Lantern

Publishing and Media

Lantern

Publishing and Media

Archives: Books

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

Censored Landscapes

Censored Landscapes unveils the hidden reality of farming animals, offering a powerful and emotionally charged exploration. Photographs, essays, poetry, and research together tell a factual story about the most abusive industry of the twenty-first century. Isabella La Rocca González’s lens captures the haunting beauty of landscapes that portray the animal agricultural industry. A number displayed with each image represents the lives imprisoned within the facility, drawing attention to the magnitude of suffering behind the banal exteriors. Portraits of nonhuman animals who have been confined in such facilities are emblematic of the vast number of animals whose individuality, sentience, and beauty are obliterated by the industry. 

Censored Landscapes maintains a lyrical quality through evocative photographs, poetry, and personal narrative. The project also provides a robust basis in verifiable facts and scientific research. Readers are encouraged to confront the intricate web of connections between animal agriculture, animal suffering, environmental devastation, worker exploitation, human health, economic political structures, and social justice. This book is a call to action, a revelation of the invisible, and an opportunity to see, feel, and make a difference. 

“This is perhaps the most powerful indictment against animal agriculture I’ve ever encountered. It gave me an eerie feeling of deafening silence, while inviting a sliver of hope.”—Dr. Jonathan Balcombe, author of Super Fly, What a Fish Knows, Second Nature, and Pleasurable Kingdom

“Censored Landscapes is an eye-opening testament to the profound impact of art in unveiling the hidden truths of our world. Among the most egregious and disturbing unseen truths concerns the abusive mistreatment of so-called food animals who, despite being highly sentient, feeling beings, are treated as if they are unfeeling objects whose only purpose in life is to provide food for carnivorous humans. It’s a matter of who is for dinner, not what is for dinner. Through powerful photographs, insightful text, and detailed research, Isabella La Rocca González exposes an industry built on webs of social inequality and injustices and the violent exploitation of innocent animals. With meticulous attention to detail and poignant storytelling, Censored Landscapes invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths with empathy and compassion. In a world grappling with ethical dilemmas and ecological crises, this timely work demonstrates the transformative power of art and advocacy to provoke thought and ignite action. Censored Landscapes not only informs but also draws the connection between animal agriculture and every facet of our lives. This timely work is a call to action for a more just and equitable world.”—Marc Bekoff, PhD, University of Colorado, Boulder, 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

“The architecture of power and control is so blatant and banal, it’s almost invisible. Almost, but not to this photographer. For the animals, the innocent, the gentle, these places of terror and grief scar the land. The stench and cries are carried by the wind and water, as they have memory. Roads, like arteries, end at a slaughterhouse in America, from the slaughterhouse to your house. You consume their terror. The portraits of the few refugees who have found shelter, a home, are poignantly contrasted with the trillion farmed animals born into mechanized death. Meticulously documented facts and essays in this book support urgency to change, for the road we are on is coming to an end.”—Sue Coe, artist and author of The Animals’ Manifesto, The Ghosts of Our Meat, Dead Meat, and Cruel

“Kept at a distance by belligerent guards, Isabella La Rocca González has produced a suite of photographs of the death factories that, even from afar, give off a haunting, sinister air. Censored Landscapes is a notable addition to the mounting documentation of the darkest scandal of our age.”—JM Coetzee, author of The Lives of Animals, Elizabeth Costello, and Disgrace; winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature

“Censored Landscapes is a cerebral yet visceral exploration of the largely hidden world of industrial animal agriculture. La Rocca González takes an inventive approach to the subject by presenting a mosaic of narratives and photographs that engage left- and right-brain connections to farmed animals. Industry ‘fact sheets’ are interwoven with passages from iconic authors such as Upton Sinclair and Rainer Maria Rilke as well as the author’s own narrative, including the intimate story of Henry the turkey. The trademark landscape photos of animal facilities throughout the book express a sense of dystopia, brutality, and aversion to nature. Censored Landscapes is an essential part of the animal liberation lexicon.”—Robert Grillo, founder and director of Free from Harm, author of Farm to Fable: The Fictions of Our Animal-Consuming Culture

“Censored Landscapes merges poetry, clearly stated facts, lucid prose, and the stunning photography of a well-informed and dedicated scholar—a heart-wrenching and persuasive combination.”—Dr. Lisa Kemmerer (lisakemmerer.com), professor emerita, founder of Tapestry (tapestryofpeace.org), author of Eating Earth

