Thanking the Monkey

Starred review from December 17, 2007
Animal rights activist Dawn is familiar to readers of her memorable opinion pieces for the Washington Post
as well as her daily e-newsletter DawnWatch, but her first book should gain her a wider audience. This is a cogent and thoroughly researched overview of all the major issues in animal rights, past and present, She defines animal rights “more loosely than some would like,” focusing on the general movement to advance the interest of animals and “discourage the use of animals as objects of commerce.” Her goal is “to tell you everything you wanted to know about animal rights—but were afraid to get into a fight about—and to let you weigh that information against your own values,” and she succeeds admirably. Often supplying hilarious but pointed illustrations and quotes from well-known animal lovers such as Bill Maher and Natalie Portman, she illuminates the use of animals as pets, entertainment, food, in scientific testing and the “Green” movement. This has the potential to become a big hit for a general reading audience that wants to know what the fuss is about animal rights, as well as the many college students at the forefront of animal rights activism.

January 15, 2008
Los Angeles-based animal-rights activist Dawn's opinion pieces have been published in the "Washington Post" and the "Los Angeles Times"; she is presently the author of the daily e-newsletter DawnWatch (www.DawnWatch.com). Sensitive and informative, her first book, while encompassing all aspects of animal rights, focuses on animal exploitation. Dawn's view is not only uniquely free of overt sensationalism but factual. She covers cultural differences, historical practices, and a balance of divergent views on the ways animals are raised and used. Sections include "Slaves to LovePets," "All the World's a CageAnimal Entertainment," "ZoosIt's No Jungle in There," "Fashion Victims," "Deconstructing Dinner," and "Animal AnonymousOn Animal Testing." Dawn manages, despite the seriousness of the subject matter, to intersperse bits of humor throughout, primarily through cartoons. A riveting text you'll be sure to want to read; highly recommended for public libraries and other libraries with collections focusing on animal rights.Melody Ballard, Pima Cty. P.L., Tucson, AZ

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2008
A fun book about the animal-rights movement? Dawn, an activist and author (online and print), has produced an easily digested, sound-bite-laden primer to all sides and gradations of the crusade for animal rights. In short, easy sections, Dawn works through all of the arenas in which animals are used or exploited as well as the differences in philosophy within the movement itself. She covers essential topics, such as the owning of pets (in the chapter Slaves to Love), and doesnt stop with the more numerous dogs and cats but also questions keeping birds, fish, and reptiles in cages. She also acknowledges the positive sides of pet keeping, using the abandonment of pets by aid workers and the consequent stress on their owners as an example. The author takes a similarly nuanced look at zoos and circuses, the fashion industry, animals as food, and animal testing, finishing with a look atthe similarities and differences between environmentalists and animal activists with examples of animal activism in action. Well illustrated with numerous drawings and cartoons.An excellent introduction.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)