Vegan Books: 12 Books Every Animal Rights Activist Should Read

Posted by on July 15, 2021 | Permalink

If you’re wondering what to read while you bask in the sun this summer, we’ve got some outstanding, thought-provoking book recommendations for you. As well as being an enjoyable holiday read, each of these books will open your mind and expand your knowledge of animal rights issues and vegan living.

Here are some of our favourite picks that should go to the top of your reading list:

Animalkind by Ingrid Newkirk and Gene Stone


Where better to start our summer reading list than with Animalkind? Written by PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk and Gene Stone, this great read features an absolute avalanche of new information about who animals are – smart, aware, and empathetic – and dispels old notions of animals as mere accessories for humans to use for our own pursuits.

Animal Liberation by Peter Singer

First published in 1975, this groundbreaking book helped launch the modern animal rights movement and is completely life-changing!

Peter Singer exposes the truth behind industries that abuse animals, offers a philosophical argument against speciesism, and provides concrete humane solutions. It’s no wonder this timeless book still softens even the hardest of hearts today.

BOSH! How to Live Vegan by Henry Firth and Ian Theasby

Much more than a typical recipe book, BOSH! How to Live Vegan is a fantastic guide covering every aspect of vegan living, making this lifestyle accessible to everyone.

If you’ve got questions you want answered, like whether wine is vegan or if should you be eating avocados, this book has the answers.

What a Fish Knows by Jonathan Balcombe

The hit Netflix documentary Seaspiracy has many people wondering about the secret lives of fish. Do they have feelings? Do they really have three-second memories?

Jonathan Balcombe answers all these questions and amends any misconceptions you may have. Backed by science, his detailed descriptions show that fish are sentient beings with thoughts, feelings, and unique behaviour.

Awakenings: a Guide to Living a Vegan Lifestyle by Lucy Watson


A truly vegan lifestyle is about more than just plant-based food. It’s about the clothes you wear, the items in your make-up bag, and the entertainment you enjoy.

Whether you’re new to vegan living or not, Lucy Watson’s Awakenings: a Guide to Living a Vegan Lifestyle is an enjoyable read and a helpful guide to ethical choices.

Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer


Eating Animals is a well-researched investigation into the food on people’s plates. It unearths the truth about factory farms, challenges society’s taste for flesh, and will change the way you think about food – forever.

Greta’s Story by Valentina Camerini


We all know about the inspirational girl, Greta Thunberg, who started the global movement Fridays for Future. Well, this is her story.

This book will take you on her journey, from being a schoolgirl fighting to make a difference to becoming a Nobel Prize nominee.

Be More Vegan by Niki Webster


It’s in the title – Niki Webster explains why and how you can be more vegan. From animal welfare to the environment to human health, this book explains it all in clear and simple language. In addition, it includes helpful hacks about vegan substitutes and over 50 recipes.

Vegan Style by Sascha Camilli


This is the world’s first book on vegan fashion. A quick flip through it will show you that it’s filled with beautiful photography. Much more than that, though, it’s filled with good advice and top tips to help you navigate vegan beauty products, home decor and household items, and travel. Sascha Camilli’s book dives into the details of looking good and living kindly.

The Plant Power Doctor by Dr Gemma Newman

You are what you eat: Dr Gemma Newman explains how the foods on your plate can have a bigger impact on your health than your genes do. This book is a fount of knowledge when it comes to eating vegan to help with issues such as heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and many other conditions.

Beyond Words by Carl Safina


Travelling around the globe to observe animals has helped Carl Safina make some exciting discoveries. Beyond Words presents stories of animals who have experienced love, grief, happiness, and jealousy and challenges the differences between human and animal behaviour.

Linda McCartney’s Family Kitchen by Linda, Paul, Mary, and Stella McCartney

Linda McCartney was a meat-free pioneer who paved the way for vegetarian cooking. Her recipes and legacy live on, with a vegan twist from Paul, Mary, and Stella McCartney. This new release is definitely one to add to your cookbook collection.


Interested in Vegan Cookbooks?

If you’re looking for some great vegan cookbooks like Linda McCartney’s Family Kitchen, we’ve got the perfect guide for you! Take a look and discover books that will allow you to experience different cuisines, places, and even ways of thinking: