Melanie Joy PhDWhy We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism

I am, I think, converting into a vegan person. Reading this book has helped tremendously. There are many things I never even considered, that now I am. Like, the items we use every day--like my shoes, my belts, my work gloves, some of my jackets, etc, all made with animal leather.Funny and interesting--and confusing too, the fact that we freely think is ok to love dogs and cats but, we still have no problems eating many other animals. I guess, seeing what it is we are really doing helps, not just going to the store and getting a steak without thinking that that steak, is or was part of a living animal. And many other aspects of meat consumption I never took the time to ask why.Many reasons to stop meat consumption and dairy products, my own, and I think a valid one, is because of our health and the health of our planet. Good to see our younger generation working towards a better world, for all of us.Strongly recommend this book to anyone, not just people considering a vegan diet.

I just completed reading Why We Love Dogs... by Dr. Melanie Joy and am truly floored. This book is so powerful and evocative that at numerous times I had to actually close the book and digest what I'd just read (no pun intended) before proceeding. I felt like I was literally stretching the boundaries of my brain, and I am someone who was somewhat familiar with the subject matter prior to reading the book - or so I thought (it's NOT just about the food industry, it's about how we think, how we make choices; it's about being human). And, along those lines, for those also already sensitized to the plight of animals raised for food production, do not hesitate for a moment to delve into this book - to Dr. Joy's credit and stunning writing ability, in spite of the horrific reality of the food industry, Why We Love Dogs is remarkably readable, in fact, difficult to put down, and provides much reason for optimism. This book SO makes you think, it's amazing how much of our behavior, not just what we eat, is, despite what we staunchly believe, not truly of our own free will. A MUST MUST READ!!!

The author's writing style was so compelling, that I had a difficult time to put the book down. This was the first book that I read which focused on both the psychological and sociological aspects of our personal food choices. Personally, before reading, Why we Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows, I never put much thought into what I ate and why I ate it. Melanie Joy changed not only my thought process, but my diet as well. (She dedicated one section of the book to resources----very helpful, indeed)The book was easy to understand and follow, the terms discussed were explained exceptionally well and she gave excellent examples to prove her points along the way. Although some sections of the book were very graphic, I felt that the descriptions were very important to get her point across.I was especially interested in the invisible belief system which she called "carnism". After reading this book you will learn why we choose to eat some animals but not others and hopefully, you like me, will begin to think more about what is on your plate before you swallow. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and riveting read, it possibly may change your life forever!!!

I had already changed to a vegetarian diet prior to reading this book so it was "preaching to the choir" in some regard. I thought it was very well written and hit all the necessary points. The author is strongest when playing to her knowledge base. When she is discussing scientific or psychological studies, the book is very compelling. When she lapses into anti-meat diatribe it undermines the strength of the book to me. I was raised in an environment that values reason over emotion so it is possible that these points in the narrative may not bother someone else as much as they did me. I was reminded of my reaction to Richard Dawkins who is a great scientist and writer but the stridency of his anti-religiousity can become exhausting, even for a reader who agrees with him. It is because of this that I give the book only four stars.