Holly Spindler
The Humane League UK shares their top 10 most inspirational books for you.
Whether you're a seasoned activist looking for fresh inspiration, or you want to take the first steps into making the world a better place, you may be looking for some support. There are many documentaries to watch to encourage you to go vegan or change the world for the better. But sometimes there’s nothing better than diving into a good book.
The team at The Humane League UK has gathered together a list of books that have inspired us, touched us, or helped us along our journey to becoming activists for animals.
We’d love to share them with you here (and no spoilers, we promise!)
1. What a Fish Knows by Jonathan Balcombe This non-fiction book challenges the old cliché that goldfish have a three-second memory and uses the latest science to present fish in a whole new light. Balcombe uses stories and research to change the readers' view on our underwater friends.
2. Animal liberation: A new ethics for our treatment of animals by Peter Singer An oldie but a goodie - this book was pioneering when it was published in 1975 and has changed many hearts and minds since then.
3. No Logo by Naomi Klein Despite reaching the grand old age of 25, this book remains relevant today, exploring brands and capitalism and their effect on human choice and culture.
4. Blueprint for revolution - how to use rice pudding, lego men, and other non-violent techniques to galvanise communities, overthrow dictators or simply change the world by Srdja Popovic and Matthew Miller This one may not have the snappiest title but it’s an inspirational book on activism.
5. Talking Turkeys by Benjamin Zephaniah A book of poetry aimed at kids, Talking Turkeys encourages a different view on the world. It's written by the late Benjamin Zephaniah, an incredible activist who supported our work.
6. How to Build a Vegan World by Tobias Leenaert One for the budding activists, this book looks at the pragmatic approach and the importance of effectiveness when considering animal activist strategy. This book and its author have the power to change your perspective on how to win the fight for animals.
7. Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer If you’re looking to learn more about the impact of eating animals, this is the book for you. The author is unashamedly honest in his writing about the horrors of the factory farming system and the disconnect between humans and where their food comes from.
8. V is for Vegan: The ABCs of Being Kind by Ruby Roth Another one for the kids, this book introduces 3-7 year olds to the ‘ABCs’ of a compassionate lifestyle. With veganism on the rise and parents keen to teach their children the basics of animal rights, this book achieves that in a humorous and educational way.
9. Pleasurable Kingdom by Jonathan Balcombe In this book, Balcombe explores the capacity that non-human animals have to feel pleasure. At a time when sentience is being discussed and investigated more than ever, this book is both informative and important.
10. Allowed to Grow Old: Portraits of Elderly Animals from Farm Sanctuaries by Isa Leshko A stunning collection of photography featuring farm animals in their ‘golden years’. This book gives a heartwarming view of these beautiful animals - one not often seen due to the farming system that slaughters at such a young age.
