Vegan Voices

Book excerpt: Why should one go vegan? Is veganism the positive change the world needs? Vegan Voices: Essays by Inspiring Changemakers is a comprehensive collection of compelling testimonials of how our food choices are deeply connected to the pressing challenges and issues of our time. Areas covered include: personal and global health; the devastation of animal agriculture to the environment; society’s collective loss of compassion and connection to our kindred animals; and the desire for a world of greater peace, harmony, and inclusivity. The book points to the need for a cultural and spiritual transformation in which we embrace the commonalities between all living beings as a source of positive change and healing. Author and editor Joanne Kong has brought together the most inspiring and influential changemakers from around the world at the forefront of the vegan movement. They represent the great diversity of roles through which veganism has moved into the mainstream: activists, authors, speakers, athletes, entrepreneurs, community and event organizers, advocates for social and food justice, artists, filmmakers, medical and health professionals, environmental advocates, sanctuary owners, and more. The essays are organized into six sections: “Our Kindred Animals,” “Around the Globe,” “Activism,” “Body and Spirit,” “The Arts,” and “A New Future.” Vegan Voices fills the needs of a wide range of readers, from those new to exploring the plant-based lifestyle to longtime vegans and advocates. Many essays are deeply personal reflections that attest to how veganism has the power to touch our lives on many levels. The book can be a source of continuing inspiration and motivation for those desiring to create a world of greater compassion and equality.