It may still feel like summer, but Fall is already here. Who says reading lists are just for summer? From analyses of how the government props up Big Meat and Dairy to a dystopic novel about a future where humans are harvested for food, we’ve put together a list of 31 vegan books to read as we start the new season.
The 31 Best Vegan Books to Read this Fall
1. ‘Burger (Object Lessons)’
How did the humble burger become an American icon? In “Burger,” vegan feminist scholar Carol J. Adams details the burger’s history, rise into popular culture, and how plant-based brands are altering the perspective of what a “burger” is made from with a good dose of cultural dynamics and gender politics.
Check it out here.
2. ‘We Are the Weather’
The New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Safran Foer became famous for his 2009 book “Eating Animals,” which was adapted into the 2018 documentary of the same name produced by Natalie Portman. In “We Are the Weather,” the American novelist presents how changes as simple as one meat-free meal a day could help mitigate the climate crisis.
Check it out here.
3. ‘Allowed to Grow Old: Portraits of Elderly Animals from Farm Sanctuaries’
The majority of farm animals are slaughtered while still very young. What happens when a cow, who is killed at age three, is allowed to live out its lifespan of up to 20 years? In “Allowed to Grow Old,” photographer Isa Leshko presents portraits of elderly farm animals who live on sanctuaries. The book also features essays by Gene Baur, founder of Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s first haven for rescued animals.
Check it out here.
4. ‘A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet’
Dealing with eco-guilt, activism burnout, and other forms of stress over the state of the planet is all too real. “A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety” breaks down those feelings by drawing from psychology, sociology, social movements, mindfulness, and the environmental humanities.
Check it out here.
5. ‘Vegetable Kingdom’
Food justice activist, chef, and author Bryant Terry’s latest book is a must-have for beginner and experienced home cooks. In “Vegetable Kingdom,” Terry explains the fundamentals of making flavorful plant-based dishes, plus recipes and mouth-watering food photos.
Check it out here.
6. ‘In Search of the Wild Tofurky’
Tofurky founder Seth Tibbott got started in the plant-based meat business before the market took off. In his book “In Search of the Wild Tofurky,” Tibbott tells the story of how his company went from a $2,500 startup to an iconic international brand.
Check it out here.
7. ‘Your Body in Balance’
In this best-selling book, physician and founder of the nonprofit organization Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine Neal Barnard uncovers how everyday foods can be the root cause of health conditions ranging from menstrual cramps to certain forms of cancer. But, a plant-based diet could be the solution.
Check it out here.
8. ‘HIDDEN: Animals in the Anthropocene’
“HIDDEN: Animals in the Anthropocene” is the latest photography book from We Animals Media, founded by photographer and activist Jo-Anne McArthur. This book illustrates human conflict with animals across the globe, from factory farming to luxury foods, through the lenses of more than 30 award-winning photographers. Academy Award-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix wrote the forward.
Check it out here.
9. ‘More Plants, Less Waste’
Zero-waste chef and sustainability advocate Max La Manna bridges the gap between plant-based food and waste-free cooking in this book packed with recipes and tips for being kinder to the planet.
Check it out here.
10. ‘Voices for Animal Liberation’
Featuring more than 25 stories from those working in animal rights, from Olympic medalist and Switch4Good founder Dotsie Bausch to documentary filmmaker Shaun Monson, this book depicts a wide variety of the voices of those working to inspire change.
Check it out here.
11. ‘How to Survive a Pandemic’
In his latest book, New York Times bestselling author Dr. Michael Greger delves into the origin of zoonotic diseases and what we can do to prevent them.
Check it out here.
12. ‘Tender Is the Flesh’
This award-winning novel takes place in a dystopic future where animals have been wiped out due to an infectious virus and humans are harvested for meat. Then, the main character, Marcos, is gifted with a live human “of the finest quality.” Despite being against the law, little by little, he forms a close bond with her, leading him to dwell on the state of the world.
Check it out here.
13. ‘Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar’
Need some baking inspiration? This classic vegan cookbook features 100 recipes for cookies of all kinds.
Check it out here.
14. ‘Animalkind’
Research has shown us that animals are thinking, feeling individuals with their own wants and needs. This book breaks down how we can be kinder to our fellow living beings, differences and all.
