Project Animal Farm

This book has greatly enlightened me on so many levels in my life. To be honest, I never really thought about animal agriculture and welfare before. I appreciated the author's efforts in sharing her experience which I thought was very brave of her. In the many stories that she shared, I deeply admired her persistence especially in times when she was scared to push the boundaries to find out the truth. Being able to tell stories from various types of farming models, countries helped tell a well balanced story about the agricultural world globally. The knowledge I have gained has empowered me to want to continue learning about this topic. Sometimes, or should I say most of the times, challenges in our food and agriculture system goes unseen and unheard. This book brought light to the many harsh truths that I was not aware of especially in animal agriculture. It is well written and it definitely drew me in to her journey which was also accompanied by the research which hammered in on the issues that was discovered! My blinders are off now thanks to this book and my thinking/ investigative cap is remaining on! I definitely recommend this book to those who never thought that such a topic might be of interest to you. Take a chance on it and enlighten yourself like I did, it is worth it!

I devoured this book over the weekend, I found it riveting; I just could not put it down. I wish I could give it to everyone in my life as a gift-- to people I know and love, to people I can't stand, and even to the strangers I cross paths with on the street. This is a must-read for all ages. If you are old enough to eat animals, then you are old enough to know how they are raised and treated in order to be stocked on the supermarket shelves. Sonia Faruqi shared her experiences with such color, humor, thoughtfulness, and delicacy, that even the most sensitive (like myself) are able to keep turning the pages. A truthful, yet relatable insight into the lives of farmers and the reality of cognitive dissonance most people suffer from.

Sonia Faruqi reveals a world that most don't know exists and the few who do, choose to ignore its reality. That is the world of animal farming, if this can still be called farming and those poor beings can still be called animals. Farming has become a inhumane industrial process. Animals are seen and treated as pieces of the production process and not like living beings. As pieces, when they get damaged (sick) or are not producing, they are simply thrown away (killed). What's worse is that the farming industry as it is managed has negative effects on animal well being and health, human health, the environment and even the economy. If the industry changed its way of doing things, they would have more income. Yet the local governments turn a blind eye in this inhumane, no productive, and damaging industry. I assume because farmers support the local government in the first place. The book is well researched. Part 1 was very informative, but part 2 started to feel too repetitive and dragging. (That's why I give it 4 stars) Still, this is a book everyone should read.

Fascinating, enlightening, equally sad and hopeful. Thank you Sonia for braving the reality and writing so clearly and objectively. Thank you for not just pointing that there is a fire out there, but also an extinguisher. Its really up to us as consumers. We have to demand better. I pray your voice will reach many and encourage us all to make the changes, even small ones, to end the atrocity of factory farming. There's nothing wrong with eating meat, eggs, or dairy, but they are entitled to a decent life before the end and a humane end. I hope one day books will be written to tell how far we have come. Sincerely.

I will be thinking about some of the lessons in this book long after I read the last word. And I think that is a good thing! The author does an excellent job of putting the reader in her shoes - from being a new to the farm city girl to a weary traveler trying to make sense of it all. Docked one point because the last third of the book lost some of the punch and resonance of the beginning. But overall I highly recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about where the food on your table comes from and what it took to get it there.

It's time to give up the blissful ignorance of the story behind industrial "farming". I stopped eating meat back in the 70's when I found out about factory farm conditions and the impact not only on animal welfare but on personal and global health. I appreciate this book for the update, though very saddened to learn the story has grown exponentially worse. We need books like this! I commend the author's courage to witness what she has in order to search for answers and report back what was found, despite the industry's efforts to keep secrets.

How little we know about the agricultural system that affects all of us every day. Sonia Faruqi's incredibly brave journey to farms in 8 countries (often undercover) has insights for us all. In addition to being a great overview of the global food machine, Sonia has practical suggestions. I now shop very differently from how I used to and know what questions to ask when I buy. This book is one of a kind and is a must-read for everyone. You will never forget it.

First of all, this is not the type of book I would normally have picked up to read a few years ago, but it came highly recommended to me by a very reputable source and I decided to give it a whirl....I was NOT disappointed! I could NOT put this book down! I kept saying, "one more chapter" but one chapter would lead into another interesting chapter and I had finished it before I knew it. Do not let the hard cover scare you....it's contents are delightfully well-written as Ms. Faruqi really does have excellent story-telling abilities in a real-world fashion. I have become much more interested in where our food comes from and the events that go on in order to get it. I am extremely passionate about animal welfare and this book opened my eyes even wider. I was surprised at the sympathetic tones portrayed not only at the suffering animals, but also at the humans involved in such grueling and gruesome everyday tasks and the stories of how they got there. I also liked that after the stories helped put everything in perspective, Ms. Faruqi actually had a proposed solution to the problem. With ag-gag laws being passed in several states, animal suffering continues behind closed doors with no one to speak up for them as the public remains ignorant and uneducated as to the real truth. If you are interested in educating yourself and removing the "veil" over your eyes about factory farming, you should really give this book a try; you won't regret it and I assure you your outlook will change!

I grew up (and still live) in a small farming town in New England, but it took me a long time to realize that the food filling the grocery store comes from a quite different system from the small beef and dairy farms of my family and friends. This book is a fascinating, briskly-reported travelogue of industrial farms (organic and otherwise) around the world. Crucially for the reader, the vivid and sometimes distressing descriptions are leavened by the author's humor, her breath-of-fresh-air visits to large-scale grass-based farms, and--most of all--by her perceptive, three-dimensional, warm portraits of all the humans involved. (Surprisingly to me, one of my strongest memories after putting down the book was the isolation and loneliness of many of the factory farm workers she met.) As I read Project Animal Farm, I was repeatedly grateful to the author for investigating this world--in all its literal darkness, Orwellian doublespeak, dehumanization, counterproductive efficiency, and well-founded terror of both disease and journalism. It is unsettling to realize how much this world underpins our own. But in a subject that can be swamped in emotion, I also was grateful for Faruqi's calm, questioning, candid approach and for her business savvy. I see that among these reviewers is one who is concerned that reviewers report their connection to the author, if any. I read the first five chapters in draft form because I am on a list of professional writers at my college willing to mentor younger writers. I had no connection to the author, but was transfixed by these chapters. (Subsequently, I am glad to say, I have met her and told her of my admiration.) My final word on this book: I find it hard to believe there's a more readable overview of industrial meat and dairy out there.

I am not vegetarian or vegan, but always felt some uneasiness about buying even "high quality" meat. This book helped me answer many questions. The best part is that the author provides solutions. I really give it up for Sonia Faruqi, who risked her life to find out what happens behind-the-scenes at factory farms.

This book has greatly enlightened me on so many levels in my life. To be honest, I never really thought about animal agriculture and welfare before. I appreciated the author's efforts in sharing her experience which I thought was very brave of her. In the many stories that she shared, I deeply admired her persistence especially in times when she was scared to push the boundaries to find out the truth. Being able to tell stories from various types of farming models, countries helped tell a well balanced story about the agricultural world globally. The knowledge I have gained has empowered me to want to continue learning about this topic. Sometimes, or should I say most of the times, challenges in our food and agriculture system goes unseen and unheard. This book brought light to the many harsh truths that I was not aware of especially in animal agriculture. It is well written and it definitely drew me in to her journey which was also accompanied by the research which hammered in on the issues that was discovered! My blinders are off now thanks to this book and my thinking/ investigative cap is remaining on! I definitely recommend this book to those who never thought that such a topic might be of interest to you. Take a chance on it and enlighten yourself like I did, it is worth it!

I devoured this book over the weekend, I found it riveting; I just could not put it down. I wish I could give it to everyone in my life as a gift-- to people I know and love, to people I can't stand, and even to the strangers I cross paths with on the street. This is a must-read for all ages. If you are old enough to eat animals, then you are old enough to know how they are raised and treated in order to be stocked on the supermarket shelves. Sonia Faruqi shared her experiences with such color, humor, thoughtfulness, and delicacy, that even the most sensitive (like myself) are able to keep turning the pages. A truthful, yet relatable insight into the lives of farmers and the reality of cognitive dissonance most people suffer from.

Sonia Faruqi reveals a world that most don't know exists and the few who do, choose to ignore its reality. That is the world of animal farming, if this can still be called farming and those poor beings can still be called animals. Farming has become a inhumane industrial process. Animals are seen and treated as pieces of the production process and not like living beings. As pieces, when they get damaged (sick) or are not producing, they are simply thrown away (killed). What's worse is that the farming industry as it is managed has negative effects on animal well being and health, human health, the environment and even the economy. If the industry changed its way of doing things, they would have more income. Yet the local governments turn a blind eye in this inhumane, no productive, and damaging industry. I assume because farmers support the local government in the first place. The book is well researched. Part 1 was very informative, but part 2 started to feel too repetitive and dragging. (That's why I give it 4 stars) Still, this is a book everyone should read.

Fascinating, enlightening, equally sad and hopeful. Thank you Sonia for braving the reality and writing so clearly and objectively. Thank you for not just pointing that there is a fire out there, but also an extinguisher. Its really up to us as consumers. We have to demand better. I pray your voice will reach many and encourage us all to make the changes, even small ones, to end the atrocity of factory farming. There's nothing wrong with eating meat, eggs, or dairy, but they are entitled to a decent life before the end and a humane end. I hope one day books will be written to tell how far we have come. Sincerely.

I will be thinking about some of the lessons in this book long after I read the last word. And I think that is a good thing! The author does an excellent job of putting the reader in her shoes - from being a new to the farm city girl to a weary traveler trying to make sense of it all. Docked one point because the last third of the book lost some of the punch and resonance of the beginning. But overall I highly recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about where the food on your table comes from and what it took to get it there.

It's time to give up the blissful ignorance of the story behind industrial "farming". I stopped eating meat back in the 70's when I found out about factory farm conditions and the impact not only on animal welfare but on personal and global health. I appreciate this book for the update, though very saddened to learn the story has grown exponentially worse. We need books like this! I commend the author's courage to witness what she has in order to search for answers and report back what was found, despite the industry's efforts to keep secrets.

How little we know about the agricultural system that affects all of us every day. Sonia Faruqi's incredibly brave journey to farms in 8 countries (often undercover) has insights for us all. In addition to being a great overview of the global food machine, Sonia has practical suggestions. I now shop very differently from how I used to and know what questions to ask when I buy. This book is one of a kind and is a must-read for everyone. You will never forget it.

First of all, this is not the type of book I would normally have picked up to read a few years ago, but it came highly recommended to me by a very reputable source and I decided to give it a whirl....I was NOT disappointed! I could NOT put this book down! I kept saying, "one more chapter" but one chapter would lead into another interesting chapter and I had finished it before I knew it. Do not let the hard cover scare you....it's contents are delightfully well-written as Ms. Faruqi really does have excellent story-telling abilities in a real-world fashion. I have become much more interested in where our food comes from and the events that go on in order to get it. I am extremely passionate about animal welfare and this book opened my eyes even wider. I was surprised at the sympathetic tones portrayed not only at the suffering animals, but also at the humans involved in such grueling and gruesome everyday tasks and the stories of how they got there. I also liked that after the stories helped put everything in perspective, Ms. Faruqi actually had a proposed solution to the problem. With ag-gag laws being passed in several states, animal suffering continues behind closed doors with no one to speak up for them as the public remains ignorant and uneducated as to the real truth. If you are interested in educating yourself and removing the "veil" over your eyes about factory farming, you should really give this book a try; you won't regret it and I assure you your outlook will change!

I grew up (and still live) in a small farming town in New England, but it took me a long time to realize that the food filling the grocery store comes from a quite different system from the small beef and dairy farms of my family and friends. This book is a fascinating, briskly-reported travelogue of industrial farms (organic and otherwise) around the world. Crucially for the reader, the vivid and sometimes distressing descriptions are leavened by the author's humor, her breath-of-fresh-air visits to large-scale grass-based farms, and--most of all--by her perceptive, three-dimensional, warm portraits of all the humans involved. (Surprisingly to me, one of my strongest memories after putting down the book was the isolation and loneliness of many of the factory farm workers she met.) As I read Project Animal Farm, I was repeatedly grateful to the author for investigating this world--in all its literal darkness, Orwellian doublespeak, dehumanization, counterproductive efficiency, and well-founded terror of both disease and journalism. It is unsettling to realize how much this world underpins our own. But in a subject that can be swamped in emotion, I also was grateful for Faruqi's calm, questioning, candid approach and for her business savvy. I see that among these reviewers is one who is concerned that reviewers report their connection to the author, if any. I read the first five chapters in draft form because I am on a list of professional writers at my college willing to mentor younger writers. I had no connection to the author, but was transfixed by these chapters. (Subsequently, I am glad to say, I have met her and told her of my admiration.) My final word on this book: I find it hard to believe there's a more readable overview of industrial meat and dairy out there.

I am not vegetarian or vegan, but always felt some uneasiness about buying even "high quality" meat. This book helped me answer many questions. The best part is that the author provides solutions. I really give it up for Sonia Faruqi, who risked her life to find out what happens behind-the-scenes at factory farms.

The writer of this engaging book is a young woman who decided to investigate animal agriculture after finding herself unemployed after the Wall Street debacle in 2008. Her journey took her to a wide range of farms in Canada (her home country), the United States, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. By overcoming imposing obstacles, sometimes at considerable personal risk, she witnessed factory farming at contemporary chicken, egg, pig, cattle, and dairy farms, as well as observing the practices of a slaughterhouse. She was welcomed by several farmers who clearly believed that they treated their animals with compassion and respect, at least up to the point of slaughter. She needed to use subterfuge to gain access to factory farms. What she saw clearly haunts her, and for good reason. Faruqi witnessed horrors that exceeded my worst nightmares. These are the conditions under which the vast majority of animals raised for food live. Distressingly, the percentage of animals raised in factory farms continues to rise, and their degree of suffering continues to increase as producers find new ways to squeeze money from the flesh of these doomed creatures. Adding considerable flavor to the book are the descriptions of the many warm, friendly, and sometimes rather strange people she met, some of whom she grew to like despite their participation in abusive practices. She noted that bad institutions can make good people do bad things. As a society becomes technologically developed, the amount of cruelty toward animals in public diminishes while the amount of hidden cruelty toward animals perpetrated by institutions increases. The net effect is a vast increase in the amount of cruelty toward animals, because industries can harm many more animals than individual citizens. A vegetarian herself, Ms. Faruqi encourages others to adopt such a diet. But, she does have some thoughts about how those who find themselves unwilling or unable to take this step can minimize their contribution to animal suffering. To find out, you’ll need to read Project Animal Farm.

