, or simply making sense of the way we share and view the world.”—John Tallent, author of How to Unite the Left on Animals: A Handbook on Total Liberationist Veganism and a Shared Reality

“This edited volume critiques some of the most important issues preventing the success of animal liberation including the failure of capitalism, consumerism, and lab-grown meat. In contrast, it argues for animal liberation as a social justice movement in solidarity with other social justice movements. It is a wonderful text and I highly recommend it.”—Vasile Stănescu, Associate Professor, Department of Communication Studies & Theatre, Mercer University

Vegan Made Easy

Vegan Made Easy: A Practical Guide to Plant-Based Living is a must-have resource on the “how” and “why” to go vegan. Drawing upon their extensive knowledge and passion as animal and vegan advocates, the authors have created this book to empower readers with the practical know-how to embrace plant-based living as a transformative path to a more compassionate and sustainable lifestyle. 

This book includes practical advice on adopting a plant-based lifestyle and raises readers’ awareness of how their everyday choices are key to more compassionate living. This comprehensive, easy-to-read book covers a wide range of topics: 

-Social justice, health, and sustainability as motivations for adopting veganism; 

-Making the transition to plant-based eating; 

-Nutritional guidance and health benefits of a vegan diet; 

-Meal planning and navigating social challenges; 

-Shopping tips and stocking a plant-based kitchen; 

-Understanding food labels, eating on a budget, and the myths of food processing; 

-Other aspects of the vegan lifestyle beyond diet. 

Readers can find a whole chapter dedicated to addressing 22 frequently asked questions about veganism. The book also features delicious recipes for all skill levels and a list of valuable resources, including books, documentaries, websites, podcasts, and apps. 


Vegan Made Easy is more than a book; it’s a roadmap to a kinder, healthier, and greener existence. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or a curious explorer, this guide invites you to embrace a lifestyle that celebrates compassion, vitality, and positive change.”—Nancy Arenas, organizer of Red & Green VegFest, director of Sprouting Compassion; podcast host

Vegan Made Easy is a wonderful, practical how-to guide for anyone interested in going vegan. Especially notable is the underlying message of the book that above all, veganism is a powerful expression of compassion. In providing essential information and easy-to-apply steps for going vegan, Drs. Perussello and Kong show that we are not powerless against the current food system; rather, we can embrace the power of our individual choices to create a kinder and more sustainable world.”—Gene Baur, co-founder, Farm Sanctuary

“Drs. Perusello and Kong have created a thorough and thoughtful primer for those embarking on a plant-based diet, outlining the philosophy of veganism, the many personal and global health benefits of a plant-based diet, the data behind the impact of the animal agriculture industry on our world, and so much more. In Vegan Made Easy, those new to a vegan lifestyle can begin their journey by utilizing the authors’ clear and easy-to-understand steps toward a plant-based approach to life. The book is packed with helpful information, including an FAQ section, shopping guides, and many beautiful recipes. Enough to help anyone get started! Vegan Made Easy is a great first-step book for anyone interested in learning more about a vegan lifestyle.”—Jennifer Cable, DMA, singer, voice teacher, qigong and mindfulness practitioner

Vegan Made Easy is a comprehensive guide on how we can invite veganism into our life at a pace that works for us. Importantly, the authors take us on this path in a welcoming and non-judgmental manner. Their book offers solid scientific research as well as reasons why becoming vegan yields such a positive impact on our bodies, the animals, and the planet we all share. They also thoughtfully included a variety of easy and tasty recipes as well as additional resources to help us continue this new, exciting journey.”—Jean L.B. Creamer, vegan cartoonist

“A source book on all things vegan, this book is a comprehensive, yet succinct treatise on all aspects of veganism and a must read for those venturing into the plant-based lifestyle. A MUST DO for all planetary travelers at this pivotal moment in time.”—Dr. Elisa Beth Haransky-Beck, Doctor of Optometry specializing in natural eyesight improvement from the inside out; founder, Vegan Spirituality-Southwest PA; author of Enlivening Consciousness

“Wow! Just the title, Vegan Made Easy, says it all. Not only will you find it easy, but you’ll also discover how much more of an impact going vegan makes. Think of how you can make a difference depending on what you purchase. Food, of course, but clothing, furniture, and even cleaning supplies. You’ll be amazed at the powerful impact just one person can make. Be one of those who do make a difference.”—Ruth E. Heidrich, PhD, past president & BOD of The Vegan Society of Hawaii, and author of A Race For Life, Senior Fitness, Lifelong Running, and more

