Books Archive – Page 17 of 18

Canines in the Classroom

Humane education teaches respect for all living things to people of all ages. Michelle Rivera shows how raising awareness of the needs of animals and society’s responsibility to them can help stop not only violence against animals but also violence against humans. Out of her research and interviews with experts in psychology, education and sociology, Rivera has created a guide for all who want to begin teaching humane education in their homes, classrooms, communities, churches and organizations.

“A very important book. . . . Well researched and beautifully written, Canines in the Classroom will accomplish two crucial goals: helping people understand the necessity for education that promotes respect for animals and giving readers the tools to become humane educators themselves.”―Zoe Weil, President of the International Institute for Humane Education and author of Above All, Be Kind: Raising a Humane Child in Challenging Times and The Power and Promise of Humane Education

“A must read for teachers and parents alike. We must instill reflex-life compassion in our children or pay for our lapses later, for they are ambassadors for the future of all life on Earth. I learned much from reading this wonderful and inspiring book.”―Marc Bekoff, Regional Coordinator of the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots program; author of Minding Animals: Awareness, Emotions, and Heart

“Michelle Rivera’s passion for humane education shines through as she shares the beautiful stories of children opening their minds and hearts to animals. Canines in the Classroom illustrates how possible it is for you to become part of the growing humane movement, raising society’s awareness of how we treat one another and our ultimate home, the Earth.”―Dani Hy Dennenberg, Director and Founder of Seeds of Change Humane Education

“A practical―but, most importantly, inspiring―guide for everyone who cares about a more compassionate society, Canines in the Classroom is a valuable addition to our field.”―Judy Johns, President, Association of Professional Humane Educators

A Thought Is Just a Thought

Powerfully illustrated, A Thought Is Just a Thought is the compelling and sympathetic story of Jenny, who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It describes Jenny’s visits with her mother to a doctor. He notices that Jenny is afraid to stop tapping the wall with her fingers for fear that her sister won’t come home, and that she is afraid to walk on the white squares of the kitchen’s black and white, tiled floor.

The kind Dr. Mike helps Jenny overcome her fears by showing her how to rethink the bad thoughts, and eventually she stops dwelling on the thought and its irrational consequences, realizing that, after all, a thought is just a thought.

A Thought Is Just a Thought is the first book for children and parents that confronts OCD, a surprisingly common childhood illness. It is an excellent resource for parents and for doctors who wish better understand how to help children deal with this debilitating psychological illness.

Terrorists or Freedom Fighters?

The first anthology of writings on the history, ethics, politics and tactics of the Animal Liberation Front, Terrorists or Freedom Fighters? features both academic and activist perspectives and offers powerful insights into this international organization and its position within the animal rights movement. Calling on sources as venerable as Thomas Aquinas and as current as the Patriot Act—and, in some cases, personal experience—the contributors explore the history of civil disobedience and sabotage, and examine the philosophical and cultural meanings of words like “terrorism,” “democracy” and “freedom,” in a book that ultimately challenges the values and assumptions that pervade our culture. Contributors include Robin Webb, Rod Coronado, Ingrid Newkirk, Paul Watson, Karen Davis, Bruce Friedrich, pattrice jones and others.

“Finally, a serious look at the latest liberation movement from both a historical, philosophical and activist perspective. Regardless of what one thinks about the tactics of the Animal Liberation Front, this long overdue book is a must- read for anyone concerned about the future of the movement for animal liberation.”—Michael Greger, MD, author, How Not to Die

“In a world driven by profit margins, utilitarianism, speciesism, and in this generalized climate of political swindle, Terrorists or Freedom Fighters? speaks truth to power. It is a work destined to shape the politics of a new generation of militant activists.”—Peter McLaren, Professor, Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, University of California, Los Angeles, and author of Che Guevara, Paulo Freire, and the Pedagogy of Revolution