“Censored Landscapes is a thorough, thoughtful, and beautiful contribution to our thinking about sentience and ethics. Along with La Rocca González’ prose, her photographs of quiet rural landscapes afford the viewer both time and autonomy to absorb and comprehend a new point of view of farmed animals. This is a well-crafted and revelatory book.”—Jo-Anne McArthur, photojournalist and founder of We Animals Media

“At an early age I became aware that animal agriculture is an inherently cruel and destructive business. Censored Landscapes combines visual artistry, deeply personal storytelling, poignant poetry, and impactful research to reveal not only the colossal atrocity against nonhuman animals, but the resulting environmental devastation and interrelated systemic oppressions. Censored Landscapes is an urgently needed confrontation with the horrifying reality of farming animals.”—Moby

“Isabella takes us on a journey that both zooms in on the poignant lives of animals freed from modern industrial agriculture and zooms out to the fortress-like exteriors of animal production facilities. The book offers a compelling personal view of what defines ‘censored landscapes’ that is often lonely, desolate, and complex. This unexpected coffee table masterpiece challenges you to ‘not look away’ but rather to analyze the unassuming architecture of today’s animal agricultural landscapes that lack a sense of humanity within its barbed-wire boundaries.”—Christine Morrissey, executive director of Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary

“Censored Landscapes is a powerful, thought provoking, timely text that is a must read for all. This book captures the true story of the abuse, oppression, pain, sadness, and loneliness of nonhuman animals in factory farms and other places of violence toward nonhuman animals. There are not enough books, films, and posters showing the true reality of terrorism toward nonhuman animals.”—Dr. Anthony J. Nocella II, cofounder and executive director of the Institute for Critical Animal Studies, editor of Peace Studies Journal

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 Orlean, New 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 Montgomery, New 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 Grandin, New 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 Safina, New 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

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

From Harm to Healing

A moving and engrossing photographic narrative exploring the lives—past and present—of some of the rescued monkeys currently residing at the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary in South Texas, USA.
 
From Harm to Healing combines photography and narrative to explore the stories of eight monkeys rescued from traumatic and abusive situations and rehomed to one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the United States, the Born Free Primate Sanctuary.
 
With an honest and open approach to the work of sanctuaries, the book seeks to consider the complexities and challenges of life after rescue. It posits the work of sanctuaries not simply as a “happily ever after” for victims of the pet trade, vivisection, and zoos, but as a journey toward recovery that may take years, or even decades. Wild animals such as monkeys remain caged even in sanctuaries of the absolute highest standards. Understanding this, the book explores the ethical obligations and challenges faced by the staff, as well as the monkeys and their individual obstacles, that must be overcome in the journey to recovery.
 
Ultimately, From Harm to Healing seeks to share the individual tales of the monkeys from their perspective and makes the case that, while sanctuaries are vital to protect animals from further harm, they are not the answer to end animal suffering. Indeed, the only way in which we can end the suffering of exploited wild animals is to tackle the source head on. In the meantime, sanctuaries continue to pick up the pieces and do what they can to help victims of exploitation move from situations of harm to those of healing.

“All nonhuman primates are profoundly complex, intelligent, and emotional beings who are born to live in dynamic and ever-changing societies with family, friends, and competitors. Tragically, these sentient beings kept as pets have had their opportunities to live full natural lives in freedom snatched from them at birth. Those lucky enough to find their way to sanctuaries do not experience immediate good lives but embark on a long journey of recovery as they navigate living alongside those of their own kind for the first time. From Harm to Healing tells the stories of eight monkeys rescued from the pet trade. Some heartwarming, and some heartbreaking, this important book gives us a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the largest primate sanctuaries in the U.S.”—Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., Author of The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy―and Why They Matter

“The exotic pet trade rips wild animals away from their homes and families, causing unimaginable stress and suffering to individuals and entire groups of primates who live in complex societies. The trade disrupts ecosystems and in some cases pushes endangered species to extinction. This important book takes you behind the scenes of a ruthless trade and shines a light on the hard work behind the creation of a new and torture free life for eight beautiful individuals, who were lucky enough to have found a home at the primate sanctuary. Neatly illustrated and written, it highlights that keeping wildlife in captivity is not only cruel for animals but dangerous for people. How many more tragic stories does our society need to encounter, till we finally do what is right—keep wildlife in the wild.”—Britta Jaschinski, Conservation Photographer