This is a very revealing look at the realities of agribusiness that the vast majority of us ignore. It is not preachy or opinioned, but instead very informative and helpful. Excellent summary as well. I would recommend this to anyone with the slightest curiosity on where our food really comes from. Great stuff!

Great perspectives on industrial farming, and eye-opening account of the horrifying conditions our meat and dairy products are produced. I enjoyed that the facts were woven into the stories, which made them resound more deeply. The book was very approachable, as Sonia Faruqi started her journey "accidentally," not as an ardent activist (which most people also aren't), but a relate-able protagonist whose ideals and opinions evolved over the course of the book as she stumbled into the startling truth about how animals are actually treated on the farms. I'm glad that Sonia Faruqi discusses ways we can make the "animal agriculture" business more accountable, especially for negative externalities such as pollution, disease, and antibiotic resistance. Definitely a great step in this space that she's moving us toward solutions from not just the consumer-level (awareness, reduced meat consumption, conscious purchasing decisions to support pastoral farming) but also from the institutional-level (the industry itself, governments, etc.). Hoping she'll continue to develop those views and use her knowledge and experiences to inspire and promote better practices globally, especially as developing nations (Malaysia, as she discusses in the book, China, etc.) are adopting the American industrial farming practices on a large scale.

This book is EXCELLENT!! A must read no matter what your eating habits are!! This is a fast read!

Farms are not like they were 70 years ago, but not much is. This book is eye opening to where our protein comes from.

Fascinating insight! Surprisingly she's already an amazing writer and it's just her first book! Loved it! Wish everyone had the talent to convey their ideas and experiences like she does!

This is an excellent book that really deserves wide readership. The author, Sonia Faruqi, has done an impressive amount of research living on farms in different countries. The reader gets to know the factory farming system, the farmers and the pain and suffering that is the result of a system based on maximizing profit at the expense of humanity. It is a world not of living animals but of products manufactured for sale and the picture is not a pretty one. Fortunately, the reader also meets some farmers who have taken a different path. You also get to know Sonia and from my perspective she is a very impressive young woman. As a father I was very concerned about some of the situations she placed herself in as part of her work but as a father, if she were my daughter, I would be very proud of her and the work she has done. This is a very well written book and Sonia has an excellent writing style. It forces one to really think about things that are most easily just left ignored. When I finished Sonia's book I asked myself "aren't we better than this?".

If you really want an idea of how the animal food you eat is grown, this would be the book to read.

This is an outstanding and extensive dive into the reality of factory farming, mammal behavior, and the devastating result of our desire for cheap food. Sonia has given so much of herself (and suffered many discomforts) to bring us face to face with reality. For those of you who know nothing about this issue, it will be a hard and fast slap in the face. For those of you (like me) who research the problems going on with animal/food production and have seen horrifying videos etc, this is still a very very worthwhile and educating read. The detail and accuracy with which Sonia shares with us is visual and physical. Please read this, share it with your friends, and buy copies to give as gifts. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!! We can no longer turn a blind eye to the horrors that animals endure for our satiation. Not to mention the contribution to climate change and the toxifying of our planet.

I enjoyed the personal account as the author went on her personal exploration. She had no idea how dire factory farming is for the animals, and I didn't know a lot either, but I learned a lot. She visited some farms which were shining examples, and it was comforting to know that it can be done.

If you care about animal rights or about where your food comes from, you most definitely should read this book. It's an incredible narrative by a very talented writer that reads a little bit like advocacy, a little bit like ethnography, and a lot like narrative and engaging journalism.

You'll want to read this book. It's about Sonia's adventures into an unknown or behind the scene world of farming and the treatment of animals. It'll open your eyes and change your mind on a lot of issues.

Project Animal Farm is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Not only is it filled with humor and adventure, it is highly informative. Faruqi offers a unique perspective of the deplorable living conditions of the animals that become our food. I can honestly say that this book has helped to change the way I see food. I sincerely recommend this book. It is a must read!!!

This book should be read by everyone who buys or eats meat. It's also a good read - fast moving, lively and well written The author is delightful, insightful and covers material that we should all know.

This rating is selected for the thorough, grounded and logical approach to this hands-on investigation to the animal business world. Importantly, the writer proposes solutions the the many problems she observed and experienced. The book is recommended to all interested in the source of food consumed and those honestly serious about dietary consumption and health.

Great read, highly recommended! The book was funny, enlightening and easy to read. Project Animal Farm is the story of a young woman’s foray into the secretive world of animal farming. Sonia describes her decision to leave the lucrative and sexy field of investment banking to go investigate the practice of modern day agriculture. In many ways, she reminds me of myself – an urban professional woman who is increasingly concerned about the quality of food that we eat. However, she makes the brave decision to quit her job and make friends with farmers and their families all around the world and understand how animals are raised. In many instances, she puts her own life in danger and encounters many uncomfortable situations. What I liked most about the book was that it was mostly an objective view of farming, filled with factual descriptions of her findings and experiences. Sonia describes the good and bad of her investigations and refrains from casting her own biases in the book. The last chapter is the only place where she writes about her opinions and suggestions for improving the ethical treatment of farm animals. This book is a must-read for anyone who is remotely interested in learning about the important topic of food.

Truly an eye opening book about the state of animal husbandry and the level of industrialization applied to meat production that treats animals as if they are not sentient beings. I've been a proponent of organic products and will now be buying meat from local and ethically raised animals. This is also an easy read and a story that outlines Sonia's own journey through the world of animal farming.

What an amazing book. I am in awe of Sonia's courage, open-heartedness and curiosity throughout her journey. It's very difficult to fight convention and take a path less-trodden the way Sonia has; her willingness to follow her heart is inspiring. I love her descriptions of the people she meets and farms that she goes to. Not only is her writing style enjoyable, but she also packs in so much wisdom on every page. I personally had no idea how milk was made, where eggs or meat came from - I just assumed that the animals ran free on farms! Needless to say, Sonia's book was eye-opening for me. This book should be mandatory reading for everyone, particularly in schools so that children know where food comes from.

Ms. Faruqi's unique perspective on farming practices is a perfect blend of factual content and vivid imagery. The combination of personal narrative, authentic research, and descriptive turn of phrase made this read a page-turner. This engrossing account forced me to rethink my concept of the organic farm.

Once you read this book, your view of how the animals that provide our food are treated will be forever changed. You will never feel the same, and that is good.

You had me at Wall Street! From the moment I began reading the book, I was hooked. As a financial professional, I was excited and appreciated the transition Sonia had to make from Wall Street to Farms. Sonia’s world-wide journey investigating animal farms is fascinating. While she could have been incredibly scientific and data-driven (let’s not forget she was an investment banker) – the book pulls you in to her experience and insight on the farms, the system, and the players involved in the community while balancing it out with strong research backed by evidence. I would highly recommend this book!

"The word 'animal' shares a root with 'animation' because it is animation—the affinity and proclivity for movement—that differentiates an animal from a plant, the latter of which is planted in one place." In Project Animal Farm, Sonia's movements are our movements. Sonia's descriptions of her travels, observations, hushed conversations, and encounters with animals of all kinds, are vivid and powerful. Her unique, honest stories show the importance of more humane practices for all involved in the path from farm to table. Really enjoyed this book. I can imagine Sonia's adventures as a documentary! Hopefully one is in the works. Highly recommended.