“In a century, will people look back on the era of routine human exploitation of non-human animals as we now look at slavery? Moral progress on this front likely will come because of efforts like Terrorists or Freedom Fighters?. This timely collection will help anyone interested in challenging the conventional approach to animals and thinking more generally about the state of our society.”—Robert Jensen, Associate Professor, School of Journalism, University of Texas at Austin

“Too often, scholarly works about social movements seem to have little to do with the movement, while activist works often have little substance. Not this book, which combines both viewpoints. Here, readers have access to the logic and philosophy of animal liberation as well as its practice and reflections on our current social era. Best and Nocella have filled a huge void. Bravo!”—Rik Scarce, author of Eco-Warriors: Understanding the Radical Environmental Movement

“Terrorists or Freedom Fighters? exposes readers to compelling ideas that will undoubtedly make them think, and make them question. It is a valuable contribution to the most critical of public discourse.”—Bob Linden, GoVeganRadio.com

“An outstanding collection of writings and an excellent antidote for the corporate welfare state’s corruptness and propaganda.”—Chris Hannah, Propagandhi, co-founder of G7 Records

“A serious and essential book on animal liberation theory and practice, a revolutionary bellwether for the Patriot Act political climate of our times and a multiperspectival social critique and defense of animal lives, this book should find a place in university classrooms, activist bookshelves, and Homeland Security offices everywhere. The greatest aspect of this great collection may be its success in generating a foundation for greater understanding and dialogue between those in higher education, in policy organizations and government, and in grassroots groups like the ALF.”—Richard Kahn, Ecopedagogy Chair of the UCLA Paulo Freire Institute, and founder of GetVegan.com

“This groundbreaking collection of essays addresses one of the most important issues of our times: the role of the ALF in the animal liberation movement. By examining the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of the ALF, and by demonstrating that a strong defense can be mounted on behalf of ALF actions and principles, Best and Nocella’s volume promises to breathe new life into the debates concerning militant animal activism. This book will be an invaluable resource for teachers, students, and activists interested in animal liberation.”—Matthew Calarco, Sweet Briar College

“One of the most powerful and thought-provoking books I have ever read. Please read it and ACT NOW!!!”—John Feldmann, Goldfinger

Reflections on the Unknowable

A distillation of over seventy years as a monastic and more than three decades of writing on centering prayer, Reflections on the Unknowable is Fr. Thomas Keating’s last volume on how we might develop our intimacy with God and our experience of the Christian contemplative tradition.

The first part of the book consists of a long interview with Fr. Thomas, in which he examines concepts of the divine—including the astonishments, playfulness, and transformation available to the individual willing to open the door to God.

The second section consists of thirty-one brief homilies, which range over topics as diverse as the Trinity and the message of Epiphany, spiritual evolution and cultivating interior silence, and the treasure of spiritual poverty and the beauty of chaos.

Stories Rabbits Tell

Revered as a symbol of fertility, sexuality, purity and childhood, beloved as a children’s pet and widely represented in the myths, art and collectibles of almost every culture, the rabbit is one of the most popular animals known to humans. Ironically, it has also been one of the most misunderstood and abused. Indeed, the rabbit is the only animal that our culture adores as a pet, idolizes as a storybook hero and slaughters for commercial purposes.

Stories Rabbits Tell takes a comprehensive look at the rabbit as a wild animal, ancient symbol, pop culture icon, commercial “product” and domesticated pet. In so doing, the book explores how one species can be simultaneously adored as a symbol of childhood (think Peter Rabbit), revered as a symbol of female sexuality (e.g., Playboy Bunnies), dismissed as a “dumb bunny” in domesticity and loathed as a pest in the wild. The authors counter these stereotypes with engaging analyses of real rabbit behavior, drawn both from the authors’ own experience and from academic studies, and place those behaviors in the context of current debates about animal consciousness. In a detailed investigative section, the authors also describe conditions in the rabbit meat, fur, pet and vivisection industries, and raise important questions about the ethics of treating rabbits as we do.

