The Face on Your Plate: The Truth About Food

Masson combines solid research and deft prose in a persuasive argument in favor of a vegan diet. Drawing on such critics of the industrial food systems as Michael Pollan, he explores whether humans really need to be omnivores to get adequate nutrition. His work pulls from Temple Grandin's studies to reveal how powerfully animals feel terror during slaughtering and the scope of their suffering. Fred Stella does justice to the text in conveying Masson's sincerity and enthusiasm. He presents the research with admirable clarity and his straightforward delivery makes the author's findings on animal cruelty even more horrifying. A revelatory listening experience that will inspire its audience to reconsider their lifestyles. A Norton hardcover (Reviews, Nov. 24). (Mar.)