“A deeply evocative book, with outstandingly beautiful images. A book to treasure as a celebration of free-living animals, now thankfully rescued. A lovely tribute to those who dare to care.”—The Revd. Professor Andrew Linzey, PhD, DD, HonDD, Director, Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics

“Reading a book about monkeys should not make you weep. But this one does—so much unnecessary suffering is caused by the primate pet trade. Scientists like to analyze data from large sample sizes, but case studies can often illuminate an issue with greater clarity than graphs and statistics. From Harm to Healing documents the lives and in some cases the deaths, of just eight monkeys. Sensitively written, some stories have a joyful outcome, some a tragic one, whether for the monkey or the former owner or both—the phrases ‘large canine teeth’ and ‘life-changing injuries’ appear more than once. Should be required reading for anyone considering acquiring a ‘pet’ primate—or indeed any exotic pet!”—Ian Redmond, OBE FZS FLS—Tropical Field Biologist and Conservationist

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

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

A Race for Life

The amazing story of how one woman survived breast cancer to take on the toughest races in the world.

A Race for Life provides the reader with detailed information on the how and why a whole food, plant-based vegan diet works to dramatically lower the risk of breast cancer. Through her remarkable life journey, Dr. Ruth shares how practicing a healthy diet and lifestyle will give your body its best chance to reverse and prevent a recurrence of cancer and many other diseases. Dr. Ruth conveys the importance of exercise and eating a plant-based diet to foster good health and energy with recent research showing how certain exercises and diets can suppress cancer cell growth. Through her personal experience and wisdom, Dr. Ruth shares what you need to know about “reconstruction” after breast surgery. Through compassion and empathy, Dr. Ruth shares how to best deal with the stress of getting that cancer diagnosis and turning that negative energy into a positive force for you and others.

“Inspiring, medically sound, and beautifully written. I would like to share this book with all of my patients and friends. Hearing the message from Ruth’s perspective makes for a heart-warming journey and a solid prescription for optimum well being.”—Neal D. Barnard, M.D., author, Eat Right, Live Longer and Foods That Fight Pain

“Ruth’s story of surviving breast cancer, adopting a plant-based diet and becoming a winning world class triathlete is both exhilarating and terrifying. With discipline, exuberance and resilience, Ruth faced each challenge including two near-fatal highway collisions and an alarming medical setback. Her life-affirming attitude shines through her whole remarkable story from sickness to health, from tragedy to triumph. What an inspiration for all!”—Dorothy Greet, educator, speaker, author of Go Veg With Class, www.GoVegWithClass.com

“A Race for Life is more than an athlete’s memoir; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity and a practical guide for anyone looking to enhance their health and vitality naturally. Ruth Heidrich, alongside experts in medicine, coaching, and nutrition, provides compelling evidence that a life of exceptional wellness is achievable for all of us. Her fascinating story is a beacon of hope and a blueprint for a healthier, more fulfilling life, proving that with the right mix of discipline, knowledge, and spirit, the battle against even the most daunting challenges can be won.”—Chef AJ, former television host, executive pastry chef, and author

“A Race for Life is an inspiring story by a remarkable woman. Dr. Ruth is a portrait in courage and perseverance, serving as an example of how we can face and overcome obstacles, whatever they may be, on our life journey. Her book is especially valuable for older readers! Empowered with knowledge of the health benefits of the vegan lifestyle, we can give ourselves the best chance to flourish in our advanced age with good health, vitality, mental acuity, and purpose.”—Dr. Joanne Kong, editor, Vegan Voices: Essays by Inspiring Changemakers

“This is the book I wished I’d had back when I was 40. It is so inspiring to read about what Ruth Heidrich went through to become a Stage 4 breast cancer survivor. As if that weren’t enough, she covers what it takes to be an Ironman triathlete, mentally as well as physically. It would be a great gift for any woman, athlete or not.”—Karina Lok, senior vegan runner

“Ruth’s wisdom is well-founded in science as well as her own personal experience. This book—chock-full of good information—is good reading as well. For those wanting to be well and fit, read A Race for Life.”—Jim Mason, author, An Unnatural Order

“Ruth Heidrich serves as an inspiration for every woman fighting for her life and dignity. Given the right foods and exercise she proves the human body is its own greatest healer. Don’t miss this opportunity to take charge of your life.”—John McDougall, M.D., author, McDougall Program for Women