“Dr. Perussello and Dr. Kong’s book is perhaps one of the most comprehensive and greatest guides on the how and why of veganism.”—Keegan Kuhn, filmmaker and co-director of Cowspiracy and What the Health

“Don’t make the mistake of believing that there’s anything difficult about going vegan! Just pick up a copy of Camila Perussello and Joanne Kong’s Vegan Made Easy, and all your questions will be answered, all your doubts resolved, and your motivation to do the right thing for the animals, the planet, and your own body will spike. Let this book be your introduction to a longer and healthier life, lived more sustainably and kindly.”—Glen Merzer, author of Food Is Climate, Own Your Health, and America Goes Vegan!; co-author of Chef AJ’s Sweet Indulgence; podcast host

“A wonderful introduction to both the how and why of changing our approach to food—and including the best Q&A on the subject I’ve seen anywhere—Vegan Made Easy is a must-have for the veg-curious. It’s also a welcome addition to the library of any vegan who wants to address the concerns of friends and family in a fully educated way.”—Victoria Moran, author of Main Street Vegan and Age Like a Yogi

Vegan Made Easy is a timely, engaging, and essential book, deserving a place on everyone’s shelf as a reference store of knowledge. The tone is set from the start, with the social justice movement that defines veganism leading the way. Like many new vegans, I once wondered, “Well, what am I going to eat today?” This book has you covered, highlighting research as the key to sustaining your body while protecting and sparing an animal’s precious life. You are guided every step of the way, well beyond your diet, to become a true animal hero. Here’s to the hope of peace in our time, which only veganism can deliver!”—Denis Nealis, organizing volunteer with Sentient Rights Ireland

Vegan Made Easy lives up to its title. The authors set the stage for evolving your understanding with the big picture—why it’s so important to be vegan. They zoom into many insights for how to be vegan so you can put new directions into practice. Through this book, you’ll realize how you can make compassionate, sustainable choices as part of a worldwide community. If you’ve ever thought about being vegan, this book will be a much-used guide.”—Janice Stanger, PhD, author of The Perfect Formula Diet

Happy Meat, Humane Animal Research, and Other Myths

Albert Bandura’s ideas about the methods people use to avoid feeling guilty about harming others have led to valuable insights about many forms of mass violence, from wartime atrocities to terrorism and genocide. Happy Meat, Humane Animal Research, and Other Myths applies these insights to another form of mass violence: the many ways people harm animals. Each of the first eight chapters discusses how people use a particular method of moral disengagement to feel better about harming animals. The last two chapters highlight the myths that have been developed in this regard, including the Myth of Happy Meat and the Myth of Humane Animal Research. These myths perpetuate the attitudes and actions of modern sexists and racists, further legitimizing their actions. Happy Meat, Humane Animal Research, and Other Myths discusses how different forms of prejudice are interconnected and why we will not be able to eradicate other forms of such violence without eradicating prejudice against animals, too.

The Appendix consists of The Omnivore’s Moral Dilemmas, an essay that discusses the ethical conflicts faced by omnivores who think of themselves as environmentalists, feminists, humanitarians, humane pescatarians, or humane vegetarians and why they cannot be true to their values without adopting a plant-based diet.


“Society is gradually coming to terms with the harsh realities of animal agriculture, as long-hidden truths about the industry’s practices and the dark places where animals have been hidden for decades are being exposed. In response to mounting scrutiny, the industry claims that it can improve its operations and produce ‘happy’ meat and ‘humane’ animal products with adjustments to its production practices. However, as Peter Marsh’s book, Happy Meat, Humane Animal Research, and Other Myths reveals, there is a fundamental ethical dilemma to confining and killing animals for human consumption that cannot be solved with minor changes to an inherently cruel system. Regardless of the labels on the packaging or rationalizations on the product websites, the truth remains: there is no humane way to justify the exploitation of animals for food.”—Hope Bohanec, author of The Ultimate Betrayal: Is There Happy Meat? and editor of The Humane Hoax: Essays Exposing the Myth of Happy Meat, Humane Dairy and Ethical Eggs

“In Happy Meat, Humane Animal Research, and Other Myths, Marsh challenges us to confront the cognitive dissonance at the core of our treatment of animals. Essential reading for anyone who has ever wondered why kind people participate in cruel practices.”—Jess Bugg, author, You Had to Be There: Thoughts of Ecological Grief in the Anthropocene

