Shel Graves' Sensorium

There's a strong argument to be made that if we treated animals better we would treat ourselves better and vice versa. When science tramples on individual rights with the aim of providing the greatest good for the greatest number — and thereby treating individuals callously — we put ourselves at risk. These books also explore how we determine our worth to society, what we call "humanity" or as Richard Adams' rabbits deem it, "animality." Dystopian fiction explores this. This week, I'm posting a series on vegan fiction . The Unit , Ninni Holmqvist (2009) — In this dystopian near future, laws have been passes that make women at age 50 and men at age 60, dispensable. Those haven't proven their value to society by both falling in love and having children become organ donors for the needed people. Dispensables are subjected to experiments and donations until their death. See my review . Notable in the context of vegan fiction, one of protagonist Do...

The horrors of animal testing are tough to confront. Fiction provides a buffer that makes these stories a little more approachable though no less heart-breaking and often grounded in fact. They provide an avenue for empathy. This is the second in this week's postings of vegan fiction . The Plague Dogs , Richard Adams (1977) — No one gives animals a voice like Adams. From it's memorable opening scene, this is the most heart-breaking and difficult to read story on my vegan fiction list. Two dogs, Rowf (who would have been a most loyal eager to please Labrador if he'd ever had a proper master) and Snitter (a fox terrier who acts a lot like Fiver, the mad rabbit in Watership Down ) escape from an animal research station in North West England. Non-fiction inspiration: In the preface, Adams credits Victims of Science by Richard Ryder and Animal Liberation by Peter Singer as influences. Quotes: "Men can do worse things than hurt you or starve you—they can chang...

These beloved children's classics give the animals a voice and speak to the idea that children inherently empathize with animals and when they make the connection between the animals they love and the meat on their plates they are repulsed. These characters also help us imagine how animals appreciate and value their lives and experiences. This week, I'm posting recommendations for vegan fiction. Charlotte's Web , E.B. White, author, Garth Williams illustrator (1952) — Farm girl Fern realizes that her pig Wilbur is destined for her plate as bacon. To escape his fate, Wilbur must prove his worth and intelligence with the help of a smart writer, Charlotte, a spider. Quote: "Life in the barn was very good — night and day, winter and summer, spring and fall, dull days and bright days. It was the best place to be, thought Wilbur, this warm delicious cellar, with the garrulous geese, the changing seasons, the heat of the sun, the passage of swallows,...

Books have power. While I may actively resist other forms of influence that surround me — advertising, culture, and, stubbornly, even the well-intentioned advice of friends and family — somehow I am easily influenced by books. I let books in and non-fiction has, on occasion, changed my life quickly, remarkably. My transition to a vegan diet is an example. More than 20 years ago, I read Animal Liberation by Peter Singer and shortly thereafter became vegetarian, setting down my fork in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner. Four years ago, after reading The China Study by T. Colin Campbell, I adopted a plant-based diet henceforth blending smoothies, stirring soups and tossing salads. There's more to each story but, definitively and memorably, the books, which I happened across, were the turning point. The right book came into my hands at the right time. The logic therein changed my actions. Many people have had similar experiences with these two books, but who's to say they wil...

Taste: peas, almond, mint salad; rosemary, sun-dried tomato bread   Sight: purple cauliflower; the obese woman riding a red three-wheeled bicycle on the sidewalk Sound: Sarah Neufeld, " Forecelessness "; Jami Seiber Timeless ; secret city; dendratic disconnect Touch: one's own height   Smell: patchouli; machine shop-oil and metal   Extra: lectio divina, divine reading; philosophy experiments Grateful for: the ease of discovery

Taste: loganberry   Sight: cosmos, hibiscus, peonies   Sound: Imogen Heap , "Earth" "Goodbye and Go"   Touch: snuggling sheep   Smell: fairgrounds   Extra: dairy subsidies and milk marketing ; nunc dimittis — “I have had a full life, and now I am ready to go.”; vegan tourism   Grateful for: data; summer berries, berries, berries