“A passionate testimonial by an extraordinary woman who turned tragedy to triumph through vigorous exercise and refined diet. Ruth Heidrich’s experiences point to the potential in all of us when we turn knowledge to action, to create healthier, more vibrant lives.”—Dan Millman, author, Way of the Peaceful Warrior and Body Mind Mastery

“Dr. Ruth Heidrich is a fear annihilator. She’s faced head-on the two greatest fears that women have—breast cancer and growing old—and shows that it’s possible to overcome the former and transform the latter. Surely everyone’s story is different, but in reading hers, we can collect tools to apply to our own, along with inspiration, courage, and a role model bar none.”—Victoria Moran, author, The Love-Powered Diet and Age Like a Yogi

“A Race for Life was the first book I published at Lantern, back in 2000, and like Ruth herself, it remains an evergreen example of tenacity, resilience, passion, and maximizing your potential. A Race for Life began Lantern’s (and my own running) journey, and I’m delighted that we’re all still going strong!”—Martin Rowe, editor, Running, Eating, Thinking: A Vegan Anthology and Executive Director of Culture & Animals Foundation

Life of Pei

Life of Pei: The Battle for Compassion is an inspirational read for those who are grappling with their thoughts and direction in life. In honest and moving detail, Pei describes her life experiences and how she found meaning in her life and a pathway to help other people who needed support and direction. Pei encourages a reasoned and integrated approach to foster empathy and compassion—not just for other people, but also for animals and the environment. Pei’s covert undercover investigations into wildlife issues, farming, captive animals, and companion animals show bravery and commitment to her life’s mission. Pei came to believe that learning and developing an understanding of cultures and diversity is the key to successful and sustainable change in behavior. In essence, Pei interviews herself and attempts to analyze what she has learned about both herself and human nature. Through her remarkable life journey, Pei truly believes that given the chance to understand the truth about life on earth, most people, and children in particular, will choose compassion and empathy first.

“Pei offers an insight into the fragility of life but also conveys the strength of human nature through a candid account of her life experiences. Her United Nations-accredited Caring for Life education program in China, encapsulates a comprehensive and essential message of compassion in action, for all forms of life.”—Dr. Zhou Jin-Fong, secretary general of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) China

“An inspiring story of a life of hardship turned to one dedicated to compassion. We can all find hope from such a path.”—Leah Garcés, CEO and president, Mercy For Animals

“An authentic life is not created by us, but rather it creates us. Through her autobiography, meet Pei Su and her powerful journey of compassion for all living beings, reaffirming the Buddhist proverb: One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world.”—Michael Kaufmann, director, Sam and Myra Ross Institute at Green Chimneys, USA

“Pei is a tenacious, wise, and compassionate soul with a page-turning story to share. She has walked a valiant path and through this book, she invites us to explore with her and draw from what she has seen and experienced.”—Jo-Anne McArthur, photojournalist, humane educator, animal rights activist, and author

“Authentic, brave, and riveting, Life of Pei is one woman’s saga of redemption through finding her spiritual center and her life’s mission: to put compassion into action for all beings. I loved this book, and although I’ve never met its author, her writing leads me to believe that I probably love her, too.”—Victoria Moran, author, Creating a Charmed Life, The Love-Powered Diet, and Age Like a Yogi

“The world needs Humane Education more than ever. I am certain that it should concern not just humans, but the entire animal kingdom and the environment. I know of no one who has greater insight into its value than Pei and her invention of ACTAsia is a powerful therapeutic initiative for the world’s needs.”—Terence Ryan, emeritus professor, Osler-McGovern Centre, Green Templeton College, University of Oxford

“A wonderful book that follows the extraordinary path of Pei and an opportunity to enjoy her straightforward, inspirational, and transparent personality. Knowing her for some 25 years, her wisdom, determination, and clear-minded vision have led her through the rocky seas of man’s relationship with his fellow animals. What a tremendous difference she is making!”—Marquis Federico Spinola, president of ACTAsia

“This is a how-to book for activists. How to persevere in the face of personal struggles and cultural barriers. How tenacity, hard work, and vision are the keys. An unusually honest and engaging account from a true warrior for justice.”—Ken Swensen, Inside Animal Ag

“Pei and I helped to draft the new Animal Protection Law in Taiwan, at a unique time in Taiwan’s history, when it was emerging economically, socially, and politically. I have always admired Pei’s bravery, her open-mindedness, and her belief in the kind nature of human hearts. She is a change-maker, and her determination will carry her through, in her battle for compassion.”—Professor Jason Yeh, National Taiwan University