Hungry Beautiful Animals

The Joyful Case for Going Vegan

By: Matthew C. Halteman

Narrated by: Matthew C. Halteman

Length: 7 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

A heartfelt, humane, and even hilarious account of why rule-obsessed veganism fails and how a focus on flourishing can bring about an abundant future for all

In Hungry Beautiful Animals, philosopher Matthew C. Halteman shows us how—despite all the forces arrayed against going vegan—we can create an abundant life for everyone without using animals for food. Going vegan must be about flourishing, not shaming and blaming ourselves.

Hungry Beautiful Animals is a book of action, of forgiveness, and love.

"This timely exploration of the profound impact of our dietary choices on both individual and collective flourishing is essential reading for anyone who eats."—Bryant Terry, James Beard award-winning author of Vegetable Kingdom

“This is a book of sacred truths, the kind of thing you read and your soul forever registers."—Kathy Freston, New York Times best-selling author of The Lean

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Matthew C. Halteman, PhD (P)2024 Basic Books

Critic reviews

"This compelling read calls us to breathe into our humanity and to understand how our joy increases when we help bring joy to others. We are all connected, and anytime someone experiences kindness, whether human or more than human, our world is made better."—Gene Baur, President and Co-Founder of Farm Sanctuary

"Matt Halteman is a brilliant writer; the man could make a book about watching grass grown sing. So imagine what he can do with the topic that is more important to him than anything else in his life other than his family. Quite simply, Hungry Beautiful Animals is a spectacular read - profound and also funny, and among the most beautifully constructed books I’ve ever read. Read this book—you won’t be disappointed."—Bruce Friedrich, President and Founder of The Good Food Institute

"Through storytelling, Matthew Halteman’s Hungry Beautiful Animals offers an array of positive reasons to choose vegan, from human rights to personal health, and importantly, provides a handful of ways to choose vegan. This deeply personal book is not only reader friendly and sprinkled with good humor, but vegan friendly—joyful encouragement to leave meat, dairy, and eggs off the plate."—Lisa Kemmerer, author of Animals and World Religions and Eating Earth: Environmental Ethics and Dietary Choice

Great voice of stewardship & compassion; great voice for audio books!

I found HBA to be a highly entertaining and accessible listen. The author's journey to a more compassionate understanding of our fellow animals is delivered in a positive, accepting, and often humorous tone. Fully acknowledging the cultural significance of diet, the author's personal transformation evolves into a sort of "big-tent veganism" that is patient but effective as it inspires change in those around him. A highly recommended and great read!