I have been reading vegans books for a while out of interest more for vegan friends and as I slowly decrease my animal consumption (both food and product). This, by far, is the best beginner's book!

I really appreciate how non-judgemental, "live and let live" she is in her attitude. This is to her credit with converts. She talks a fair amount about making it work for you, which is the only way people will truly take it on. She writes all the information in truly digestible bits with added items of interest interspersed (I was not interested in the profiles, but I can see why they appealed to many).

The best part on why I think it makes for the best beginner book was the breadth of information available. Yes, other books give more information as they go more in depth, but this one covered a lot of issues that I had not encountered in other books (even Veganism for Dummies!). While it did not go as in depth about food, and other books too have more on beauty products, it was the first time that I really saw the topics of vegan crafts, gardening and tattoos (despite other comments, I think tattoos are not cruel because the humans consent/desire it, whereas animals do not understand nor ask for the cruelty they endure). I even copied a few recipes.

While I am not going to be running out to get it now, I am keeping note of it for if I decide to convert. Yes, it is good enough to purchase. ( )

I have been reading vegans books for a while out of interest more for vegan friends and as I slowly decrease my animal consumption (both food and product). This, by far, is the best beginner's book!

I really appreciate how non-judgemental, "live and let live" she is in her attitude. This is to her credit with converts. She talks a fair amount about making it work for you, which is the only way people will truly take it on. She writes all the information in truly digestible bits with added items of interest interspersed (I was not interested in the profiles, but I can see why they appealed to many).

The best part on why I think it makes for the best beginner book was the breadth of information available. Yes, other books give more information as they go more in depth, but this one covered a lot of issues that I had not encountered in other books (even Veganism for Dummies!). While it did not go as in depth about food, and other books too have more on beauty products, it was the first time that I really saw the topics of vegan crafts, gardening and tattoos (despite other comments, I think tattoos are not cruel because the humans consent/desire it, whereas animals do not understand nor ask for the cruelty they endure). I even copied a few recipes.

While I am not going to be running out to get it now, I am keeping note of it for if I decide to convert. Yes, it is good enough to purchase. ( )

For someone who is just testing the waters and transitioning to Veganism this book is great! It will definitely be a resource as I slowly make my way into this change! ( )

Recommended for beginner vegans, and those who are thinking of becoming vegan. ( )

The Vegan Girl’s Guide to Life was written by Melisser Eliott, the blogger behind “The Urban Housewife” and world traveler. It honestly answers every question that a person has about veganism in an informative and relatively upbeat way. Most books about animal rights are really depressing, as they can’t help but be, but Melisser keeps a positive attitude by showing you what you can do to make things better. She touches on everything from animal cruelty to why you should avoid wool, how you can find vegan make up, where to get vegan shoes, and what vegans eat for regular meals. She even talks about very common things that you might think are vegan at first (because they are called non-dairy creamer or soy cheese) that turn out not to be. The book is really well researched and since it just came out it is amazingly up to date. She has sections about how to answer questions that you will constantly get asked (whether you want to talk about it or not) like “where do you get your protein” and how to answer these questions with grace.

My favorite part about the book is that Melisser highlights different vegan women from all over the world and has recipes from many of them including some of her own. She also has a section on vegan gardening and different crafts. Basics, really, that every vegan girl must know like how to ice a cupcake and beginner instructions on knitting.

There aren’t a ton of recipes but it seems that the ones included with the book were all chosen for a reason because they each sound amazing. I think keeping the number of recipes low is a great idea because new vegans can often get overwhelmed by a ton of recipes. That doesn’t mean that they are boring or standard. Most of the recipes have a delightful twist. When I saw “Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Tempeh over creamy Polenta” I knew we would be trying that first because it features our most favorite fall ingredients.

It was so good. There were a lot of little extras in the recipe, like adding almond butter to the polenta and maple syrup to the tempeh that really elevated the whole dish into something special. It would even be a good easy thanksgiving meal if you are keeping things simple but she has Thanksgiving covered too.

Also the book is all in color and has the most fabulous illustrations by Michelle Cavigliano. Truly it is a great guide and I am so happy to have it. I already found some new shoes!
http://lazysmurf.wordpress.com/2010/11/10/the-vegan-girls-guide-to-life/ ( )