“What does it mean to be humane? We accept the definition as being characterized by kindness, mercy, or compassion as well as pertaining to a human. People might have intentions of being humane, but the reality is many humans commit great atrocities against each other and to animals and nature. Whether it’s in research or raising animals for food, when there’s suffering involved, can the activity truly be called humane? In Happy Meat, Humane Animal Research, and Other Myths, Peter Marsh gives us the proof that what we often call humane is not what we have defined it to mean. It’s a paradox. Marsh connects the dots between the cruel way people treat other people and how animals are made to experience pain and suffering at our human hands. Marsh offers hope with suggestions on how we can overcome our prejudices and become kind, compassionate, humane human beings.”—Caryn Hartglass, Co-Founder and President, Responsible Eating And Living

“You will love to read Peter Marsh’s Happy Meat, Humane Animal Research, and Other Myths. The book will supply you with state-of-the-art facts, figures, and arguments that will empower you to defeat the nonsense thrown at you by animal exploiters and their apologists. So read it and be prepared, for every one of us is an advocate for our animal cousins. Every one of us needs to be armed and equipped to known down the exploiters and stand over them for our animal cousins. Marsh’s book has an unintended benefit: It shows the lengths to which exploiters must go to lie and deny about their work. For me, this is a good thing, because it shows that there is a universal human affinity for our animal cousins. We have good instincts, but our dominant human supremacist worldview beats them down with lies, denials, and all sorts of desensitization so that people can ‘enjoy’ the benefits of animal slavery without having to have unpleasant thoughts and feelings.”—Jim Mason, author, An Unnatural Order: The Roots of our Destruction of Nature

Voices of the Herd

Did you know cows have best friends and form powerful, lasting bonds with their calves?

Voices of the Herd takes you inside animal sanctuaries, revealing the hidden lives of rescued cows through breathtaking black-and-white photography and heartfelt stories. With each portrait, Mark Peters captures their personalities, resilience, and the love they share—while exposing the harsh realities of animal agriculture.

This stunning coffee table book challenges how we see cows—not as livestock, but as sentient beings with rich inner lives. Each portrait includes a caption that offers a glimpse into its subject’s life before rescue. Stories penned by sanctuary staff give moving testimony to the healing power of care and the resilience of these gentle souls. An essay by an animal welfare scientist deepens our understanding of their emotions and body language.

More than a visual journey, Voices of the Herd is a call to compassion. Turn each page to witness the intelligence, curiosity, and courage of these remarkable animals—and discover why their stories matter. 


“I’ve spent time with cows, the rescued and the doomed, and these photos capture the personality of each being—their soul even—in a way I would not have expected in a two-dimensional medium. How Peters managed this is one of those mysteries that, lacking a photographer’s talent, I will never understand. I simply know that I want to return again and again to these compelling images and the succinct, moving stories of each rescue.”—Victoria Moran, author of Main Street Vegan and co-screenwriter of the movie Miss Liberty 

“Cows are highly intelligent and deeply sentient and emotional beings. Each and every individual has a unique personality, and it’s fair to say not a single cow enjoys being farmed for human meals. In Voices of the Herd, Mark Peters shares deeply moving and personal photographs and stories of rescued ‘food cows’—the fortunate few spared from lives of unimaginable suffering. Through the heartfelt care of compassionate humans, these individuals find safety, love, and healing from their scars of torture and confinement. Reading about Lucky, Moksha, and Watson, to name a few whose stories are told, I was reminded that the right question isn’t ‘What’s for dinner?’ but ‘Who’s for dinner?’ I hope this book inspires readers to honor the voices of farmed and rescued cows, who express far more than a simple ‘moo,’ and rethink the anonymous and hidden lives behind steak, beef, and burgers.”—Marc Bekoff, Ph.D, author of The Animals’ Agenda: Freedom, Compassion, and Coexistence in the Human Age and The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy—and Why They Matter 

Voices of the Herd features striking photographs and poignant stories of cows who have been fortunate enough to escape the horrible fate that befalls tens of millions of their peers in the United States. Photographer Mark Peters’ portraits capture the beauty of these souls who share our desire to live.”—Seth Goldman, co-founder of Eat the Change/Just Ice Tea, chair of the board of PLNT Burger