A complex and fascinating look into something seemingly so basic- the source of our food. This book is at once interesting, educational, engaging, and readable. I would recommend it not only to those who are interested in animal welfare and to those who are interested in humane farming practices, but also to everyone who engages in the simple act of eating- meaning, I would recommend this book to everyone I know.

I loved this book! Faruqi provides an informative, engaging, and highly readable account of the farming industry. Her unique writing style made me feel as if I were with her during every step of her journey.

Everyone should read this. Very informative.

For the sake of perspective, I grew up on a small ranch in Southern Colorado. As a child, I sold eggs from chickens that I raised, owned and raised dozens of piglets, and helped out with a small herd of Black Angus cattle. I had first hand experience in all of the operations from birth to slaughter. I expected this book to be a PETA inspired hit piece, demanding that everyone convert to vegetarianism, or risk global collapse. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Project Animal Farm presents the most balanced account of global food production realities that I have ever read. Sonia Faruqi's travels around the globe are recounted in wonderful and often heart breaking detail. There were times that I had to stop reading, because the accounts of corporate agricultural practices were simply too difficult to address. I know from experience, however, that these accounts are true, since I have maintained my association with farmers and ranchers of all types throughout my career as an attorney. The things that I appreciated the most, are the fact that the author didn't attempt to demonize the individuals who participate in what many would deem reprehensible actions, and the fact that she posed actionable solutions for addressing the issues that she raised. Unlike many authors, she was able to maintain her ability to recognize human faults, without scathing judgment while still championing the cause of humane treatment for the animals that contribute to our food supply. If you haven't hunted or witnessed the physical reality of slaughtering and butchering livestock, I urge you to read this book so that you can make informed decisions about fast food and global agribusiness. You can make a difference by being mindful of where you spend your food dollars, and by demanding that the businesses you buy from treat their livestock humanely.

As an activist for veganism here in Southeast Asia, I very much appreciate the book's revelations that the horrors of factory farming are not confined to North America, from which emanate so many of the expose videos we see. Sadly, humans' treatment of farmed animals as objects is a global phenomenon. I appreciate how Faruqi combines the details of her eye witness accounts with the big picture view that gives readers the context we need to understand how her details are but part of a global reality. Martin Luther King stated that the arc of history is long and jagged but bends toward justice. This bent toward justice applies both to how we humans treat each other as well as to how we treat our fellow animals. Faruqi's book is truly an arc bending book. Just as Faruqi's experience altered her path in life, by sharing this book, you can help others alter their life path toward a life that brings the joy we derive from a life of connection with those with whom we share the planet.

In "Project animal farm" the author's hope is "to shine a lantern in a night sky". We'll she certainly has in this gripping investigative report of over 300 pages . Through courage,guile and complete fortitude she travels through 8 countries at some risk to her personal safety to show us the conditions that millions of farm animals live in to satisfy our appetites. From multiple chickens crammed into cages the size of your average microwave to learning that the diets of these chickens consist at least partly of rendered cattle remains she "lays bare "this food production system that we as consumers have allowed to exist.( And from there,by the way, to complete the circle Faruqi reports that chickens "return the favor" by having their excrement fed back to the cows ground up in their feed stocks). It is an "unholy system" that the author points out that not only degrades the animals involved but does the same to the farm worker and as extension,the consumer. What to do? First buy the book and read it. Then buy 5 more copies and give them to five friends. And then get involved to help change this awful food system that we as consumers are complicit in. Because as Faruqi closes her work with "it is not farmer or the workers who are the problem",it is the system. Thank you sonia!!!!!

Project Animal Farm chronicles Sonia Faruqi's investigation into the truth about animal agriculture in the 21st century. She starts in you homeland of Canada and goes to some far away and exotic places and ends the book in the United States. The information she describes is a sad tale of how low we have sunk as a species to treat defenseless animals the way we do. People who live a vegan lifestyle will use this book to defend their life choices. Those who are not vegan will undoubtedly find faults or excuses for continuing to exploit innocent animals. Regardless, everyone should read this book. It is quite an achievement.

It's likely that only an earnest young woman with an ethnic identity could have succeeded as well as Sonia Faruqi did in working her way onto "industrial farms," successfully passing herself off as a student-researcher interested in "farm studies," "agriculture" or as she did on her visit to the veal farm, to become a farmer herself. Most of the industrial-scale egg farms, broiler operations, dairy farms, pig farms and feedlot-style operations she visited would have been instantly suspicious if instead, she was an older white guy. As it was, a number of the operations she visited were suspicious enough, believing her to be connected with PETA or an investigator of some sort. In the end, her persistence, naivete and genuine interest made it possible for her to connect with a number of operations albeit in a somewhat deceptive way. "Project Animal Farm" reveals a lot about animal agriculture, factory-style operations that most people are blissfully unaware of. Even such monikers as "organic" or "free range" are terms that should not be accepted on face value or with a belief that they apply across-the-board. An operation might have achieved "organic" or "free-range" branding for a small percentage of stock or for one particular operation and still not be in compliance with either the primary intent or spirit of the law. And such terms as "fresh" or "natural" are meaningless, deceptive as a photo on a milk carton showing cows contentedly grazing in a verdant pasture. "Project Animal Farm" highlights the fact that smaller operations are either dying or being absorbed into ever-larger operations. There has been a rapid and massive consolidation in agriculture in the last twenty years. This trend seems to apply to all the types of operations Faruqi visited: egg-laying; broilers; pigs; and dairy. Faruqi doesn't do much with beef cattle in "Project Animal Farm" but undoubtedly, the "bigger is better" axiom applied there even earlier. With the exception of one Vermont dairy operation, a Mennonite farm in Belize and a smaller operation in Ontario, all the bigger operations to a greater or lesser extent have adopted the principles of industrial production to their operations. In the bigger operations, few animals get outdoor foraging or open pasture time, whether it is chickens, pigs or milk cows. With that come weakened and warped animals, chickens that develop enormous, out-sized breasts but weak legs, wings and hearts. Dairy cows have weak legs and live short lives because they never get exercise. Pigs, among the most intelligent and curious of animals never leave stalls and wallow in excrement. In fact, in all the big operations Faruqi visited, the penned and caged animals seemed to be coated with or wallowing in excrement. Worst of all, some of the food that dairy cows were eating came from chicken manure; and some of the food that chickens ate came from cow manure, a circular, close-the-loop. This can't be good for either species, much less for people, cross-species bio-contamination just waiting to happen. This is a fine work. Five stars.

Recently, a friend surprised me with a copy of "Project Animal Farm," a very kind gesture to share a book that had had a profound impact on her. I have eaten meat all of my life and I think to some extent I had been avoiding the truth all these years, knowing it would change my thinking about my diet. But I finally took the plunge with this book and it has been an incredible experience, transforming my thinking and my lifestyle for the better. I feel so educated thanks to the work of Sonia Faruqi. I have such a greater understanding of agribusiness and the contents of what I'm eating. I truly feel empowered by the knowledge she has imparted through her research and masterful writing, which deserves mention as well. In addition to the enlightening content, this book will undoubtedly enthrall you with its literary style. The messages are communicated in a humanistic, artistic, and graceful manner, and to the reader they seemed to flow effortlessly on the page. The reader is never strongly persuaded, but rather equipped with knowledge to make intelligent choices for his or her well being. There is so much praise to be given for Ms. Faruqi's research, writing, and dedication to such important questions of our day. However, I think I am most taken by the courage and bravery of a young woman whose search for answers did not hold her back from venturing into the potentially harmful unknown. "Project Animal Farm" is a must read for anyone who is curious about exploring today's food landscape, and is craving something truly wholesome for the mind, body, and soul.