Check it out here.
15. ‘In the Shadow of Man’
In this book, Dr. Jane Goodall writes about her journey to becoming a world-renowned primatologist and conservationist. It begins with her arrival at the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve in Tanzania, where she worked to earn the trust of the local chimpanzees in an effort to better understand their behavior.
Check it out here.
16. ‘The Jungle’
Journalist Upton Sinclair’s 1906 novel “The Jungle” portrayed the harsh working conditions of immigrants working in U.S. meatpacking plants. The novel aimed to paint a sympathetic portrait of lower-income workers, who lacked social support, access to good housing, and the unsafe factories they worked in contrast to their corrupt bosses. Its theme resonates all too well with the conditions that many meat industry workers continue to face today.
Check it out here.
17. ‘Meatonomics’
This must-read book explains how the government props up the meat and dairy industries with tax-fueled subsidies—and how that’s just one layer of animal agriculture’s hidden costs.
Check it out here.
18. ‘Mind If I Order the Cheeseburger?’
Have you ever been asked by a friend if it’s okay that they order a hamburger while you go for the veggie option? What about being pressed on whether or not plants have feelings? Author Sherry F. Colb writes about why vegans are asked these questions and how to deal with them with grace and humor.
Check it out here.
19. Grilled: Turning Adversaries Into Allies to Change the Chicken Industry
Author Leah Garcés, current president of the animal rights nonprofit Mercy for Animals, tells the story of working alongside meat industry giants, rather than protesting, to improve welfare conditions for animals.
Check it out here.
20. Meathooked
Despite evidence of meat’s harmful effects, the world at large is still hooked on it. Science writer Marta Zaraska explains why in this informative book on humankind’s 2.5 million-year-old relationship with meat.
Check it out here.
21. Racism as Zoological Witchcraft
This second book from “Aphro-ism” author Aph Ko ties together critical race theory, social commentary, veganism, and gender analysis. By analyzing filmmaker Jordan Peele’s 2017 social thriller “Get Out,” Ko “shows the many ways that white supremacist notions of animality and race exist through the consumption and exploitation of flesh.”
Check it out here.
22. Finding Ultra
Fifty-three-year-old ultra-athlete, podcast host, and author Rich Roll turned his sedentary life around at age 40. In this book, the plant-powered runner shares his nutrition tips, best practices, and more.
Check it out here.
23. The End of Animal Farming
This book by Sentience Institute co-founder Jacy Reese provides a comprehensive roadmap to a more efficient, humane, slaughterhouse-free food system.
Check it out here.
24. The Reducetarian Cookbook
This cookbook sequel to The Reducetarian Foundation founder Brian Kateman’s 2017 book “The Reducetarian Solution” is packed with more than 125 plant-based recipes that appeal to all palates.
Check it out here.
25. Why Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows
Why do we treat some animals like family, but take no issue with harming others? Dr. Melanie Joy explains in this insightful book.
Check it out here.
26. Animal Liberation
This 1975 novel by philosopher Peter Singer is a classic that’s relevant even today.
Check it out here.
27. Living the Farm Sanctuary Life
Farm Sanctuary co-founder Gene Baur reveals the profound effects that visiting the sanctuary’s rescued animals has had on others while covering the organization’s tenants of eating in harmony with your ethics and spending time in nature.
Check it out here.
28. The Food Revolution
In this book, author John Robbins makes the case for a plant-based diet and its power to change your health and the world
Check it out here.
29. ‘This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs The Climate’
Author Naomi Kline argues why capitalism-as-usual won’t fix the climate crisis—and what we need to do to change things for the better.
Check it out here.
30. Clean Protein
Co-authors Kathy Freston, a New York Times bestseller, and Good Food Institute co-founder and executive director Bruce Friedrich write about how plant-based protein can improve your health and the planet.
Check it out here.
31. Fashion Animals
Fur, leather, silk, and feathers are still widely used by the fashion industry. Paired with historical fashion images, author Joshua Katcher explores the hows and whys of using animals as clothing and its effects on both living beings and the environment.
Check it out here.
LIVEKINDLY is here to help you navigate the growing marketplace of sustainable products that promote a kinder planet. All of our selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, LIVEKINDLY may earn a commission.