The first book of its kind, Stories Rabbits Tell provides invaluable information and insight into the life and history of an animal whom many love, but whom most of us barely know. As such, it is a key addition to the current thinking on animal emotions, intelligences and welfare, and the way that human perceptions influence the treatment of individual species.

“‘Most people approach rabbits as if they were stuffed animals: cute, but not capable of much except, maybe, eating carrots and twitching their noses,’ note Davis (writer and rabbit owner) and DeMello (president of the House Rabbit Society), who present quite a different picture: rabbits (and hares) are complex, social creatures intertwined with human culture. To date, no book has so closely examined the behavior and place of the rabbit-as pet, prey, pest and mythic figure-in history. As the only animal Westerners use as both pet and meat, the rabbit reflects some of our most unsettling cultural contradictions. Part literary companion, with analyses of rabbits in art and literature from poet William Cowper to Beatrix Potter, and part clear-eyed review of facts on rabbit ‘industry’ and rabbit biology, this volume imparts insight into the genesis of pet keeping, the fur industry and the permutations of rabbits in folklore. With colorful anecdotes (including one about introducing Jack, a rabbit grieving for his mate, to new friends), this absorbing book opens the door on the realm of all things lagomorph. The prevalence of rabbits in folklore (as fools, mischief makers and sexualized witches) reveals just how much baggage this small creature has carried, up through the age of the Playboy Bunny.”—Publishers Weekly

“The rabbit has been domesticated for roughly 1,500 years, but until fairly recently they were not kept as house pets; the traditional pet rabbit was caged in a hutch outdoors. The rise of ‘house rabbits’ that live uncaged indoors and the dearth of books written about rabbit behavior led Davis and DeMello to create a book that explores the roots and nuances of rabbit behavior to increase our understanding and appreciation of the species. Whether exploring our schizophrenic approach to rabbits (Are they pets, pests, or a profitable farm animal?), portraying the complex lives of wild rabbits and the corresponding behaviors of their tame brethren, discussing the roles rabbits have played in folklore and religion, or describing the commercial uses for rabbits, the authors reveal a fascinating depth of information. Enlivened by a broad range of quotations from such sources as poets, scientists, and animal-rights activists; illustrated with period and modern photographs; and heavily footnoted, this is currently the best book to offer readers who want to know more about their pet rabbits.”—Booklist

Peace to All Beings

This visionary book of hope for a world at peace is also an excellent reference for animal activists who wish to explore the interconnectedness of animal rights, ecology, world peace and social justice. Peace to All Beings shows how animal rights and liberation are an essential part of any movement that is working to make the world a better place. It is a valuable aid for anyone seeking to live in harmony with the values of compassion, nonviolence and reverence for all life.

“A source of inspiration to everyone who is looking for words of faith and hope in the face of overwhelming animal suffering.”—Karen Davis, author, More than a Meal, founder, United Poultry Concerns

“[Peace to All Beings] communicates a deep understanding of the need to include animal beings in the human effort to bring about a compassionate and peaceful world . . . an invaluable guide.”—J.R. Hyland, author, God’s Covenant with Animals

“A valuable resource for those seeking to expand the circle of compassion to include all of our animal friends through spiritual meditation, prayer, and visualization.”—Elliot M. Katz, DVM, President, In Defense of Animals

“A commendable workbook brimming with insights from visionaries such as Gandhi, Yogananda, Jane Goodall, and St. Francis of Assisi. Peace to All Beings is a synthesis of love, compassion, and reverence for all beings. A book too important not to read.”—Edward Lee Amerson, author, Sing with Wolves and On Silent Wings

“Peace to All Beings is a book so full of inspiration and information that it could lead us toward our destiny of becoming Homo ahimsa—compassionate man.”—Louann Stahl, author, A Most Surprising Song

“When Judy Carman asks us in Peace to All Beings to protect the lives of all living creatures, is she asking us to join in her impossible dream? Judging from the increasing number of people working to stop the abuse and killing of animals, such requests are not falling on deaf ears. I pray that Peace to All Beings will reach the hearts and souls of many, many readers.”—Bill Schul, Ph.D., Psychologist and author, Animal Immortality