This book is straight up amazing. All I can say is this author has guts. She tells a great story about her quest to find out what goes on in factory farms. This book is as entertaining as it is informative.

I enjoyed reading this book till the last chapter, which was a bit academic. The book starts off with highly readable prose and exciting content. It is amazing to see that even after the expose by various animal rights groups, the agribusiness folks (can't call them farmers) allowed the author to visit them. I am rating 4 stars because there are no photos. The message from the book is a practical one, treat the animals humanely, instead of stopping animal consumption altogether which seems an impossible preposition, for the near future.

Sonia Faruqi (Dartmouth) gets let-go as an investment banker on Wall Street & decides to do something different in her life. Her journey starts out on Michael Miller (57) & Irene Miller organic dairy cow farm. Their daughter Annie Miller (31) is part of the operation also. They have 3 other children. The 2 farm hands are: Ken (29, 2 boys), & Danielle (18). Arthur (40, Semex contractor) does the artificial insemination. Next stop for Sonia Brick Roberts who runs a chicken laying egg farm. Jane Roberts is his wife. Nick Roberts (23), & Paul (50) were the hired hands. Will Roberts (14, son) helps out also. Journey on Sonia visits Charlies pig farm. The breeding facility was separate & artificial insemination is used also. Sonia heads out to Jane Roberts turkey farm. Next stop for Sonia Roger Harley (50) pig farm. Next stop for Sonia pierce (Dutch) & Mary Vela calf farm. Sonia’s journey next takes her to a sheep slaughter/processing plant owned by Abdul (Pakistani). Nader (Muslim), Moss & Victor work on the kill floor. Her journey continues as she does her very best to get animal/organic farming industry to open up. But like all industries there are secrets. The Jungle, Upton Beall Sinclair, Jr. 1 of my favorite books as a kid, now American schools won’t let them read it. Towards the end I felt it was jammed packed or hurried for a finish. I worked in the slaughter meat packing business for 10 yrs. 2 years in production. I know what goes on. I also worked in the sale barn environment. I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one. A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written informative book on the -, & + of the animal/organic farming industry. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another documentary great movie, science, agricultural college PP presentation or mini TV series (A & E, History channel). I really enjoyed the book. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars. Thank you for the free Goodreads; Pegasus books; Autographed; ARC paperback book Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

From chapter 1, I was captivated by Project Animal Farm. Sonia's courage and drive to travel around the world alone, investigating animal farms, is remarkable. She recounted these experiences in vivid, detailed writing; each place she visited came alive in my mind. Every page I read affected me. I couldn't stop talking about it. As I was reading it, I even bought two more copies as gifts for friends. I love how Sonia's book is a narrative. It is not simply a dry, factual report of her findings, but an emotional, introspective, engaging account; it reads like fiction. Highly readable as well as highly informative. This book made such an impact on me that I no longer have any desire to eat meat...and I think twice about where I buy milk/eggs from. I strongly recommend Sonia's book. It will be life-changing!

Sometimes you are lucky enough to find a book that allows you to feel as if you are part of the story. "Project Animal Farm" will allow you to "get inside" the farm industry and to feel as if you were there on the author's journey. Yes, you will encounter the facts and numbers that define the industry, but more importantly, when you have finished the book you will have a visceral feel for the industry which may be the only way to truly understand its madness.

I read "Project Animal Farm" not knowing anything about farming. It was truly eye opening to read about the authors experience in farms all around the world. I have never questioned what I was eating or where I purchased my eggs and meat until now. I am not an animal lover but reading about how inhuman some larger industrial farms can be made me rethink about my family's meat consumption. This book inspired me to make better choices... for my family's health and for the well-being of animals. The author is not promoting vegetarianism or veganism but rather offers honest solutions to animal cruelty from a consumer's perspective - that's what I like the most about this book. The author shares her experience in a very well versed story sprinkled with humour. I highly recommend this book - it will empower you to make better decision when purchasing meat and eggs at the grocery store.

I want to thank Sonia for being so incredible, so wonderful. For a number of years I've wanted to become a vegetarian because of ethical, environmental and spiritual concerns. But having been raised on meat and really enjoying it I have not been able to give it up For the past week I've been listening to her book constantly and it is riveting! I could barely touch the chicken I needed to cook for my husband's dinner. I kept looking at and touching the bone and thinking of the living creature that was and how it was very likely cruelly treated. Then I tried eating some sausage and couldn't do it because it tasted like flesh. Next, I felt nauseous as I passed the meat section in the grocery store today. This is really exciting!!! I feel as though I am finally making progress on fighting my "animal instincts" and much closer to becoming a vegetarian. This is all because of "Project Animal Farm." Thank you so much. I've watched movies and read books and nothing did it. Even watched Earthlings which my daughter promised would change my ways. It did. For 3 days. The work the author has done and I'm sure continues to do, is so special and so needed.

I bought this book by chance at my local bookstore, so it won't say Verified Purchase... I am SO glad I found this. Sonia did an amazing thing in her journey of investigation. Her story is both easy to read (well written, engaging, personal, warm) and hard to read (painful information, shocking insights). At the end, it is optimistic, which is important so don't be afraid to read it. It should - and probably will - change your view of the world and maybe what you eat. She is not advocating a strict vegan lifestyle, but a return to sane humane practices where we and the animals we eat are linked by respect and care. I was so moved by her stories of the effect inhumane treatment has on the people involved. It was a real eye opener.

This is such an important book, and deserves a place next to other great books on this topic such as EATING ANIMALS. Sonia put herself into some very scary situations in her effort to learn the truth. Her experiences teach us what the factory farm industry is trying to hide. This is information we should all know. I believe most people are good, kind and compassionate, and if they were face to face with the suffering of these innocent animals, they would never touch factory farmed meat. In addition to the great information contained in this book, which, alone, makes it worth reading, it is also a very interesting, accessible book. I could not put it down.

I recently discovered the book, 'Project Animal Farm: An Accidental Journey into the Secret World of Farming and the Truth About Our Food' and couldn’t put it down. Sonia Faruqi worked as an investment banker on Wall Street before completely changing course and embarking on the journey needed to research and write this book. This heroic young woman travels to some dangerous and horrific places and she whisks the reader along with her to situations that we should all know about, before making choices about what to eat. Project Animal Farm takes us to some beautiful places too. Sonia’s descriptions of the sentient beings, human and animal, that she met while travelling are insightful. The accolades from those in the environmental movement are many. Reading this book could very well change your life for the better. I highly recommend it!