“Thank you, Mark Peters, for giving us the rare opportunity to see and get to know beautiful bovines. People don’t know what interesting animals they are! Mark breaks the mold of what animal photography can be and which species we believe to be deserving of portraits, stories, research, and our compassion. Cows are all around us—in crowded farms, on our plates—and we rarely get to see or know them. Mark helps correct that through this collection of stunning portraits and moving stories.”—Jo-Anne McArthur, photojournalist and founder of We Animals

“This book is an all-around beauty. With exquisite black-and-white photographs, lyrical prose, and touching stories, Mark Peters presents the true nature of cows in ways that the purveyors of dairy and beef don’t want you to see—as social, sensitive individuals who treasure their lives.”—Jonathan Balcombe, author of Super Fly and What a Fish Knows

“Joy, kindness, playfulness, resilience after trauma—so many cow emotions come alive in this gorgeous book. Peters’ photographs splendidly pair with essays from sanctuary caretakers to highlight cow personalities and love shared among cow family and friends. Everything about this book resonates with me, especially its message motivating us to bring about a kinder world for all beings.”—Barbara J. King, author of How Animals Grieve

“Filled with exquisite photographs and heart-touching stories, Voices of the Herd reveals cows as they really are: very sensitive and very social. The expressions of these cows, joyously living out their lives in sanctuaries, filled me with hope. With its priceless imagery, this book shows us how every cow should be allowed to live . . . in peace.”—Jane Velez-Mitchell, New York Times bestselling author, UnchainedTV founder

Muzzling a Movement

Corporate greed and politics drive lawmakers to suppress the constitutional rights of animal rights activists. Dara Lovitz offers in-depth analysis of the pertinent legislative history as well as legal cases against these activists. The United States government and its legislators have spent an inordinate amount of energy, time and money, enacting laws whose sole purpose is to disenfranchise, silence, and weaken the animal rights movement. Muzzling a Movement offers an in-depth analysis of the pertinent legislative history as well as various legal cases against these activists, including the heavily publicized SHAC-7 case. This updated version offers a fresh look at ‘ag-gag legislation,’ which are laws specifically designed to prevent the public from witnessing the horrors that take place behind the opaque walls of animal agriculture. 

Lovitz also highlights wisdom from activists of multiple generations as they reflect on their activism and the activism of their different-aged compatriots. What have newer activists learned from the underground movement of the 1990s? What do the older activists think the younger activists are getting right? And what are they getting wrong? This comprehensive examination of the past, present, and future of animal rights activism seeks to bring us all closer to a cruelty-free world. 


“Dara Lovitz finds a way to be humorous and sassy without being condescending or disrespectful. The writing—especially the chapters about activism—moves at an almost perfect clip: gently, but with purpose and light, yet always on solid factual ground. With expert cred, thorough research, bottomless knowledge, and fun personality, Lovitz hit a grand slam with this book.”—Robert Wayner, author of the musical The Beautiful Resistance

“Missing from my twenty-year journey from grass roots animal rights activist to organizer of pressure campaigns was Muzzling a Movement. This fascinating book about the modern history of the animal rights movement is essential reading for anyone serious about effecting change for animals. While Muzzling a Movement has affirmed my own style of activism, it has also compelled me to ask myself some tough questions. Have my provocative tactics done more harm than good? Am I stepping far enough out of my comfort zone to maximize my impact? Could I have done better a better job as a campaign organizer if I’d known more about the activism that came before me? Muzzling a Movement is not only helping me grapple with these questions, but is also serving as a resource for me as I continue organizing for animals.”—Donny Moss, video producer and founder of the animal rights group TheirTurn

Muzzling a Movement shows just how far government will go to prop up systems of exploitation and how determined those seeking to end them can be. The animal liberation movement is entwined with the climate movement, and in a moment of increasing peril for climate activists, the lessons of this book are urgent.”—Alex Bomstein, executive director of Clean Air Council

Abandoned

Foreword by Francis Battista

Afterword by Deborah Samuel

Striking, emotionally charged, fine art photographs chronicle the lives of approximately 60 once-abandoned dogs, illuminating each one’s journey from a shelter or rescue organization to a loving, permanent home. The “before and after” photographs illustrate the profound benefits of animal adoption for both dogs and humans alike.
 
Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs is a decade-long project inspired by Carver’s own adopted Shetland Sheepdog, Biscuit, who had been abandoned on a rural highway, terrified and malnourished. Biscuit’s evolution from a sickly and emaciated shell of a dog to a confident, trusting, and beloved family member positively changed Carver’s and her husband’s lives forever. This set Carver on her quest to examine the lives of other abandoned dogs, illustrating how dog rescue gave these dogs a second chance with completely new lives.
 
The photographs capture the salient emotion, spirit, and dignity of each dog, despite their circumstances. From Whippets to Jack Russell Terriers and Saint Bernards to Golden Retrievers, along with many mixed breeds, Carver’s book showcases dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, temperaments, and backgrounds, including written narratives, derived from interviews with shelter and rescue personnel and adopters to provide additional context to each dog’s journey.
 
Carver initially met and photographed each dog shortly after they entered a shelter or rescue organization, and then again approximately a year after being adopted into a permanent home. The juxtaposition of these two photographs is a powerful testament to the transformative experience of dog rescue and adoption. Carver witnessed abandoned dogs that were given entirely new lives and became integral family members as a result of rescue and adoption.
 
Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs is a tribute to dogs like Robo, Murdock, Mario, and Trucker. The book chronicles how dog rescue and adoption enriches not only the lives of the dogs, but how it unequivocally enriches the lives of their human companions as well. Carver hopes this work compels viewers to consider dog rescue and adoption. This book will appeal to dog and animal lovers far and wide.


“In Abandoned, Carver describes, with words and beautiful photographs, the plight of abandoned dogs and how a caring home can transform a frightened cowering being into a confident and happy companion who will give unconditional love. . . . A must read.”—Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE; Founder – The Jane Goodall Institute & United Nations Messenger of Peace
 
Abandoned is a testament to the nobility of dogs, their willingness to forgive, and the great love they offer their humans. Carver has caught all this and more in her moving portraits of these long-suffering animals whose faces will remain in your mind long after you finish this book.”—Sally Mann, photographer and New York Times bestselling author of Sally Mann: A Thousand Crossings 
 
“This is a gorgeous, emotional tribute to the resilience of dogs and our special connection and responsibility to them. By telling the stories of these abandoned dogs and photographing them so exquisitely, Carver ennobles them and rescues them for all of us.”—Susan OrleanNew York Times bestselling author of On Animals
 
“The luminous photographs, and the stories behind them, will break your heart but also fill it with wonderment and joy. This extraordinary book reminds us that for every forsaken creature, for every cruelty and abandoned promise, a happy forever can await, if only we humans step up and say, ‘Come home with me, won’t you?’”—John Grogan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog
 
“This book will break your heart—and then heal it all over again. In words and photographs, Carver has captured both the callous cruelty that led to these dogs’ abandonment, and the transformative power of love for both the dogs and their forever humans. May these compelling photographs and stories bring together the people and animals who will love one another until death do they part.”—Sy MontgomeryNew York Times bestselling author of Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell

“Carver’s gorgeous photographs show the individuality of each abandoned dog. Both dog lovers and people who admire black and white photography will love this book.”—Temple GrandinNew York Times bestselling author of Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions
 
“The word ‘abandoned’ is just a category, giving us a sense of devaluation, perhaps even of lost hope. But this book, Abandoned, gives us just the opposite. Exquisite views of individual creatures, the hope for whom is never lost.”—Carl SafinaNew York Times bestselling author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel
 
“Each of the individual dogs profiled by Carver is given such dignity by the attention and care taken in her photographs of them. Their personalities, their emotions, their anticipation are all on full display. I felt relief at each adoption story and heartbreak at each loss. Carver’s photographs remind us that every dog is a wonderful dog, and it is only up to us to open our hearts to find one.”—Alexandra Horowitz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know
 
“I love this book! It tugs at the heart-strings! I think it is a wonderful book and will undoubtedly be cherished by all dog lovers, especially those who have had the heart to adopt a dog from a shelter. One thing I learned from this book: Do NOT buy a dog, there are too many wonderful dogs desperate for a home. Get your dog exclusively from a shelter or rescue organization.”—Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, New York Times bestselling author of When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals
 
“From sad, wary, tired, disheartened, to bright-eyed and joyful, Carver’s elegant portraits capture more succinctly than words can ever manage, the glory of finding a home, and the miracle of love. For anyone who has suffered from loneliness or disappointment in their lives, Abandoned is a masterful inspiration: get closer to animals. Their emotions are deep, complete, and visible, and they are waiting to wrap you in love.”—Erika Abrams, President, Animal Aid Unlimited