The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life is the perfect title for Melisser Elliot's colorful and charming new book. A book with attitude, it truly is a guide to everything one needs to know about being vegan. Melisser says, "Being vegan is so much more than what a vegan can and can't eat; it is an ethical stance against the mistreatment of all animals. More than a diet, it is truly a lifestyle." The book begins with a story about the author's background, and evolution to veganism, and continues with an explanation of the many different aspects of a vegan diet and lifestyle.
There is an informative chapter on nutrition, and another on vegan living, as well as a chapter on shopping for vegan-appropriate non-food items such as makeup, shoes, clothing and household cleaning products.
A chapter devoted to food begins with helpful information about stocking the pantry, and also contains clever hints about what, and what not, to feed an omnivore friend. (Don't give them tofu and do give them chili.) Once Melisser leads you into the kitchen, she doesn't leave you wondering what to cook; the recipe chapter contains an eclectic selection of deliciously interesting but doable dishes that would appeal to both inexperienced and advanced vegan cooks.
The handbook's final chapter provides do-it-yourself information and advice on everything from gardening to making a knitted cupcake potholder!
This would be an especially wonderful gift for any new or aspiring vegan on your list. But really, you don't have to be a new vegan (or a young vegan!) to enjoy The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life.
About the Author:
Melisser Elliott, twenty nine, is the founder of Sugar Beat Sweets bakery and the author of the blog, The Urban Housewife. She has won awards from VegNews magazine, has been featured by Bust, The Washington Post, Vegetarian Times, Craft, Make, Cupcakes Take the Cake, All Things Cupcake, SuperVegan, Crazy Sexy Life, and Vegan Nutritionista; and has appeared on Everyday Dish TV.
Disclaimer: I was sent a free copy of this book by the publisher, Skyhorse Publishing. I was not required to review it, nor was I paid for this review. All opinions are my own.