As someone who knew little about industrial farming, I came to this book curious and open. I was not disappointed. It's an informative look into what factory farming is like. We should all know where our food comes from. The way the author writes is so compelling and vivid that you feel like you are there with her learning. I feel for the farm animals and for the men and women working in a system which needs reform. The author's doesn't shy away from the ugly parts (for instance, I found it hard to read about the slaughter or "kill floor" and she was there witnessing it in person) but overall it's a hopeful book, the reader is exposed to examples of farms that are humane, profitable and sustainable (thank goodness for Roger and Julie Harley!) It was fascinating to read about the Mennonites approach and philosophy.The distinction between animal agriculture and animal husbandry. Animal husbandry with its view towards "stewardship and shepherding instead of domination and exploitation." I walked away with the hope that the future is large scale pastoral farms run by people with integrity (again the Harley's) Their farms are humane, yet profitable, and no one has to feel bad about eating anything from them. I feel if consumers were more aware they would vote with their money and only buy from places such as these. A place where both animals and humans were treated well. In addition to large scale pastoral farms, the other solutions the author proposes all make a lot of sense. They include: "natural breeds, gender diversity, internal commitments, meaningful inspections, decisive lawmaking, accurate marketing and organic strengthening." This book works on many levels (as a fish out of water story, as a look into farming, as a coming of age tale) and I'd recommend it to any one who cares about food policy, animal welfare or agriculture. I enjoyed the author's accessible writing style and her many, varied references (John Muir, T.S. Eliot, Martin Luther King Jr.)

Great book on revealing the backstage behind our food. Large-scaled industrial farming results in the inhumane treatment to the animals. We as customers need to be more aware on these issues so we can be more careful next time when choosing the meat and eggs on the grocery store.

A good insight on the suffering of animals due to factory farming. Most don't realize where their food comes from. I hope this is widely read and changes the hearts and minds of people. Everyone who eats meat and animal products needs to read this. One thing she didn't mention was transportation. In Canada animals can be transported in overcrowded trucks for up to 52 hours without food, water or rest. Many freeze to death in winter and die of heat exhaustion in summer. This has to change!

I enjoyed Sonia's writing style which was full of sometimes blunt but often funny metaphors. The book is a nice balance between the staggering statistics, the telling of a story and insights into human nature. Who knew that there are three chickens in the world for every person? What makes the author credible is that she doesn't overstate her case, just points out the obvious, like how putting nice pictures and slogans on labels of factory farmed meat is "a lie". If you love seeing deception being exposed or if you are uncomfortable with your own ignorance about modern food supply, you will definitely enjoy this book. Besides the other solutions offered, the best part was the reminder that every dollar spent is a vote for something. Ending this type of farming is as simple as people not buying the product. Sonia gives us a clear picture of why we shouldn't.

In an intricately written tale of adventure, discovery, and a blossoming passion, Sonia shares her vivid encounters of the agonizing world of animal agriculture. This book should be required reading for everyone, as it breeds compassion and a drive to also seek improvement in this area of our society - not only for the animals, but those trapped working in industrial farming. Pick it up, and I assure you that you won't be able to put it down.

Sonia has done an amazing job of documenting the sad reality of the lives that farm animals must endure in order to become a momentary taste on someone's lips. She has had the courage to not turn her eyes away from witnessing that which we force these beings to endure with their bodies. Our food system, specifically agriculture, has created an ongoing horror story for these animals from which they cannot escape. But we have the power and ability to initiate change and relieve their suffering by the choices we make at the grocery stores and restaurants which we patronize. Kudos to Sonia for sharing her experiences with the world and focusing yet another spotlight upon the fate of farm animals. Excellent book.

My husband and I enjoyed reading this engaging and informative book about animal farms around the world. Faruqi is a gifted writer. She has authored a complex work, recounting her personal narrative, intimate stories of the people who work at animal farms, and problems with animal farms that she identifies through her global investigation and thorough research. Her work has made me think hard about the farming industry and its treatment of animals, possible solutions, and the choices I make as a consumer.

The book is a journey into the modern farming machine. It is both eye-opening and mind-boggling. Her insights are honest and heart-felt. Her recommendations are logical and useful. I would encourage all of my family and friends to read and re-read the book. Because what is more important than knowing what you take into your body and feed your soul? A breathe of fresh air in a world full of deception and secrecy.

Sonia's book is as remarkable as her personality . A brave and daring soul to explore and research areas of farming where few people would have dared to enter .She writes beautifully and effortlessly . Her unique style makes me wonder that this is her first book and she is already an accomplish writer .

Sonia Faruqi provides the reader with an intimate and sometimes painful look at factory farms and slaughter houses in the United States and in various countries. With considerable courage she befriends those associated with this industry and in so doing puts a human face on those involved with an industry that brutalizes farm animals. But my most significant take-away from this book, and an entertaining book at that, is her novel recommendation that the global community transition from the 21st century factory farm, to a more traditional pastoral, but large scale and economically viable pastoral farm industry. This would reduce the cruel confinement of farm animals and reduce the adverse environmental impacts of the modern factory farm. Some of us would prefer a society whose diet was 100% plant based, but this is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future. This book should be read by those on all sides of the issue, including the ethical vegan, environmentalists, and those in the industry.

Everyone needs to read this book. Sonia is so extremely descriptive as she tours all types of farms around the world - and though she is empathetic, emotion is often left out which allows readers to come to conclusions on their own based on the facts. When a career / finance-industry obsessed Sonia is laid off from her job on Wall Street, she thinks volunteering on an organic dairy farm will be a nice, enjoyable break from city. What she discovers (cows chained to their stalls with electric prods looming overhead) surprises and inspires her to continue this journey of digging deeper into the bowels of factory farming. The truth is sad and shocking but so important for all of us to be aware of so we can make better decisions in regards to what we eat and where we buy our meat. Anyone who's curious to learn more about animal agriculture, labelling of animal foods and solutions to leading a more sustainable life absolutely must read this book. I couldn't put it down. Huge thanks to Sonia for risking her life and shedding a light on this massive problem our world is facing - we all need to be aware and take action in some way, shape or form.

An incredibly eye-opening book about the way we use animals and the horrible practices that are accepted as part of our everyday lives without any thought to the immense cruelty that is occurring. I am not a literature expert and would not comment on the literary aspect of it, but it was certainly a captivating book and left me a great impression that will last a long time.

Enthralling and informative, Project Animal Farm provides a complete and thorough look into the origins of food not just in North America, but around the world. While recent years have been marked by both visual and written investigations into animal agriculture, Project Animal Farm stands out by depicting the lives of workers intertwined and involved with the industry and telling their stories. Project Animal Farm tackles the problems inherent in animal agriculture not just from perspectives concerning welfare, health, and the environment, but by also considering one of the most basic tenets in farming--community. Moreover, Project Animal Farm touches on all these cornerstones without ever sounding didactic. The reader follows Sonia on her quest around the world, which takes her from Wall Street banker to international investigator. Project Animal Farm is a novel solution in both senses of the word "novel"--it is a new, fresh take on a subject that has been written about countlessly, and it is packaged as an entertaining and gripping story.

This book is a must read. Sonia's writing captivating writing style takes you along her incredible journey around the world. It is personal, descriptive and such an easy read with the most jaw dropping facts weaved throughout seamlessly - facts we all must know! I highly recommend this book as one of the best I have read about food/agriculture and simply as a great story!

I have just finished your book. You are an amazing woman to have accomplished what you have done and you are helping to change the narrative to ‘animals are sentient beings.’ Prof. Novosel

A wonderful and insightful page turner that takes a unique look at the farming industry and the broader impact it has on our humanity and economy. I would recommend this book to ANYONE!

