Thursday, September 5, 2013

Vegan MoFo 2013: Thoughtful Thursdays: A book review and giveaway of Beg by Rory Freedman


Beg: A Radical New Way of Regarding Animals by Rory Freedman
Beg a Radical new Way of Regarding Animals is the newest book by Rory Freedman, co-author of the controversial, and  in my opinion awesome, book Skinny Bitch.  I was already vegan when I first read Skinny Bitch, so I didn't really learn much from it.  However, I was able to hand it to my friends to read (it is a pretty easy read) and they would learn about the horrors of factory farming and the mess we call the  SAD diet.  I knew that my friends would enjoy the harsh language, and I know I gave that book to at least five people.

I recently listened to an episode of Red Radio in which Erin asked Rory about the controversy.  Rory explained it in a way I was totally not expecting.  She owned it.  She talked about how she knew that  she could take advantage of the vulnerability and arrogance of women looking to "look fabulous" and "get skinny" and used that opportunity to spread a very strong animal rights message.  Hmm.  It totally made sense.  I highly recommend you listen to the interview.

Back to Beg. This book is a quick and easy read.  It is basically an entry level guide to animal rights activism.  In fact, it is the perfect book to give anyone who says they love animals, but still eats meat Hi, Mom!  I will be giving you a copy of this book soon!

It is full of factoids, anecdotes, and practical advice. It touches on all sorts of subjects from puppy mills to vivisection, from bull fighting to wearing fur.

I love this book.  I already bought two copies.  One for me, and one to give away.  The publisher was nice enough to send me a review copy, but since I already had mine, I am going to give it to one of you.  (Please just follow the prompts in the widget below to enter.  This giveaway is open to all entrants and overseas shipping is available.) I will probably buy about 10 more copies to give to friends and family...especially those with pets.  This book will really make each and every dog and cat lover think twice when they pick up a fork.

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20 comments:

Susan said...

My first cat was called Mo. My parents had her before they had me. She was a wonderful, patient cat - just right for a cat hugging child.
As for what she taught me? Well, I grew up to be a cat lady and a cat vet. She taught me the love and compassion that an animal companion can share.

Candyce said...

Always remember pets in the home. GusGus my first hamster, and Shazzan the first dog that was more "mine" were my most trusted best friends. They taught me how to "heart link" with my four leggeds.

kelly g. said...

I don't remember the first animal I lived with. His named was Goliath - he was a huge St. Bernard, a giant - and my dad adopted him before I was born. It's a rather sad story, but let's just say that I learned how much people can suck. (I know, what a way to start the day.)

palindrome said...

My first pet was a white DLH named (of course) Snowball. Even though I was very young at the time, I think she really taught me how to handle cats, being a bit of a sassy girl herself.

Abby Bean said...

I have been thinking the very same thing about this book: (read it first, then) share with people who love animals, but still eat them!

Abby Bean said...

My first pet taught me to put someone else's needs before mine ;-)

Kaycee said...

My first pet was named Snowball, a sweet little white cat I got when I was four years old. Unfortunately she only lived for about a year. She died a horrible accidental death, yikes! It was so bad, my parents didn't tell me until a few years ago (I'm 27!) The death was totally out of anyone's hand FYI, if anyone was wondering. Anyway, my parents trusted me at 4 to have my own animal, and they were always supportive of that, and always have been. Snowball taught me to love all animals, and how to care for them on my own at a young age. That has carried on into adulthood also.

I need to read this book! I have a pit bull, and have a special place in my heart for them. Dog fighting is awful, and I would love to read what she has to say about it.

Vegan Fazool said...

My first pet (as an adult) is my cat, Ollie, who is featured prominently on my blog :-)

Aimee Douglass said...

I had numerous family dogs growing up, and shared time with siblings' dogs as well. However, it wasn't until 2005, when my husband and I rescued Mr. Blonde, a border collie mixed with lord knows what, and the most awesome dog ever, and my constant companion as I work from home. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to him on June 14th, because he had developed cancer, and I miss him everyday. What Mr. Blonde taught me is the meaning of complete and total unconditional love and devotion. It didn't matter how bad of a day I was having, or what was going on in my life, Mr. Blonde was there to offer a paw of comfort, lots of hugs and kisses, and an endless supply of laughter at his antics.

Michelle said...

My first pet (s) were canaries.. My first was Charlie... I loved that bird

n_selah_d said...

My first pets name was "Nicole's chocolate coco lady destrampe" we called her Lady, she died at 16 about 14 years ago.She was my first best friend, losing her was heart breaking but I learned a lot about how important a roll animals play in our lives and how many people take that roll for granted or even dismiss it all together dogs, cat etc are not the only important animals we share this planet with!

vegan.in.brighton said...

My first pet was a guinea pig called donatello, after the turtle. I think he made me realise how much I love animals.

Unknown said...

My first pet was Benji, (aka Ben or Benjamin), an all white cat who was completely deaf in both ears. He was given to my folks as a tiny kitten when they got engaged, and was our family pet for almost 19 years, a good portion of my life. I am certain that he is the one who is responsible for my love for all animals, and made me the cat lover I am today. I remember your talk at Vida Vegan about inter dietary co habitation: And your story of how your husband began the transition from eating meat, to becoming open to veganism because of your dear cat! I am proud to say that my meat-eating partner, 3 months later, has had a similar awakening, and has not had meat for almost a month! Baby steps... It's funny how pets can change us for the better! Thanks again Joni, for your wonderful books and recipes ^_^

Tanya said...

Our first pet was Lady. She was 16 when she passed away last year. Our sweet Ladybug taught us that we love our fur babies just as much as our own children. We still have 2 Dachshunds now, 6 and 3 years.

Maya Mange said...

My first pet was a dwarf hamster named Moustache (mustache in french). He passed away a little less than a year ago. He taught me how much an animal can count as an individual. I miss tiny little Moustache !

Anonymous said...

I have been wanting to read this so I am so excited about this giveaway!
Chica was my first dog. My dad bought her for my mom when she was pregnant with me, so we grew up together. I learned unconditional love from her <3

Julia P. said...

My first dog was Stella. She was a sweetheart who lived a long life. I learned that dogs are family from her.

bitt said...

My first pet was named Smudge. I learned that dogs can teach you new ways of looking at the world. And be your best friend.

Rebecca said...

My first pet was named Jack. He was a rescue that I had from the age of 6/7 until I was 12. He taught me that sometimes love and compassion means letting go.

Anonymous said...

I didn't have a first pet, I had about 20 first pets. I grew up on my grandparents farm with horses, cats, and dogs. At my mom's house we had a million fish cats horses and dogs and at my dad's two birds and several beta fish. Horses being my favourite I'll say that the first horse I owned myself was the pregnant purebred morgan mare (from Alberta; my sister got her also in foal daughter) my mother bought for a Christmas present when I was 11. My mare was RedHawk ( Red for short) and was the most gorgeous burnishing copper and most skittish lady you ever met. It took well over a year of working with her everyday for her to be fully comfortable with and even let me near her head especially her ears. Her son, Dusty, I reared as a foal and is still my big baby. I could go on forever about my other furbaby loves but I'll leave it at that.

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