Endorsements and Reviews

See reader reviews at Amazon.

AlterNet: Why Progressives Should Care About Animal Rights

Review by Virginia Messina, MPH, RD; excerpt: Animal liberation is the moral imperative of our time and, according to Matt and Bruce, we can revel in the opportunity we have to be a part of the world’s next great ethical advance. It will happen—but it is dependent on optimal advocacy. That’s why every animal rights activist needs to read this book.

Review at The Huffington Post; excerpt: With only five chapters, a reference section, and three appendices that tackle some philosophical issues surrounding animal welfare, The Animal Activists' Handbook is a quick one- to two-sitting read that could inspire its readers to a lifetime of activism in behalf of human and nonhuman animals.

Review from Compassion Over Killing; excerpt: In a way never before attempted, let alone accomplished, Ball and Friedrich provide the reasons, rationale, and tools for a meaningful life; it is now up to us

Bruce Friedrich and Matt Ball are important voices in the animal protection movement. Their book is a straightforward, thoughtful, and practical guide to being the most effective activist you can be for your cause.
—Gene Baur, president and cofounder of Farm Sanctuary

The Animal Activist’s Handbook offers invaluable suggestions for how to be as effective as possible in giving a voice to the voiceless. The plight of animals is so dire that we can’t afford to engage in advocacy that isn’t optimally useful in changing people’s attitudes about, and actions toward, them. I wish this book had been written when I first got involved in the animal protection movement—it would have made my early years as an animal advocate a lot more effective!
—Paul Shapiro, senior director of the Humane Society of the United States’ factory farming campaign

Definitely the best, most compelling, and most fruitful book I've ever read for anyone who considers themselves (or would like to become) an animal advocate. A quick read but to the point and filled with invaluable insights gained by Matt and Bruce over their decades of experience, this book will make anyone who reads and heeds it exponentially more effective at saving animals' lives and reducing their suffering. I run a small non-profit advocacy organization and am strongly encouraging all of our volunteers to read this book and take its logic and lessons to heart.
—Nick Cooney, Humane League of Philadelphia

The Animal Activist’s Handbook is full of good sense, thoughtful advice, and practical action on helping all of us to reduce the needless suffering of our fellow creatures. I recommend it.
—Matthew Scully, former special assistant and senior speechwriter to President George W. Bush, and author of Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy

A “must-have” book for all animal advocates, particularly those new to the animal protection movement. As seasoned activists, Friedrich and Ball have gained the experience and wisdom needed to identify the best strategies for animal advocacy. In addition to practical advice, they give us an inspiring message of hope—a hope grounded on the knowledge that each of us can make a significant difference in the lives of many animals.
—Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D., chair of the Christian Vegetarian Association and coauthor of Good News for All Creation: Vegetarianism as Christian Stewardship

Bruce Friedrich and Matt Ball argue eloquently that the good life is best achieved by working to end suffering and honoring the Golden Rule. Their embodiment of these virtues informs their activism on behalf of non-human animals, and gives this important and passionately written book a wonderful depth of spirit and feeling.
—John Dear, S.J., nominated by Archbishop Desmond Tutu for the Nobel Peace Prize and author of A Persistent Peace

The extraordinary activist Henry Spira said "If you see something that's wrong, you've GOT to do something about it." If he were alive today, he would add "and here's the book that will show you how." If you want to get the most bang for your activism buck, read this book today. Matt Ball & Bruce Friedrich are giants in the animal protection movement, having lived their lives as models of altruism. Their insights, anecdotes and sensitive, respectful strategies are essential for anyone who wants to effectively address the horrific suffering of animals in the 21st Century. This is not feel-good activism, but potent advice to achieve realistic change.
—Debra Probert, Executive Director, Vancouver Humane Society

The Animal Activist's Handbook is a must read for anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of animals. I'm getting this book for all my friends who are either beginning their advocacy for animals, or are eager to become more effective advocates. It's a fun and easy read—definitely worth buying.
—Josh Balk, The Humane Society of the United States

There is nothing more maddening than wanting desperately to change the fate of animals and not knowing how to go about it. This book shows you how to streamline your thoughts, present information, and be the greatest force you can be for these creatures who have no voice. It is a Godsend for a movement that is gaining ever stronger momentum.
—Kathy Freston, author, The Quantum Wellness Cleanse: The 21 Day Essential Guide to Healing Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

The Animal Activist’s Handbook punches way above its weight. Rarely have so few pages contained so much intelligence and good advice. Get it, read it, and act on it. Now.
—Peter Singer, Princeton University professor of bioethics, and author of Animal Liberation, hailed as“the most influential philosopher alive” by The New Yorker

Here’s a simple guide for all you aspiring animal rights activists out there, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel!
—Revolution by the Book

This book is so much more than a “how-to” guide for activists. It is an inspirational and motivational opus from the two gentlest yet most effective giants in the movement. The Animal Activist’s Handbook will elevate your activism and forever alter who you are and who you want to be.
—Rory Freedman, #1 New York Times best-selling coauthor of Skinny Bitch, with 2 million copies in print