As a law professor who has taught courses in environmental law, international and comparative law, constitutional law, and animal law for the past two decades, I initially approached Project Animal Farm as a potentially welcome dose of pleasure reading on a topic of interest to me as a professional in the animal law and policy field and as a person who cares deeply about the issues addressed in the book. I quickly learned that this book was far more than an outstanding read on an important subject. Before I completed the first chapter, it was clear to me that this book would be an essential reference to include in my courses on animal law and policy. First, I included the first two chapters of this book as required reading for a short course that I taught on Comparative Animal Law in Granada, Spain in June 2015. These chapters provide valuable information comparing the U.S., EU, and Canada’s approaches to regulating organic farming and treatment of farm animals as chronicled by the author’s courageous adventures in her investigations of practices on various farms. Second, I also have required Project Animal Farm in its entirety for my Animal Law and Policy Seminar, which I will teach at Florida A&M University College of Law in Fall 2015. This book will enable my students to see aspects of animal law and policy from the (manure) trenches in a most informative, thoughtful, sensitive, and engaging manner. There are three dimensions of what makes Project Animal Farm so effective: 1. Writing style and imagery 2. Weaving of seemingly unrelated yet synergistic story lines 3. Valuable information about animal welfare advocacy Most books on animal welfare focus exclusively on criterion #3 above and beat that drum until the skin breaks, which alienates those readers who aren’t members of the “choir” and undermines the opportunity for delivering an important message. I’m not a novice on animal welfare issues and yet I learned so much from many of the troubling and eye-opening statistics conveyed in this book about the treatment of farm animals and the inadequate regulation of abusive practices even on organic farms. I was feverishly jotting down notes as I enjoyed the pristine prose in this book. Project Animal Farm would be successful if it only conveyed important information related to criterion #3 above, but the book offers so much more. Sonia Faruqi masterfully weaves a story in between the information on animal welfare, and that’s what makes the book truly amazing. The author’s gift for describing a person, place, thing, or mood is phenomenal – her choice of words and phrases is so careful, effective, and downright poetic that at times I felt like I was reading a book-length sonnet or haiku. In addition to the author’s gift for writing, Project Animal Farm is also a great story on so many levels. I was invested in the characters and understood them so deeply and so quickly, thanks to the author’s remarkable storytelling skills. More importantly, she leverages the reader’s investment in those characters to advance the animal welfare messages that she seeks to convey. Project Animal Farm will help me train the next generation of animal lawyers to move beyond strident platitudes and shock value strategies and remind them to be human and see all sides of an issue as they strive to be agents of change. One of the many ways in which Project Animal Farm succeeds is that the characters in this book who work for the agricultural industry are conveyed as people and as victims of a flawed cultural system, rather than as criminals committing horrifying misdeeds. It is essential for the modern animal welfare movement to convey animal welfare as a multi-dimensional challenge – it’s certainly about the victimized animals for the most part – but it’s also about culture and humanity, and that’s where other animal welfare advocacy efforts fall short in seeking to educate the public by painting the issues in black and white terms. Project Animal Farm offers a broader lens on this issue. We need to put down our trumpets and drums and re-tool our approach to animal welfare into more of a collective effort so we can evolve together as humans away from the sins of our past and current mistreatment of farm animals. We overcame the folly of our ways as a society in abolishing slavery and in promoting racial and gender equality. We are now ready for chapter two in that transformation with respect to our treatment of animals. Project Animal Farm is an indispensable resource to facilitate that cultural revolution. Randall S. Abate Professor of Law, Florida A&M University College of Law Editor, What Can Animal Law Learn from Environmental Law? (Environmental Law Institute Press, forthcoming Aug. 2015)

Project Animal Farm is a very well written book on animal agriculture. The book has its laughs, its thrills, its surprises, its tears, and much more. Sonia sheds light on what happens behind the scenes in the world of animal farming consisting of dairy, eggs, and meat industries without really portraying farmers in a negative way. In fact, all the real life people Sonia meets and talks about in the book seem to have been born to be written about. Along with learning about the secrets of our food production backed by good research and factual evidence, I enjoyed meeting different personalities in the book. You're bound to have a good time if you enjoy reading good books and/or like learning about our world. Pick it up for yourself or animals, Project Animal Farm will not disappoint you. Have fun reading! (:

A fresh take on a controversial topic! This book makes a very touchy (but necessary) subject approachable and interesting. Unlike any other book I have read on the subject of how we raise our food, Sonia actually goes inside the places she writes about: she does't merely repeat tired statistics that TELL us that we must find a new way to feed ourselves, she takes us to and SHOWS us why we must reexamine our food purchasing habits. Through Sonia's journey, we see the lives of dairy cows, veal calves, mother pigs, and chickens in the United States, Canada, Asia, and South America, and the picture is one that is sure to make anyone rethink their dinner.

I agree with the other reviews. This is a well-written and important book based on first-hand experiences and observations. It would have been understandable if Faruqi let angry emotions cloud the narrative but she showed restraint. If it was me, I probably would have gone crazy but that wouldn't help animals or trigger reform in an industry that badly needs it. With so many problems in the world we ultimately have to prioritize what we care about. Sadly the enormous scale of cruelty in the food industry demands our attention. I highly recommend this book.

Most American's are completely oblivious, as was I, to what is occurring in the production of food in this country and around the world. The situation becomes more harmful and potentially dangerous as the demand for cheap food increases. Sonia Faruqi's book, Project Animal Farm does an incredible job in communicating the deplorable conditions that exist in the production of meat and the impact of sickness and disease in animals as a result of these awful conditions. Hopefully, with the type of research and dangerous work that Sonia has done, Americans will become more enlightened, resulting in a change in how we all eat. With this change and the drop in demand for these harmful products we will see many of these practices stop and the shutdown of these harmful institutions.

I just finished this book, with tears in my eyes. Thank you Sonia, for this important and courageous work. Thank you for the self-sacrifice, risk and effort you took to investigate and write this. I am in awe of your courage, and indebted to you for hearing your story. I am a recently retired businesswoman, and I value the fact-finding perspective of the author. The book is incredibly well written for a new author. It is easy to follow, well balanced with many facts and with personal experience and observations, interesting, and brutally honest. I hope this book will change the world. If enough people read it, it surely can. It changed me.

This book caught my eye at the library one day and I'm a different person from reading it. I shared many parts of it with my husband as I read then he decided he had to read it for himself. We have continued over time to make healthier choices in our diet but now things are changing on another level from reading this book. I really appreciate Sonia's journey and to bring this book to completion so she could share her experiences with us. It really is up to each of us to learn more about where our food is coming from and to support the more healthy and sustainable farmers. Thank you Sonia for a job very well done. I hope you write another book as you are a very gifted writer.

Fantastic book. I felt like I was reading fiction and had to kept reminding myself that this was real life. Engaging story, yet full of well-researched information about all aspects of food "production". Faruqi paints a vivid picture of the farms, animals, and the people she encounters. Being raised in the country myself, these factory farms were so inaccessible, and it's obvious why. I felt like I finally got a chance to peer inside! Highly Recommend it.

Provided a very enlightening and in depth look into the process of putting food on our tables. It was presented very well and engaged me as a reader.

The first of its kind to take you behind the scenes of farms around the world, Project Animal Farm truly gives its readers a startling glimpse into a world shrouded from the public. This book is exceptional. It follows the brilliant and brave Sonia Faruqi as she travels to farms around the world, sometimes living there. The subjects touched upon range from animal welfare, to types of farms, to food, health, sustainability, and the environment. Reading like a novel, and teaching like a textbook, Project Animal Farm will surprise you, move you, excite you, and charge you to want to make a difference. A must read!!

