We Animals Hardcover – December 23, 2013

Astounding!!! I must admit while I immediately ordered this book -- once it arrived I was hesitant to look inside. I can't bear to watch the videos that are posted by Mercy for Animals, PETA and others -- I know people from all over do horrible things to animals and I just cannot watch. But this project is a real eye opener. The photographs tell the story - and are accompanied by comments from Jo-Anne. Her documentation is unbelievable and her courage in gathering these photos is impressive. You cannot look into the eyes of these fellow animals -- starting with the cover! - and not see the soul, the emotions, the pain and fear.....And babies are babies every where - no matter who they are. These fellow beings are social in nature and yet we use them for ourselves, subject them to isolation from their own kind, subject them to horrible pain without any feelings for them. You cannot look through this book and justify to yourself what we are doing to them. We all need to rethink what we eat, how we experiment, how we "entertain". (rodeos, zoos, bull fights, circuses....) It is heartbreaking and also uplifting to view the section on the sanctuaries and read about the rescues. This is one of those books that belongs everywhere -- to reach more people with its message. Excellent and well recommended!!!

This book is truly beautiful, captivating, and at times haunting. The images of animals around the world in various environments brings to light the dark side of humanity as well as the better side. It is heartwarming to see her images of animals who are happy, safe, and free at sanctuary; and the images of beautiful, intelligent animals who are treated as merely objects are truly heartbreaking. I believe this is an incredibly important book for anyone who cares about animals; not just dogs and cats, but all animals, regardless of species, around the world. She sheds a light on many issues people may not be fully familiar with. Anyone in the animal rights movement or who just wants to make a difference in how humans treat animals, should get this book. I am so grateful that the author has used her amazing photography skills to raise awareness of the plight of animals. A beautiful book that will invoke a range of emotions in the reader."We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies." - Gretchen Wyler

Jo-Anne McArthur is a truly gifted photographer. The most powerful photos capture the viewer and provoke deep thought about the content; McArthur has done just that.Through the years I've seen tons of the animal rights videos and seen gory photos of the slaughterhouses and cosmetic testing industries; while I still find those images ethically wrong, at this point, they don't hit me on an emotional level anymore.But these photographs have haunted me and torn me apart. The difference between McArthur's work and PETA's "Meet Your Meat" is that McArthur finds a way to bring the viewer into a connection with the creatures photographed. Animal rights videos show you the violence and gore, but McArthur teaches you what it is to be the animal experiencing that pain. We become the animals.She shows us each industry that exploits animals and her explanations of each photo add another degree of deep personal exploration. McArthur shares a quote from a young boy: "I want to become a matador because I love bulls." Instead of taking time to explain that this is (obviously) messed up logic, she just gives us the quote and leaves us to consider what was said and how we feel about it. Moreover, this collection will move you to do something.I've recently devoted myself to a vegan lifestyle and I can't say that this book hasn't had an influence in that. Thank you Jo-Anne McArthur.

This is a beautiful book and you can clearly see that a lot of hard work went into creating it. Some of the images are seared into my mind. The photography is stunning and the stories and information contained in the book are very informational and moving, even for a seasoned activist. Some of the images are just so very sad and I wish that a book like this need not exist; that humans were merciful and kind. This book is great to have on a coffee table and it would make a great gift as well. I admire Ms. McArthur for this incredible masterpiece.

Not only is the author a journalist and photographer, but she's also an activist! She writes from the individual animal standpoint with grace and compassion. She upholds Animal Dignity (recall Cecil, he was someone's mate and someone's father, as well as a comrade, in lion fashion--he had dignity). The point is, "we" humans are all animals, so let's honor and celebrate our kinship with fellow Earthlings and evolutionary kin!

This is a wonderful book full of though-provoking images. From the ways you use and exploit animals from the fashion, entertainment and the food industry. Would highly recommend. Great coffee table book to get your friends thinking.

A hard read with a glimmer of hope (thanks to people like Joanne Mcarthur). Her images are both compelling and yet gorgeous to look at. The accompanying text gives insight into the work and dedication of those who choose to shed light on this subject. Highly recommended.

This book makes an extremely compelling case for change, and there’s no real conclusion to come away with other than that our reign over animals, and our command of their every step, breath and experience is immoral and irreconcilable.Beautiful imagery, the darkness of the start provides a jarring contrast against the sweet towards the end, a visualisation of what was and is, against what could be.

Profound and deeply sad. Until we have the courage to bare witness to the suffering of others we will never change our ways. Opens your eyes.

I bought, for me and my friends, three copies of this beautiful, heartbreaking album. A door opening into the world of misery and pain We, Humans have created and continue to maintain in such a barbaric and meaningless way. A painful reality, unworthy of the century we are living in, and the grade of civilisation we (pretend to have) achieved.All my admiration and deep respect for Jo-Anne's and ALF's great work!

Very good book with very beautiful photos