Full Title:
Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why it’s so hard to think straight about animals

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Non-Fiction, American, Social Commentary, Animal Welfare

Summary:
Herzog takes us on a journey through the many idiosyncrasies of our treatment toward animals. On the one hand, we love our pet dogs and dress them up in human clothing; at the same time, we consume millions of pounds of animal flesh without a second thought.

We raise a fuss over dogs, cats and chimpanzees used in research facilities, but rarely raise our voices over the billions of mice that die painful deaths in lab experiments. We love fluffy animals with big eyes and large heads (puppies, kittens, panda bears) and cringe at the sight of creatures with scaly backs and multiple legs (snakes and insects). This is our contemporary relationship with the animals that share our world.

My Thoughts:
As a confessed animal lover and vegetarian, I wanted to learn more about our decidedly complicated relationship with other animals. Much of the information in Herzog’s book did not surprise me; unfortunately, I know all too well how animals suffer at the hands of humans. At the same time, I was really impressed by the range of Herzog’s research. Here is a man who has been studying anthrozoology (the study of human-animal relationships) for decades. He has a wealth of information to share, both scientific and anecdotal.

P.S. This one’s for all my co-workers who wonder why I’m vegetarian or why I’m so passionate about animals. If you don’t want to hear me babble on and on about animal ethics in the lunch room, pick up this book and give it a try. You’ll be surprised at what you learn, and it just might change how you think about your next meal. 🙂

Borrow Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat from your local Vaughan library today!