Project Animal Farm is an amazing tale of what truly lies behind the doors of the organic farming industry. I thought I was well informed about how such farms function until I read her book. It really opened my eyes to the actuality of it all, and I honestly feel that others need that same dose of reality. Being organic and sustainable is a hot topic these days and Project Animal Farm serves as a guiding light that could not come at a better time. In addition to being very informative, Project Animal Farm reads like a novel rather than a textbook. The language Sonia Faruqi uses is so descriptive and it allowed me to join her on her journey around the world. Everyone should read this book. We are living in an era in which nothing is as it seems. Project Animal Farm provides the transparency we have all been yearning for when it comes to the organic farming industry. Well done, Sonia!

People love stories about people. All too often, books about how we treat animals miss this point. Not so with Project Animal Farm. Full of surprises, it charts a four year journey into the belly of industrial agriculture. New York investment banker turned investigative journalist, Faruqi, seems to have fallen into a hidden world the industry would rather you didn’t see. Brought up with a picture-book image of farming, this self-proclaimed city girl finds herself at a loose end on a dairy farm. From there, the unexpected happens… Haunted by the sights, sounds and smells of factory farms, Faruqi writes about getting drawn into the lives of those who run them in an intensely personal tale. She recounts characters she meets on farms in eight countries, from America to Asia and the Middle East. She meets a family farmer scared of becoming a big farm and the treadmill they seem to be on; “with all the high-volume, low margin bulls***, farmers just keep on getting bigger and bigger.” She gets laughed at uncontrollably by a psychotic abattoir worker. She sees supposedly organic dairy cows in Canada tethered and zapped with electricity for trying to defecate in the wrong place. “You can gauge a farm’s compassion” she writes “by your family’s reaction – outsiders form the litmus test.” How true. Through Faruqi’s writing, we get to see those who open their doors and those who don’t. Green fields or barbed wire fences, the contrast couldn’t be stronger. Her journey ends with a thoughtful set of ideas for putting things right; common sense solutions to help bring about a better future for food, animals and the people who work with them. What I really liked about the book was how it felt like reading a story never meant to happen. How one thing led to another, driven more by fate than design. A ‘project’ born out of happenstance, not planning. And with it comes a unique and honest take on food and farming. Written in the most vivid and engaging way, this remarkable book demands to be read by anyone who cares about where their food comes from.

Great book, very vivid, informative and enjoyable to read. Once you start reading/listening to it, you can't stop. It feels like a new Bronte's sister is discovered in Sofia

Project Animal Farm sheds light on modern farming, and reveals the human and animal costs associated with much of the food we consume today. Faruqi’s work covers serious ethical ground, but is presented with a light touch that does not sacrifice substance. Readers are invited to travel with the author from fields to slaughterhouses, exploring how food is raised, harvested, and ultimately arranged on our plates. A must-read for those concerned about the source of our food, and what it says about us.

What a great book! Highly recommend it to readers.

Inquisitive Faruqi makes no assumptions, instead opting to experience each part of the process in person. As a result, her thoughtful account of her journey made me sit up and listen more than I normally would, indeed so much so that my habits have changed as a result. This book is time well spent!

A great read! This book brings to light many of the modern day issues of ethical food sourcing. It gives the reader a behind the scenes look at where our food truly comes from. Faruqi's passion for animal welfare is sincere and heartwarming.

Project Animal Farm was thrilling, heart breaking and enlightening. Faruqi's unique personal voice allowed me to relate to the story every step of the way. I felt like I was there with her undercover in the slaughter house and the veal farm. I loved how objective she remained and how she allowed us to get to know all of the people she met throughout her journey. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure and wants to learn something new.

I enjoyed reading her book, which was informative and well written. I highly recommend Project Animal Farm to anyone who is worried about the impact that human are having on Planet Earth!

I never thought such gruesome facts about the farming industry could be narrated in such a captivating style. I read it almost like a Harry Potter, but in a realistic perspective. A very good read for me, and I think, for any animal lover. A bedtime story of a different kind - one that changes your outlook on what's on the breakfast table when you wake up the next morning. And, charges you to want to make an impact on the food industry. Well done, Sonia. Keep writing. You are good!

A brilliant and informative expose on what is really happening in the global farming industries. That the details are difficult to digest indicates how far we have strayed from ethics, compassion and care for our animals and what we eat. This book is relevant to all of us no matter where we are in the world.

This author gets pretty basic facts wrong, and does so repeatedly. If you'd like a list, check the bottom of this review. When people write about farms and farming one common problem is that they believe their viewpoint is the ONE TRUE and ONLY correct viewpoint. In this case this book is touted as the "solution to factory farms". But farming doesnt happen in a vaccuum. Farming methods are developed over time and with experience. As well meaning as Ms. Farugi is, and with all due respect, visiting some farms, even 60 of them in three countries as she claims, isn't the same as spending a year working on one for your bread and butter. Given the number of farms she claims to have visited, it's likely that the "visits" to most of the farms were measured in hours or days - not months or seasons, which would probably give her more depth of experience. I'd like to suggest Ms. Farugi write a second book, "the farm I started" and in it she can talk about her theories, and then what she ends up with in practice. I think that she will find that many of the things that farmers do becomes a lot more reasonable based on the context that they operate in. So do read this book, but recognize that a dilletantes visit of a farm isn't the same thing as farming. Facts that this author gets wrong, which I attribute to a lack of depth on this subject: Makes the statement that robotic milking precludes outside access for cows. How a cow is milked has nothing at all to do with how it is housed, or fed. many grass-fed pasture-based dairies use robotic milking systems every day. Claims that most of the agricultural production of Belize is by menonites, which is incorrect. No fault of the mennonites; they're just a couple of percentage points of the population. over 95% of people in belize are not mennonites. Claims that tie-stall or stantion milking barns are outlawed in the USA, or that cows managed under that system spend most of their day chained. Incorrect. She claims to have down her own fact checking, but when she gets basic facts wrong, it casts doubts on her statement, or her ability to check the facts herself. We have seen many stories where writers have "checked" their own facts, only to find that either no checking was done, or contradictory or incorrect information was either ignored or retained. The author by her own admission has obscured identifying information about the farms that she visited, but only for the farms that she disagrees with the practices of. that means that the farms she is critical of have 1) no ability to refute her statements, 2) the visits, condtions and conclusions cannot be independently verified and 3) could mean that the visits/conditions and conclusions were fictional. Many works of fiction are very entertaining. just don't sell it as fact, truth or documentary. Some of her recounted stories (the visit to the pig farm, for instance) aren't credible to me, speaking as a pig farmer myself. So do read Sonias story of her summer vacation, but I wouldn't base the operation of a farm on this narrative, or consider it a credible source.

I found Sonia’s book to be entertaining, informative and a pleasure to read. The more I read the more I wanted to read! The autographed copy is proudly placed in my little collection of author signed books... A worthwhile read.

Read this book, if you do nothing else before you die. Sonia has a very readable, entertaining writing style, which carries you with her as she explores farming in various situations and countries. But be warned: what you will discover about how animals are treated is shocking, alarming and distressing. This book requires commitment to finish, and your life will never be the same after finishing it. An extremely important work of exposing the truth.