“This devotional book by a former therapist and animal rights activist inspires the reader to stay his/her violent course towards animal compassion and reverence. It provides a source of inspiration and words of faith and hope in the face of overwhelming animal suffering. Famous people share their vision of a world of humans and animals in total harmony with each other and nature including Jesus, Gandhi, Thomas Edison, Albert Schweitzer, John Denver, Albert Einstein and Mother Teresa, just to name a few. This gentle and uplifting book fills the reader with hope. I can tell you that this author not only talks about peace she radiates it. All you have to do is open this wonderful book and let it in.”—Norm Phelps

The Way of the Prisoner

Centering prayer is a modern adaptation of the ancient practice of contemplative prayer, a process of inner purification and an opening of the mind and heart to God. In this remarkable book, Jens Soering, an inmate in a Virginia prison, tells how centering prayer and its corollary, centering practice—contemplative prayer in action—enable him to survive the daily pain of prison life. Through a moving true story of personal redemption that shocks and inspires, Soering shows how we can all transform our crosses, our prisons (literal or metaphorical), into the means of our salvation.

“Following the journey of this prisoner from chains to inner freedom, the reader is inspired, engaged, and called to take one’s own inner journey from the prison of one’s own making to spiritual freedom. Through images of transformation and the practice of centering prayer Jens Soering tells his own intriguing story. A very readable book.”—Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, Author, Dead Man Walking

“I believe [this book] is a rare gem among spiritual writings. In terms of substance, [Soering] reveals a depth of spiritual understanding that I believe reflects the best of the historical spiritual/contemplative tradition.”—Reverend Tilden Edwards, Ph.D., Author, Spiritual Director, Spiritual Companion; Living in the Presence, and others; Founder, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation

“If you would like to be on the most extraordinary of all journeys, The Way of the Prisoner may help you, as it helped me. Sane, balanced, seasoned by hard-earned wisdom and faith, it will surely become a classic on contemplative prayer.”—Reverend N. Gordon Cosby, The Church of the Saviour, Washington, D.C.

“As one who has struggled with centering prayer, I found Soering’s writing to be so encouraging and heartening that I have started the practice anew. Surely others who are either beginners or those who have invested themselves in the discipline over the years will find The Way of the Prisoner equally rewarding. . . . It is rare indeed to find an author with so penetrating a mind, combined with so generous a spirit.”—Reverend Richard A. Busch, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Virginia Theological Seminary

“While in prison Mr. Soering has had a profound spiritual journey and has pierced deeply into the mysteries of Chrisitan contemplation. His obvious suffering and the grace he recieved to transform that suffering (without it having been removed) will speak to many whose own, metaphorical imprisonment continues without hope of release. Christian contemplative prayer, at its most profound, offers healing even without a cure, and it is this difficult area that Mr. Soering explores.”—David Hilfiker, M.D., Author, Healing the Wolds, Not All of Us Are Saints, As If By Design, Urban Injustice

The Transformation of Suffering

Father Thomas Keating explores the tragedy of September 11 from the perspective of Christ consciousness and its ongoing emergence in the world. Describing the attacks of that day as the culmination of the growing violence and disregard for life during the last century, he nevertheless shows us how to see the consequent suffering as an expression of Christ’s agony on the cross extended to all humanity.

In the second half of The Transformation of Suffering, Father Keating relates the story of the Marriage Feast at Cana, from the gospel of John. The ordinary is juxtaposed with the extraordinary as Jesus performs his first miracle during the feast, turning water into wine and, as a result, revealing his divinity to the people.

How does this joyful story of Christ’s first miracle relate to our suffering in the wake of September 11? Both events demonstrate the potential and the possibilities of Christ revealing himself in the world. Just as Jesus’ divinity was revealed even in the humble setting of the marriage feast, the lives of ordinary people can be transformed through the global experience of Christ’s incarnation, suffering, and resurrection, while bringing us to new consciousness, understanding, and love.

As the events of September 11, 2001, recede into the past, this compassionate little book continues to be relevant for understanding the widespread suffering in today’s world.

Eternal Treblinka

This book explores the similar attitudes and methods behind modern society’s treatment of animals and the way humans have often treated each other, most notably during the Holocaust. The book’s epigraph and title are from “The Letter Writer,” a story by the Yiddish writer and Nobel Laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer: “In relation to them, all people are Nazis; for the animals it is an eternal Treblinka.” The first part of the book (Chapter 1–2) describes the emergence of human beings as the master species and their domination over the rest of the inhabitants of the earth. The second part (Chapters 3–5) examines the industrialization of slaughter (of both animals and humans) that took place in modern times. The last part of the book (Chapters 6–8) profiles Jewish and German animal advocates on both sides of the Holocaust, including Isaac Bashevis Singer himself.

The Foreword is by Lucy Rosen Kaplan, former attorney for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and daughter of Holocaust survivors. Her foreword, the preface and afterword, excerpts from the book, chapter synopses, and an international list of supporters can be found on the book’s website at: charleswpatterson.com.

“[S]heds light on violence against animals and humans so that we might one day put an end to it.”—Moment Magazine

“Compelling, controversial, iconoclastic . . . strongly recommended . . . a unique contribution.”—Midwest Book Review

“Eternal Treblinka is an eye-opening, thought-provoking book that I highly recommend.”—The Gantseh Megillah (Montreal)

“Important and timely . . . written with great sensitivity and compassion. . . . I hope that Eternal Treblinka will be widely read.”—Martyrdom and Resistance

“There are good books . . . great books . . . and important books. . . . Eternal Treblinka is all three.”—Satya

More Than a Meal

This scholarly and authoritative book examines the cultural and literal history, as well as the natural history and biological needs and concerns of turkeys. Davis explores how turkeys came to be seen as birds who were not only the epitome of failure or stupidity but also the suitable centerpiece of the celebration of freedom in America itself—Thanksgiving. She examines the many varieties of turkeys and uncovers the methods by which millions of turkeys are raised, fattened, and slaughtered on farms around America today.

Davis takes us back to European folklore about turkeys, the myths, fairytales, and downright lies told about turkeys and their habits and habitats. She shows how turkeys in the wild have complex lives and family units, and how they were an integral part of Native American and continental cultures and landscape before the Europeans arrived.

Finally, Davis draws conclusions about our paradoxical, complex, and “bestial” relationship not just with turkeys, but with all birds, and thus with all other animals. She examines how our treatment of animals shapes our other values about ourselves, our relationship with other human beings, and our attitude toward the land, nation, and the world.

“This is the kind of book that we need more of. . . . Davis cuts through the pyramid of lies.”—Jim Mason, VegNews

“In a very scholarly way, Karen Davis explores the unnatural history of the turkey. Where did the bird come from? How was it treated by Native Americans? What place did the turkey have in their mythology? Why is the turkey called ‘turkey’? (And who would have guessed there could be so many compelling theories!?) What happened between the turkey being taken to Europe and then reintroduced to North America? How did the bird become so despised in Western society? All these questions and many more are dealt with in a serious but engaging way.”―Ian J. H. Duncan, Professor of Poultry Ethology, Chair in Animal Welfare, University of Guelph, Ontario

“Karen Davis shines a new light on the unfortunate, much-maligned bird that is the center of America’s Thanksgiving ritual, and thereby illuminates the lies and hypocrisy that surround our eating habits and our attitudes to animals More Than A Meal challenges all Americans to think about the values they want their annual family ritual to embody.”―Peter Singer, DeCamp Professor of Bioethics, Princeton University; author, Animal Liberation

“I very much like this book for its sensitivity, its well-researched cultural history, its honesty and probing qualities.”―Gisela Kaplan, Full Professor, School of Biological Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, Australia